So, you’ve found love, and now you’re ready to make things official in Canada? That’s amazing! 🇨🇦 But before you start packing your bags, there’s one big thing to take care of: getting a marriage visa.
The process can seem overwhelming, but don’t worry—I’ll break everything down in a way that makes sense. By the time you finish reading this, you’ll have a clear roadmap to bring your spouse to Canada legally and without unnecessary stress.
What Is a Marriage Visa?
A Marriage Visa (also known as a Spousal Sponsorship Visa) allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. Once approved, your spouse can live, work, and enjoy life in Canada without any restrictions.
Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible to Sponsor
Before you even start the application, you need to make sure you qualify as a sponsor. To be eligible, you must:
✅ Be at least 18 years old ✅ Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident ✅ Prove that you can financially support your spouse (though there’s no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship) ✅ Not be bankrupt, in jail, or under a removal order ✅ Have no history of violent or sexual offenses
💡 Fun Fact: If you’re a Canadian citizen living outside of Canada, you must prove that you’ll move back once your spouse’s visa is approved. Permanent residents can’t sponsor from outside Canada.
Step 2: Make Sure Your Relationship Qualifies
Canada has strict rules when it comes to proving your marriage is real and not just for immigration purposes. You must fall into one of these categories:
- Legally Married: You tied the knot and have a valid marriage certificate.
- Common-Law Partner: You’ve been living together for at least one year in a marriage-like relationship.
- Conjugal Partner: You’re in a committed relationship, but due to circumstances beyond your control (e.g., immigration barriers), you can’t live together.
🚨 Red Flags That Could Lead to Rejection:
- You got married right after meeting online.
- You have no shared finances, lease, or bills.
- You can’t answer basic questions about your spouse.
Step 3: Gather the Required Documents
Now it’s time to prove your love—literally! You need a ton of documents to show your relationship is legit.
📜 Required Documents for the Sponsor:
✅ Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency (passport, PR card, etc.)
✅ Completed sponsorship application forms ✅ Proof of intent to live in Canada (if applying from abroad)
📜 Required Documents for the Spouse:
✅ Marriage certificate (if married)
✅ Birth certificate and passport copies
✅ Police clearance certificate from every country you’ve lived in for 6+ months since age 18
✅ Medical exam results from an approved doctor
✅ Photos, chat logs, travel records—basically, proof you’re a real couple!
Step 4: Choose Between Inland or Outland Sponsorship
Canada offers two types of spousal sponsorship:
1️⃣ Inland Sponsorship – If your spouse is already in Canada (on a visitor, work, or study visa), they can apply without leaving. The bonus? They can also apply for an Open Work Permit while waiting!
2️⃣ Outland Sponsorship – If your spouse is outside Canada, this is the way to go. The processing time is often faster than inland applications.
⏳ Processing Time:
- Inland: 12-24 months
- Outland: 8-12 months
Step 5: Pay the Fees
Yes, love has a price—at least when it comes to immigration! Here’s what you’ll need to pay:
💲 Sponsorship Fee: CAD $75
💲 Processing Fee: CAD $490
💲 Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD $515 (this can be paid later)
💲 Biometrics Fee: CAD $85
💲 Medical Exam & Police Clearance: Varies by country
Total estimated cost: $1,165+ CAD per person.
💡 Pro Tip: Fees are non-refundable—even if your application is denied. Make sure you submit a strong application!
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Once you have all your documents ready and fees paid, you can submit your application online or by mail (if required). Here’s what happens next:
✔️ You’ll receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) confirming your application is in process.
✔️ Your spouse may be asked for biometrics (fingerprints & photos).
✔️ Immigration officers may schedule an interview (especially if they suspect marriage fraud).
✔️ If everything checks out, your spouse will get their visa! 🎉
Step 7: Welcome to Canada! What Happens After Approval?
Once your spouse’s visa is approved, they’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Here’s what to do next:
✈️ Landing in Canada: If applying from abroad, your spouse will present the COPR to an immigration officer upon arrival.
📄 Getting the PR Card: They’ll receive their Permanent Resident Card in the mail within a few months.
🏡 Starting Life in Canada: They can now work, study, and access healthcare.
💡 Bonus Tip: If your spouse wants citizenship, they can apply after 3 years of living in Canada as a PR!
Final Thoughts
Applying for a Marriage Visa for Canada might seem like a long, complicated process, but it’s totally worth it when you get to build a life together. The key is being patient, organized, and thorough with your application.
💌 Quick Recap:
- Check if you qualify as a sponsor.
- Prove your relationship is real.
- Gather all the required documents.
- Choose between Inland and Outland Sponsorship.
- Pay the fees.
- Submit your application and wait.
- Celebrate once your spouse arrives in Canada!