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Visitor Visas for Spouse Eligibility Requirements | Who can be Invited | Proof | Dual Intent | Timeline & Processing
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Visitor Visa for Spouse Canada

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A Visitor Visa can be a practical option for spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners or fiancé(e)s who want to spend time together in Canada. While the program can be used by those waiting for a sponsorship application, it is also a standalone option for couples who are not yet ready or eligible to apply under the Family Class Sponsorship, or who simply wish to visit temporarily. Whether you are planning a short-term stay or considering future immigration, this temporary residence option provides a flexible solution for couples to be together.

Those who enter Canada with a Visitor Visa may later apply for Spousal Sponsorship, if eligible. In such cases, applicants may also become eligible for a Spouse Open Work Permit. Since mid-2023, this permit is available to spouses and partners physically in Canada under both the Inland and Outland streams, provided they have received their Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).

To strengthen a Visitor Visa application in the context of having a partner in Canada, it’s recommended to include:

  • Evidence of your relationship and financial support: Documentation proving your bona fide relationship and the ability to cover costs during the visit.

  • Intent to depart: Return travel plans and a Letter of Explanation addressing the principle of Dual Intent to show you will respect the conditions of your stay.

Not sure which option fits your situation? Explore your choices on our Program Comparison page. If you are looking for professional advice, you can also check out our Visitor Visa fees and book a consultation with our Toronto immigration consultants.

Visitor Visa for Spouse Canada

Who can be Invited

A Visitor Visa is generally available to applicants from all countries who meet Canada’s temporary resident requirements.

For spouses and partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, this option is often chosen for its flexibility. It can be suitable for couples who are engaged, in the early stages of a common-law relationship, not ready to marry, or who simply wish to spend time together in Canada without intending to pursue permanent residence at this stage. In some cases, the visit is purely temporary; in others, it allows couples to be together while future plans are thoughtfully considered.

All applications are assessed on an individual basis. A Visitor Visa may provide a practical, compliant way for couples to spend time together in Canada on a temporary basis, while maintaining visitor status and preserving future options — whether or not sponsorship is eventually pursued.

Eligibility Requirements

General Requirements

All Visitor Visa applicants must meet IRCC’s standard eligibility requirements. The officer’s role is to determine whether the applicant is a genuine temporary resident who will comply with the conditions of their stay.

Core Eligibility Criteria:

  • Valid travel document: A passport valid for the entire intended period of stay.
  • Good health: A medical examination may be required depending on recent travel history and intended length of stay.
  • Admissibility: The applicant must not be criminally, medically, or immigration inadmissible.
  • Sufficient funds: Proof of adequate financial resources to cover travel and living expenses, whether personal or supported by the Canadian partner. 
  • Compliance: Clear evidence that the applicant will leave Canada by the end of their authorized stay.
  • Biometrics: If required, applicants must pay the $85 CAD biometrics fee ($170 CAD family cap) and complete biometrics at a Visa Application Centre. Applications cannot be finalized until biometrics are provided.

Proof of Relationship

In a Visitor Visa application, proof of relationship helps explain the purpose of travel and provides context for why the applicant wishes to visit Canada. While relationship evidence is important, it is never sufficient on its own to secure approval. Officers focus on the quality, consistency, and credibility of the evidence rather than the volume submitted.

Common Examples of Relationship Evidence:

  • Official Legal Documents: Marriage certificates or the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409).
  • Social Recognition: Wedding or relationship photographs, especially those including family and friends, presented with dates and captions.
  • Communication Records: A representative sample of messages, call logs, or emails showing ongoing and consistent contact.
  • Shared Travel History: Passport stamps, joint itineraries, boarding passes, and proof of previous visits.
  • Financial and Residential Interdependence: Where applicable, evidence of shared residence, leases, utility bills, or joint financial responsibilities.

Certified Translations: Any document not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation and translator affidavit.

Tips and Recommendations

A strategic, well-organized application significantly improves approval prospects. Keep the visit plan realistic and time-limited, and address Dual Intent openly and honestly. If a sponsorship application is underway, acknowledge it clearly in the Letter of Explanation. Consistency across forms, supporting documents, and online profiles is essential to avoid credibility concerns.

Common Mistakes

  • The Marriage Trap: Don’t assume marriage guarantees approval; you must still prove you will leave Canada if the visa expires.
  • Vague travel plans: Providing open-ended or undefined itineraries.
  • “Parked money”: Submitting unexplained large financial deposits without a clear source.
  • Misrepresentation: Failing to disclose previous refusals from any country can result in a five-year ban.
  • Disorganized submissions: Files without summaries, captions, or logical structure.

Dual Intent​

In Canadian immigration law, the principle of Dual Intent allows an individual to apply for and enter Canada as a temporary resident—such as under a Visitor Visa—while simultaneously holding a legitimate long-term intention to apply for permanent residence in the future, including through family sponsorship. Immigration officers assess visitor applications with this principle in mind, recognizing that a future plan to immigrate does not, by itself, undermine the genuineness of a temporary stay.

To satisfy Dual Intent, applicants must clearly demonstrate that they understand and will comply with all temporary residence conditions, including respecting the authorized period of stay, even if permanent residence is a future objective. Transparent disclosure of intentions supports credibility and enables officers to properly assess the application, balancing the applicant’s temporary purpose of travel with their longer-term immigration plans.

Refusal and Resubmission

If refused, there is generally no right of appeal. However, refusal letters now typically include Officer Decision Notes (ODNs), which explain the reasoning behind the decision.

No Appeal Rights: Strategic Options

  1. Analyze the ODNs: Identify the specific deficiencies cited by the officer.
  2. Submit an ATIP Request: If the provided notes are vague or you suspect a deeper error, you can file an official Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request. This is the only way to obtain the complete, granular history of your file, which includes every action and internal comment made by the officer.
  3. Reapply: Address the refusal directly with stronger, targeted evidence and a detailed cover letter.
  4. Judicial Review: If the refusal involves a legal or procedural error, an application for Federal Court review may be filed within 60 days.

Successful reapplications are not repeat submissions; they must demonstrate a material improvement in evidence and place renewed emphasis on the applicant’s compelling reasons to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.

IRCC Application Process

Document Checklist Requirements

The official IRCC checklist for a visitor visa must be followed exactly. A Visitor Visa (TRV) application should be prepared as a decision-ready file so that an officer—or the automated triage system—can easily understand the purpose of travel, funding, and temporary intent. Most applications, especially those for family reunification, are submitted through the IRCC Portal.

In general, you can expect to include:

  • Required forms: Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257), Family Information (IMM 5645 or 5707), and the Representative form if applicable.

  • ID/Civil status documents: Valid passports, marriage certificates, and any relevant divorce or name-change papers (including certified translations).

  • Proof of Temporary Intent: Evidence showing how the applicant will comply with visitor conditions, including a clear explanation of why the visit is happening now, the intended length of stay, and proof of ties to their home country (e.g., employment letters or property).

  • Dual Intent Evidence: If a spousal sponsorship is pending, state this clearly and include proof (such as an AOR). This helps officers assess the case under the latest family reunification policies.

  • Travel Purpose & Support: A strong Letter of Invitation from the spouse in Canada and well-organized documents showing how the visit will be funded (bank statements, pay stubs, or tax documents).

  • Status documents for the host: Copies of the spouse’s Canadian passport, PR card, or valid permit.

  • Medical exam and biometrics: While medicals are situational for visitors, biometrics are typically mandatory.

You must always check the IRCC website for the most precise and up-to-date information regarding the Canada visitor visa checklist before submitting your file.

IRCC Processing Time

Processing times vary depending on the visa office, country of residence, background checks, and the quality of the submission. Clear, complete applications are less likely to be delayed or refused early in processing.

Key points

  • Day 0: Application submitted via the IRCC Portal.

  • Biometrics request: Often issued shortly after submission if biometrics are not already valid.

  • Biometrics completion: Processing continues once completed.

  • Standard TRV processing: Typically ranges from several weeks to several months, depending on location and complexity.

Priority Processing (Spousal / Family Reunification)

IRCC has indicated an intent to prioritize some cases to support family reunification. A commonly referenced target is around 30 days, though timelines are not guaranteed and depend on case quality. IRCC prioritizes cases where:

  • A spousal sponsorship application has already been submitted.

  • A valid Sponsorship AOR is included (if available).

  • The TRV is filed through the IRCC Portal.

Factors such as Dual Intent—the intention to apply for PR while respecting temporary stay conditions—are also assessed, which may influence the overall duration.

IRCC Application Fees

Financial planning for visitor visa fees is more straightforward than for PR, focusing on the processing of a temporary stay. These costs are categorized into government fees and third-party expenses.

The government fee is payable online to IRCC and currently stands at:

  • Visitor Visa fee: CAD 100 per person.

  • Biometrics fee: CAD 85 per person (covers fingerprints and photo).

  • Family Rate: A maximum fee of CAD 500 for families of 5 or more applying together.

You must always refer to the official IRCC fee list for the latest amounts, as temporary residence fees can be updated periodically.

Essential third-party expenses:

  • Medical exam (if requested by IRCC).

  • Police certificates (rare for visitor visas, but sometimes requested).

  • Certified translations for non-English/French documents.

Application Status Tracker

After submitting your visitor visa application for a spouse, you can track your status through several IRCC tools. Notifications will appear in your IRCC secure account or the IRCC Portal, depending on your application method. Key updates include:

  • Document requests
  • Biometrics
  • Medical instructions
  • Decisions

Once your application is received and you obtain an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR), you can use the Application Status Tracker to see overall progress, stage updates (eligibility, medical, background), and required actions. This remains the primary tool for detailed status monitoring. Some applicants still use the Client Application Status (CAS) tool or contact IRCC via webforms and phone for updates.

If processing exceeds standard timelines, you may submit an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request to receive official copies of the immigration officer’s notes on your file. This provides the most comprehensive insight into any hidden delays or specific concerns regarding your case.

Entry, Extensions & Limitations

A Visitor Visa allows travel to Canada, but final entry is decided by CBSA at the port of entry. Visitors may apply to extend their stay from inside Canada, but must remain compliant with visitor conditions at all times.

Key points

  • At the port of entry, CBSA may ask about:
    • Length of stay
    • Purpose of travel
    • Financial support
    • Plans to leave Canada
  • Recommended documents to carry:
    • Letter of Invitation
    • Proof of funds
    • Return or onward travel plan
    • Sponsorship AOR (if applicable)
  • Visitor Record (IMM 1442):
    • May be issued with specific conditions, including a fixed departure date
  • Status Extensions:
    • Must be submitted at least 30 days before status expires
    • On-time, complete applications allow the applicant to remain under maintained status
    • Leaving Canada during maintained status ends that status immediately
      If you need more information learn more.
  • Limitations:
    • Visitor status does not authorize employment
    • Repeated extensions without a clear long-term plan may negatively impact future applications

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a question? Use the search bar to explore 15+ Spousal Visitor Visa FAQs.

Yes, it is possible to apply for spousal sponsorship without meeting in person, especially in cultures with arranged marriages. However, these cases are closely examined by IRCC and require strong evidence to prove the relationship is genuine. Read full answer

Having a visitor visa does not speed up or slow down the spousal sponsorship process. The PR application is processed separately by IRCC, regardless of whether the spouse is visiting Canada. A visitor visa only affects the spouse’s ability to enter Canada temporarily, not the timeline of the sponsorship decision. Read full answer

Yes. You can apply for spousal sponsorship while you are in Canada as a visitor (tourist). But the sponsorship application does not give you legal status by itself, you must still keep your visitor status valid by extending it on time if needed. Read full answer.

There is no fixed processing time for a visitor visa for spouse. Processing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the applicant’s country of residence, IRCC workload, and how complete and strong the application is. Read full answer

Most visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for up to 6 months per entry. The exact length of stay is decided by the border officer when you arrive, and it may be shorter or longer depending on your situation. Read full answer

A dual intent visitor visa for spouses allows a person to apply for a visitor visa to Canada while also having a legitimate intention to apply for permanent residence in the future, such as through spousal sponsorship. Canadian immigration law allows dual intent, as long as the spouse can prove they will respect the conditions of their visitor stay and leave Canada if required. Read full answer

Yes. Dual intent is allowed in Canada. IRCC explicitly recognizes that a person can have two intentions at the same time: to stay in Canada temporarily (as a visitor, student, or worker) and to pursue permanent residence in the future. The key requirement is that the person must still respect the conditions of their temporary stay. Read full answer 

 No. A spouse cannot work in Canada while on a visitor visa. A visitor visa only allows temporary stay and does not give any right to work. Working without authorization is a violation of immigration rules and can lead to refusal, removal, or future bans. Read full answer 

 Yes. You can apply for a visitor visa for your spouse so they can temporarily visit Canada, as long as they meet IRCC’s visitor visa requirements. Being married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident does not guarantee approval, but it can be explained as part of the application. Read full answer

Yes. You can apply for a visitor visa and a spousal sponsorship (spouse visa) at the same time. These are separate applications, and each one is assessed independently by IRCC. Applying for both together is allowed, but approval of one does not guarantee approval of the other. Read full answer

No. You cannot “convert” a visitor visa into a spouse visa in Canada. However, you can apply for spousal sponsorship while you are in Canada on a visitor visa, as long as you maintain valid visitor status. Read full answer

 To apply for a visitor visa for your spouse, your spouse must submit a Canadian visitor visa (TRV) application and clearly explain the spousal relationship and the temporary purpose of the visit. Being married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident does not guarantee approval, but it can support the application. Read full answer

 Yes. You can apply for a visitor visa for your wife so she can come to Canada temporarily, as long as she meets IRCC’s visitor visa requirements. Being married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident does not guarantee approval, but it can be explained as part of the application. Read full answer

Yes. Your spouse can apply for a tourist (visitor) visa to Canada, as long as they meet IRCC’s visitor visa requirements. Being married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident does not guarantee approval, but it can be explained as part of the application. Read full answer

Yes. You can apply for a visitor visa for your fiancé so they can visit Canada temporarily, as long as they meet IRCC’s visitor visa requirements. Being engaged to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident does not guarantee approval, but the relationship can be explained as part of the application. Read full answer

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