Can I bring my spouse to Canada on a visitor visa?

Yes — your spouse *may be eligible to visit Canada by applying for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa, TRV), but approval is discretionary and requires demonstrating they meet all temporary resident requirements (e.g., intention to leave at the end of their stay, sufficient ties to the home country, financial support). IRCC reviews these applications carefully because many spouses also plan to pursue permanent residence later. This may involve dual intent — a person can enter Canada as a visitor while intending to apply for permanent residence later — but they must still convince an immigration officer that their primary purpose is temporary and that they meet the requirements for a visitor visa (strong ties to their home country, financial ability, intention to leave at end of authorized stay).

1. Dual Intent Is Allowed
   Canadian law permits someone to enter Canada temporarily while planning to apply for permanent residence in the future. This is legal as long as the applicant satisfies all temporary resident requirements. Couples considering temporary reunification often also review “Does Canada offer a fiancé visa and how does it work?”

2. IRCC Must Confirm Temporary Intent
   The officer must be convinced your spouse will follow the rules of their stay, not overstay their visa, and extend or leave legally when required. Strong ties to their home country help demonstrate compliance.

3. Documents That Strengthen a Spouse’s TRV
   A strong application typically includes:

• Financial documents (bank statements, employment letters)
• Evidence of home-country ties (family, job, property)
• Clear explanation of the visit purpose
• Return travel plan
• An invitation letter from the Canadian spouse
• Proof of relationship, including communication records or a marriage certificate
• Previous travel history

4. After Arrival in Canada
   If your spouse enters Canada on a visitor visa, they can remain as a temporary resident and — if a spousal sponsorship application is in progress — may be eligible to apply from within Canada for an open work permit under current IRCC policies, provided they maintain status and meet all requirements; however, visitor status itself does not guarantee ability to stay or work.

A well-prepared application greatly improves approval chances. Our Toronto immigration consultants can guide you through all the required steps. You may review our Spousal Sponsorship Fees and, if needed, book a consultation or explore the spouse visa pathway through the Spouse Sponsorship Canada program.