Can you apply for a spouse visa while on a tourist visa

Yes, being in Canada on a tourist visa (visitor status) does not stop you from applying for spousal sponsorship for permanent residence. Many couples do this through the inland stream when the sponsored spouse is already inside Canada as a visitor, student, or worker.

Here’s what matters most:

• You must maintain legal status. Spousal sponsorship does not automatically extend your stay. If your visitor status will expire soon, apply to extend it before the expiry date.
• Inland vs. outland still applies. If you’re in Canada as a visitor, you can often apply inland, but some couples still choose outland depending on travel needs or other factors.
• Dual intent is normal. It’s common to be in Canada temporarily while also pursuing permanent residence, as long as you follow visitor rules and stay honest in your applications.
• A visitor visa is separate from sponsorship. If you leave Canada, re-entry is never guaranteed, even if your sponsorship is in process.

If you want to understand how a visitor visa interacts with sponsorship timelines, you can also read “Does having a visitor visa impact the timeline of spousal sponsorship?”

To ensure your application is complete and meets all required standards, our Toronto immigration consultants provide full support throughout the process. You can review information about our Visitor Visa for Spouse fees, and for personalized guidance tailored to your situation, you may book a consultation or begin exploring the Visitor Visa for Spouse program for your next steps.