Is Canada giving a spouse visa now?

Yes, Canada is actively issuing spouse visas, formally known as spousal sponsorship permanent residence. The program is fully operational, and IRCC continues to accept and process applications from Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to sponsor their husband, wife, or common-law partner. For couples seeking professional guidance, experienced Canadian immigration consultants can help ensure the application is accurate and complete. You can also review our detailed program overview on Spousal Sponsorship if you are just getting started.

Both Inland and Outland sponsorship streams are open. Inland sponsorship is for spouses who are already in Canada, while Outland sponsorship is for those living abroad. In both cases, IRCC carefully reviews every application to confirm the relationship is genuine and meets all legal requirements.

Applicants must provide supporting evidence such as marriage certificates, photos, communication records, shared financial documents, and other proof showing the relationship is real and ongoing. In addition, the sponsored spouse must complete medical exams, background checks, and security screenings before approval. You can get a lot of answers regarding the requirements in the question “What are the requirements for a spousal visa in Canada?”

Current processing times are usually around 12 months, although this can vary depending on the applicant’s home country, how complete the application is, and IRCC’s overall workload. Spouses applying through the Inland stream may also qualify for an Open Work Permit, allowing them to work in Canada while their application is being processed.

If you would like personalized guidance or want to begin your application, you can easily book an appointment with our team. A full breakdown of professional service costs is on our Immigration Consultant Fees page.