What types of questions are asked during a marriage interview for spousal visa applicants in Canada?

During a marriage interview in Canada, officers ask questions about how the couple met, their daily routines, family connections, and future plans. These questions and answers help IRCC determine whether the relationship is genuine and consistent with the information provided in the application. Most spouses are interviewed separately, and applicants who want more clarity on when this step may be required can refer to question “ Is there an interview for a spouse visa?”.

A marriage interview is part of IRCC’s effort to understand the history and authenticity of the relationship. Officers may ask about where the couple first met, how the relationship developed, and what led to their decision to get married. A spouse interview may also be required when reviewing the supporting documents and other eligibility conditions outlined on the Spousal Sponsorship Program Page, especially when there are gaps in evidence or inconsistencies. For applicants who are already in Canada, this stage may also connect to programs like the Open Work Permit for Spouses, which allows sponsored partners to work while their application is being processed. 

During the immigration interview, officers may ask detailed questions about communication habits, shared household responsibilities, financial arrangements, and important family interactions. For couples who have lived apart, the spouse interview may include questions about travel history and how they maintain communication across distance. The goal of the spouse visa interview is to verify that the information is truthful, consistent, and reflective of a genuine relationship.

Sample questions include:

• “When did you first meet in person?”
• “Who proposed and how?”
• “Describe your wedding day step-by-step.”
• “What did your spouse eat for breakfast yesterday?”
• “How do you resolve disagreements?”
• “What is your spouse’s biggest fear?”

These question types help officers confirm consistency and determine whether the couple truly knows each other. IRCC may also conduct an interview when the application contains gaps or risk factors.

Common triggers include:

• A short relationship before marriage
• A significant age gap
• Different cultural or religious backgrounds
• Language barriers
• Unusual or no wedding ceremony
• Minimal cohabitation
• Lack of shared finances
• Inconsistent documents
• Previous sponsorships
• Weak communication history

In these cases, the spouse interview allows IRCC to clarify unclear information and ensure the marriage was not entered into for immigration purposes.

To help you better prepare, understand the whole Spousal Sponsorship process, and have someone assist you throughout, you may refer to our Top Rated Canadian Immigration Consultants. On our site, you can get acquainted with the professional Immigration Fees involved. Or, you can easily Book a Consultation to talk to our experts right now.