Who is eligible for spouse visa in Canada 2026?

In 2026, the eligibility requirements for a spouse visa in Canada, officially known as spousal sponsorship for permanent residence, remain aligned with IRCC regulations. The program continues to be one of the core pathways for family reunification. If you need guidance through the process, professional Canadian immigration consultants can help ensure your application meets all required standards. For a full overview of the program, you can also explore our Spousal Sponsorship page.

Sponsor Eligibility

To sponsor your spouse, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and living in Canada. Canadian citizens residing abroad may sponsor their spouse as long as they can demonstrate their intent to return to Canada once permanent residence is approved.

Sponsors must commit to financially supporting their spouse for three years, covering basic necessities such as housing, food, clothing, and essential healthcare not covered by public health services. Although there is no minimum income requirement, you must show that you can support your spouse without relying on social assistance. 

Sponsored Spouse Eligibility

The sponsored spouse must be legally married to the sponsor, in a common-law partnership with at least 12 months of continuous cohabitation, or qualify as a conjugal partner in exceptional circumstances. The relationship must be genuine and proven with supporting documentation such as photos, communication records, joint financial evidence, and proof of shared responsibilities. For a full breakdown of acceptable evidence, see our related FAQ: “What proof is needed for spousal sponsorship?”

The sponsored spouse must also pass a medical exam, background check, and security screening. They cannot be inadmissible due to serious criminality, certain health concerns, or other IRCC-defined reasons.

If you’d like personalized support or wish to begin your application, you can easily book an appointment with our team. A breakdown of professional service costs is available on our Immigration Consultant Fees page.