Visitor Visa for Spouse Canada
A Visitor Visa can be a practical option for spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners or fiancé(e)s who want to spend time together in Canada. While the program can be used by those waiting for a sponsorship application, it is also a standalone option for couples who are not yet ready or eligible to apply under the Family Class Sponsorship, or who simply wish to visit temporarily. Whether you are planning a short-term stay or considering future immigration, this temporary residence option provides a flexible solution for couples to be together.
Those who enter Canada with a Visitor Visa may later apply for Spousal Sponsorship, if eligible. In such cases, applicants may also become eligible for a Spouse Open Work Permit. Since mid-2023, this permit is available to spouses and partners physically in Canada under both the Inland and Outland streams, provided they have received their Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).
To strengthen a Visitor Visa application in the context of having a partner in Canada, it’s recommended to include:
Evidence of your relationship and financial support: Documentation proving your bona fide relationship and the ability to cover costs during the visit.
Intent to depart: Return travel plans and a Letter of Explanation addressing the principle of Dual Intent to show you will respect the conditions of your stay.
Not sure which option fits your situation? Explore your choices on our Program Comparison page. If you are looking for professional advice, you can also check out our Visitor Visa fees and book a consultation with our Toronto immigration consultants.
Who can be Invited
Most people can visit Canada, but the required document depends on nationality: some travellers need a Visitor Visa (TRV), while others only need an eTA. In a spouse/partner visit scenario, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may invite a married spouse, common-law partner, or fiancé(e). In some cases, minor dependent children may also travel as visitors.
It’s important to understand the roles: the foreign spouse/partner is the one who applies for the TRV/eTA. The Canadian citizen or PR can strengthen the application by providing support documents, often including an invitation letter (helpful, but not always required) that clearly explains the purpose of the trip, where the visitor will stay, how long they plan to stay, and how the visit will be funded. Being a spouse/partner does not guarantee approval — the applicant must still satisfy the officer they will respect visitor conditions, including leaving Canada at the end of the authorized stay (or extending status properly, if eligible).
Eligibility Requirements
General Requirements
All Visitor Visa applicants must meet IRCC’s standard eligibility requirements. The officer’s role is to determine whether the applicant is a genuine temporary resident who will comply with the conditions of their stay.
Core Eligibility Criteria:
- Valid travel document: A passport valid for the entire intended period of stay.
- Good health: A medical examination may be required depending on recent travel history and intended length of stay.
- Admissibility: The applicant must not be criminally, medically, or immigration inadmissible.
- Sufficient funds: Proof of adequate financial resources to cover travel and living expenses, whether personal or supported by the Canadian partner.
- Compliance: Provide spouse-specific proof the visit is temporary, such as:
- job/study commitments, property/lease, or dependents abroad
- confirmed dates and a realistic stay length
- clear funding (applicant or Canadian spouse) with proof
- prior travel history and compliance (if any)
- Biometrics: If required, applicants must pay the $85 CAD biometrics fee ($170 CAD family cap) and complete biometrics at a Visa Application Centre. Applications cannot be finalized until biometrics are provided.
Proof of Relationship
In a Visitor Visa application, proof of relationship helps explain the purpose of travel and provides context for why the applicant wishes to visit Canada. While relationship evidence is important, it is never sufficient on its own to secure approval. Officers focus on the quality, consistency, and credibility of the evidence rather than the volume submitted.
Common Examples of Relationship Evidence:
- Official Legal Documents: Marriage certificates or the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409).
- Social Recognition: Wedding or relationship photographs, especially those including family and friends, presented with dates and captions.
- Communication Records: A representative sample of messages, call logs, or emails showing ongoing and consistent contact.
- Shared Travel History: Passport stamps, joint itineraries, boarding passes, and proof of previous visits.
- Financial and Residential Interdependence: Where applicable, evidence of shared residence, leases, utility bills, or joint financial responsibilities.
Certified Translations: Any document not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation and translator affidavit.
Tips and Recommendations
A strategic, well-organized application significantly improves approval prospects. Keep the visit plan realistic and time-limited, and address Dual Intent openly and honestly. If a sponsorship application is underway, acknowledge it clearly in the Letter of Explanation. Consistency across forms, supporting documents, and online profiles is essential to avoid credibility concerns.
Common Mistakes
- The Marriage Trap: Don’t assume marriage guarantees approval; you must still prove you will leave Canada if the visa expires.
- Vague travel plans: Providing open-ended or undefined itineraries.
- “Parked money”: Submitting unexplained large financial deposits without a clear source.
- Misrepresentation: Failing to disclose previous refusals from any country can result in a five-year ban.
- Disorganized submissions: Files without summaries, captions, or logical structure.
Dual Intent
In Canadian immigration law, the principle of Dual Intent allows an individual to apply for and enter Canada as a temporary resident—such as under a Visitor Visa—while simultaneously holding a legitimate long-term intention to apply for permanent residence in the future, including through family sponsorship. Immigration officers assess visitor applications with this principle in mind, recognizing that a future plan to immigrate does not, by itself, undermine the genuineness of a temporary stay.
To satisfy Dual Intent, applicants must clearly demonstrate that they understand and will comply with all temporary residence conditions, including respecting the authorized period of stay, even if permanent residence is a future objective. Transparent disclosure of intentions supports credibility and enables officers to properly assess the application, balancing the applicant’s temporary purpose of travel with their longer-term immigration plans.
Refusal and Resubmission
If refused, there is generally no right of appeal. However, refusal letters now typically include Officer Decision Notes (ODNs), which explain the reasoning behind the decision.
No Appeal Rights: Strategic Options
- Analyze the ODNs: Identify the specific deficiencies cited by the officer.
- Submit an ATIP Request: If the provided notes are vague or you suspect a deeper error, you can file an official Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request. This is the only way to obtain the complete, granular history of your file, which includes every action and internal comment made by the officer.
- Reapply: Address the refusal directly with stronger, targeted evidence and a detailed cover letter.
- Judicial Review: If the refusal involves a legal or procedural error, an application for Federal Court review may be filed within 60 days.
Successful reapplications are not repeat submissions; they must demonstrate a material improvement in evidence and place renewed emphasis on the applicant’s compelling reasons to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
IRCC Application Process
Document Checklist Requirements
The official IRCC checklist for a visitor visa must be followed exactly. A Visitor Visa (TRV) application should be prepared as a decision-ready file so that an officer—or the automated triage system—can easily understand the purpose of travel, funding, and temporary intent. Most applications, especially those for family reunification, are submitted through the IRCC Portal.
In general, you can expect to include:
- Required forms: Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257), Family Information (IMM 5645 or 5707), and the Representative form if applicable.
- ID/Civil status documents: Valid passports, marriage certificates, and any relevant divorce or name-change papers (including certified translations).
- Proof of Temporary Intent: Evidence showing how the applicant will comply with visitor conditions, including a clear explanation of why the visit is happening now, the intended length of stay, and proof of ties to their home country (e.g., employment letters or property).
- Dual Intent Evidence: If a spousal sponsorship is pending, state this clearly and include proof (such as an AOR). This helps officers assess the case under the latest family reunification policies.
- Travel Purpose & Support: A strong Letter of Invitation from the spouse in Canada and well-organized documents showing how the visit will be funded (bank statements, pay stubs, or tax documents).
- Status documents for the host: Copies of the spouse’s Canadian passport, PR card, or valid permit.
- Medical exam and biometrics: While medicals are situational for visitors, biometrics are typically mandatory.
You must always check the IRCC website for the most precise and up-to-date information regarding the Canada visitor visa checklist before submitting your file.
IRCC Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on the visa office, country of residence, background checks, and the quality of the submission. Clear, complete applications are less likely to be delayed or refused early in processing.
Key points
- Day 0: Application submitted via the IRCC Portal.
- Biometrics request: Often issued shortly after submission if biometrics are not already valid.
- Biometrics completion: Processing continues once completed.
- Standard TRV processing: Typically ranges from several weeks to several months, depending on location and complexity.
Priority Processing (Spousal / Family Reunification)
IRCC has indicated an intent to prioritize some cases to support family reunification. A commonly referenced target is around 30 days, though timelines are not guaranteed and depend on case quality. IRCC prioritizes cases where:
- A spousal sponsorship application has already been submitted.
- A valid Sponsorship AOR is included (if available).
- The TRV is filed through the IRCC Portal.
Factors such as Dual Intent—the intention to apply for PR while respecting temporary stay conditions—are also assessed, which may influence the overall duration.
IRCC Application Fees
Financial planning for visitor visa fees is more straightforward than for PR, focusing on the processing of a temporary stay. These costs are categorized into government fees and third-party expenses.
The government fee is payable online to IRCC and currently stands at:
- Visitor Visa fee: CAD 100 per person.
- Biometrics fee: CAD 85 per person (covers fingerprints and photo).
- Family Rate: A maximum fee of CAD 500 for families of 5 or more applying together.
You must always refer to the official IRCC fee list for the latest amounts, as temporary residence fees can be updated periodically.
Essential third-party expenses:
- Medical exam (if requested by IRCC).
- Police certificates (rare for visitor visas, but sometimes requested).
- Certified translations for non-English/French documents.
Application Status Tracker
After submitting your visitor visa application for a spouse, you can track your status through several IRCC tools. Notifications will appear in your IRCC secure account or the IRCC Portal, depending on your application method. Key updates include:
- Document requests
- Biometrics
- Medical instructions
- Decisions
Once your application is received and you obtain an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR), you can use the Application Status Tracker to see overall progress, stage updates (eligibility, medical, background), and required actions. This remains the primary tool for detailed status monitoring. Some applicants still use the Client Application Status (CAS) tool or contact IRCC via webforms and phone for updates.
If processing exceeds standard timelines, you may submit an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request to receive official copies of the immigration officer’s notes on your file. This provides the most comprehensive insight into any hidden delays or specific concerns regarding your case.
Entry, Extensions & Limitations
A Visitor Visa allows travel to Canada, but final entry is decided by CBSA at the port of entry. Visitors may apply to extend their stay from inside Canada, but must remain compliant with visitor conditions at all times.
Key points
- At the port of entry, CBSA may ask about:
- Length of stay
- Purpose of travel
- Financial support
- Plans to leave Canada
- Recommended documents to carry:
- Letter of Invitation
- Proof of funds
- Return or onward travel plan
- Sponsorship AOR (if applicable)
- Visitor Record (IMM 1442):
- May be issued with specific conditions, including a fixed departure date
- Status Extensions:
- Must be submitted at least 30 days before status expires
- On-time, complete applications allow the applicant to remain under maintained status
- Leaving Canada during maintained status ends that status immediately If you need more information learn more.
- Limitations:
- Visitor status does not authorize employment
- Repeated extensions without a clear long-term plan may negatively impact future applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have a question? Use the search bar to explore Spousal Visitor Visa FAQs.
Can I bring my spouse to Canada on a visitor visa?
Yes, it is possible to apply for spousal sponsorship without meeting in person, especially in cultures with arranged marriages. However, these cases are closely examined by IRCC and require strong evidence to prove the relationship is genuine.
Does having a visitor visa impact the timeline of spousal sponsorship?
Having a visitor visa does not speed up or slow down the spousal sponsorship process. The PR application is processed separately by IRCC, regardless of whether the spouse is visiting Canada. A visitor visa only affects the spouse’s ability to enter Canada temporarily, not the timeline of the sponsorship decision.
Can you apply for a spouse visa while on a tourist visa?
Yes. You can apply for spousal sponsorship while you are in Canada as a visitor (tourist). But the sponsorship application does not give you legal status by itself, you must still keep your visitor status valid by extending it on time if needed.
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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.
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.
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How long does it take to get a spouse visitor visa for Canada?
There is no fixed processing time for a visitor visa for spouse. Processing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the applicant’s country of residence, IRCC workload, and how complete and strong the application is.
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The processing time for a visitor visa for spouse varies significantly because IRCC processes visitor visa applications through different visa offices around the world. Each office has its own workload, staffing levels, and security checks, which directly affect timelines.
In general:
- Some applications are decided within a few weeks, especially from countries with lower application volumes.
- Others may take several months, particularly if the visa office is busy or if additional review is required.
Several factors influence how long it takes:
- Country of residence and the visa office handling the file
- Completeness of the application, including forms, documents, and translations
- Strength of supporting evidence, such as proof of relationship, travel history, financial documents, and ties to the home country
- Background or security checks, which can add time
- Previous refusals, which often lead to closer scrutiny
It’s important to understand that being married to or sponsored by a Canadian does not guarantee faster processing or automatic approval. IRCC still assesses whether the spouse will respect visitor conditions and leave Canada if required.
To avoid unnecessary delays, it helps to submit a well-prepared application that clearly explains the purpose of travel, the temporary nature of the visit, and the strength of the relationship.
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.
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How long can a visitor stay in Canada on a visitor visa?
Most visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for up to 6 months per entry. The exact length of stay is decided by the border officer when you arrive, and it may be shorter or longer depending on your situation.
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In most cases, a person entering Canada on a visitor visa is granted a stay of up to six months. This is the standard period, even if the visitor visa itself is valid for several years. The visa’s validity only controls how long you can enter Canada — not how long you can stay each time.
When you arrive in Canada, a border services officer decides the authorized length of stay. If no specific date is written in your passport or on a visitor record, you are usually allowed to remain in Canada for six months from the date of entry.
In some situations, the officer may:
- Allow less than six months, based on travel plans or concerns about temporary intent
- Issue a visitor record with a specific expiry date
- Allow a longer stay if there is a clear reason and strong documentation
This is especially relevant for spouses visiting Canada. A spouse entering on a visitor visa for spouse may be granted the standard six months, but they must still respect visitor conditions and cannot work or study without proper authorization. If more time is needed, the visitor can apply to extend their stay from inside Canada before their status expires.
If you’re unsure how long your spouse can stay or whether an extension is appropriate, our Toronto immigration consultants can help you assess your options. You can review details about our Visitor Visa for Spouse fees, and for personalized guidance, you may book a consultation or explore the Visitor Visa for Spouse program to plan next steps confidently.
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What is a dual intent visitor visa for spouses in Canada?
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- a temporary intention to visit Canada as a visitor, and
- a future intention to apply for permanent residence through spousal sponsorship.
- has a clear and reasonable purpose for visiting Canada
- has enough financial support for the visit
- has ties outside Canada (employment, studies, family, property, or responsibilities)
- has a credible travel history and immigration record
- understands and respects the limits of visitor status
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Is dual intent allowed in Canada?
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- Whether the applicant understands and respects visitor conditions
- Proof of ties outside Canada (employment, family, property, or obligations)
- Financial ability to support themselves during the visit
- The credibility of the relationship and travel purpose
- A clear plan to leave Canada if required
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Can a spouse work in Canada on a visitor visa?
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A visitor visa is strictly for temporary purposes such as visiting family, tourism, or short-term personal travel. Even if the visitor is married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, visitor status does not include work authorization. This means a spouse in Canada on a visitor visa cannot work for a Canadian employer, work remotely for a Canadian company, or engage in any paid activity inside Canada.
For spouses, this rule often causes confusion because being married or having a sponsorship application in process does not change visitor conditions. Until a spouse receives a valid work permit or becomes a permanent resident, they must not work in any capacity.
There are only two common lawful ways a spouse may eventually work in Canada:
- By qualifying for and receiving a Spouse Open Work permit (for example, through an inland spousal sponsorship open work permit), or
- By becoming a permanent resident after sponsorship approval
If a spouse works without authorization while on a visitor visa, IRCC may consider this a serious violation. Consequences can include refusal of future visas, problems with sponsorship applications, or findings of non-compliance.
If you are unsure whether your spouse may qualify for a work permit or how to plan next steps safely, our Toronto immigration consultants can guide you. You can review our Visitor Visa for Spouse fees, and for personalized advice, you may book a consultation or explore the Visitor Visa for Spouse program to plan your next steps with confidence.
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Can i apply for visitor visa for my spouse?
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Yes, you are allowed to apply for a visitor visa for spouse so they can come to Canada temporarily. This is a common option for couples who want to spend time together while waiting to apply for, or while already in, the spousal sponsorship process. However, it’s important to understand that a visitor visa is still a temporary status, even when the applicant is your spouse.
When applying, IRCC focuses on whether your spouse will respect visitor conditions. This means your spouse must show:
- A clear purpose for visiting Canada
- Strong ties to their home country (such as a job, studies, property, or family)
- Sufficient funds for the visit
- A willingness to leave Canada if required
You, as the Canadian spouse, can support the application by providing an invitation letter, proof of your relationship, and documents showing where your spouse will stay and how expenses will be covered. While these documents help, approval is never automatic. IRCC still assesses the application independently.
Many couples worry that having a sponsorship plan will lead to refusal. Canada allows dual intent, meaning your spouse can intend to visit temporarily while also planning permanent residence in the future—as long as the visitor rules are respected.
To avoid delays or refusals, it’s important that the application clearly explains the temporary nature of the visit and includes strong supporting documents. Our Toronto immigration consultants can help you prepare a well-structured application. You can review our Visitor Visa for Spouse fees, and for personalized guidance, you may book a consultation or explore the Visitor Visa for Spouse program to plan your next steps.
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Can we apply visitor visa and spouse visa together?
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- A clear and temporary purpose for visiting Canada
- Strong ties to their home country (such as employment, studies, property, or family)
- Sufficient funds to support themselves during the visit
- A willingness to leave Canada if required
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Can we convert visitor visa to spouse visa in Canada?
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However, being in Canada on a visitor visa can still be a valid pathway. If you are eligible, you may apply for spousal sponsorship while you are in Canada as a visitor, as long as you maintain valid legal status throughout the process. This usually means respecting the conditions of your stay and applying to extend your visitor status before it expires if needed.
Many couples worry that entering Canada as a visitor will negatively affect their sponsorship application. Canada allows dual intent, meaning a person can intend to stay in Canada temporarily as a visitor while also planning to apply for permanent residence in the future—provided visitor rules are respected.
To avoid delays or refusals, your visitor history and spousal sponsorship application should be consistent, well-documented, and clearly explained. Our Toronto immigration consultants can help you prepare the right strategy. You can review our Visitor Visa for Spouse fees, explore the Visitor Visa for Spouse program, or book a consultation for personalized guidance.
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How to apply for spouse visitor visa Canada?
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To apply for a visitor visa for your spouse, the application is submitted through the regular visitor visa process, with strong supporting documents that explain the relationship and the reason for visiting Canada temporarily. This is a common option for couples who want to spend time together in Canada while waiting to apply for, or while already in, the spousal sponsorship process.
IRCC assesses whether your spouse is likely to respect visitor conditions. This means the application should clearly show:
- A clear and temporary purpose for visiting Canada
- Strong ties to the home country (such as employment, studies, property, or family)
- Sufficient funds for the visit
- A willingness to leave Canada if required
You can support the application by providing an invitation letter, proof of the genuine relationship, and documents showing accommodation and how expenses will be covered. While these documents can strengthen the file, approval is never automatic.
Many couples worry that plans for spousal sponsorship may lead to refusal. Canada recognizes dual intent, meaning your spouse can intend to visit temporarily while also planning permanent residence in the future—as long as visitor rules are respected.
Processing times and outcomes vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence and the strength of the application. To avoid delays or refusals, the application should be well-structured and clearly explain the temporary nature of the visit. Our Toronto immigration consultants can help you prepare a strong application. You can review our Visitor Visa for Spouse fees, explore the Visitor Visa for Spouse program, or book a consultation for personalized guidance.
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Can i bring my wife on a visitor visa?
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- A clear and temporary purpose for visiting Canada
- Strong ties to her home country, such as employment, studies, property, or family
- Sufficient funds to support herself during the visit
- A willingness to leave Canada if required
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Can my spouse apply for a tourist visa?
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Yes, spouses are allowed to apply for a tourist visa to visit Canada temporarily. This is a common option for couples who want to spend time together in Canada while waiting to apply for, or while already in, the spousal sponsorship process.
A tourist visa is a form of temporary status. When reviewing the application, IRCC focuses on whether your spouse will respect the conditions of a temporary stay, even when a genuine spousal relationship exists.
IRCC will assess whether your spouse can demonstrate:
- A clear and temporary purpose for visiting Canada
- Strong ties to their home country (such as employment, studies, property, or family)
- Sufficient funds for the visit
- A willingness to leave Canada if required
Some applicants worry that having plans for spousal sponsorship may lead to refusal. However, Canada allows dual intent, which means your spouse can intend to visit Canada temporarily while also planning to become a permanent resident in the future.
The Canadian spouse can support the tourist visa application by providing an invitation letter, proof of your relationship, and documents showing accommodation and financial support. While these documents help, approval is never automatic.
To reduce the risk of refusal, the application must clearly explain the temporary nature of the visit and include strong supporting documents. Our Toronto immigration consultants can help you prepare a strong application. You can review our Visitor Visa for Spouse fees, explore the Visitor Visa for Spouse program, or book a consultation for personalized guidance.
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Can I apply for a visitor visa for my fiancé?
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Yes, fiancés are allowed to apply for a Canadian visitor visa to come to Canada temporarily. This option is commonly used by couples who want to spend time together in Canada before marriage or while planning their next steps toward permanent residence.
A visitor visa is temporary status, and IRCC will assess whether your fiancé will respect the conditions of their stay in Canada. Unlike spouses, fiancés are not eligible for spousal sponsorship until they are legally married or qualify under a recognized partner category. However, this does not prevent a fiancé from applying for a visitor visa.
When reviewing the application, IRCC focuses on whether your fiancé can demonstrate:
- A clear and temporary purpose for visiting Canada
- Strong ties to their home country (such as employment, studies, property, or family)
- Sufficient funds for the visit
- A willingness to leave Canada if required
You can support the application by providing an invitation letter, proof of your genuine relationship, and documents showing accommodation and financial support during the visit. Even with these documents, approval is never guaranteed.
If you plan to marry and apply for spousal sponsorship later, Canada’s dual intent rules allow your fiancé to visit Canada temporarily while planning future permanent residence, as long as visitor rules are respected.
To reduce the risk of refusal, it’s important that the application clearly explains the temporary nature of the visit and includes strong supporting documents. Our Toronto immigration consultants can help you prepare a well-structured application. You can review our Visitor Visa for Spouse fees, explore the Visitor Visa for Spouse program, or book a consultation for personalized guidance.
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