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. If your goal is to apply for sponsorship in the future, you may also want to review Can you apply for a spouse visa while on a tourist visa?
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.