What is a dual intent visitor visa for spouses in Canada?

 A dual intent visitor visa means that a spouse can have two intentions at the same time:

• a temporary intention to visit Canada as a visitor, and
• a future intention to apply for permanent residence through spousal sponsorship.

Canadian immigration law explicitly allows dual intent, and IRCC officers are required to assess visitor visa applications with this principle in mind. Having a permanent residence plan does not automatically lead to refusal. What matters is whether the applicant can still demonstrate that their visit is temporary and that they will comply with visitor conditions if their PR application is refused or delayed.

In practice, this means IRCC looks closely at whether the spouse:

• 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

Even if a spousal sponsorship application is planned or already in progress, the spouse must still convince the officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay if required. This is why dual intent cases often include a detailed explanation letter clarifying both the temporary visit and the long-term immigration plan.

It’s important to understand that dual intent does not guarantee approval. If the officer is not satisfied that the spouse will comply with visitor conditions, the visitor visa can still be refused. This is also why many applicants ask related questions such as “Does having a visitor visa impact the timeline of spousal sponsorship?”, since the two processes are legally separate.

To avoid unnecessary refusals, a strong dual intent application clearly explains the temporary nature of the visit while transparently acknowledging future sponsorship plans.

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.