Move to Canada with Your Family

What is a Canadian Spouse Visa?

The Canadian Spouse Visa is a special category under the Family Sponsorship Program that allows you to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. This visa is ideal for those who want to reunite with their partners and build a life together in Canada.

The Spousal Sponsorship Program is one of the quickest ways to settle in Canada, allowing your spouse or partner to gain permanent residency in a relatively short time. However, it’s important to note that this program only applies to legal marriages or common-law relationships—fiancés are not eligible under this category.

Who Can You Sponsor as a Dependent?

Under the Family Sponsorship Program, you can sponsor the following family members:

• Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner
• Dependent children under the age of 21
• Parents or grandparents
• Adopted children from outside Canada
• Other family members like brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, or other close relatives, depending on specific circumstances

Minimum Requirements to Become a Sponsor

To sponsor your spouse, partner, or dependent child, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
2. Status in Canada: You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
3. Financial Support: You must not be receiving social assistance (except for disability reasons) and must be able to provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person.

• If you are under 18 years old.
• If you do not plan to live in Canada when your sponsored family member becomes a permanent resident.
• If you are not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian.
• If you are currently a temporary resident in Canada on a visa or permit.
• If your PR application is still being processed.
• If you do not have sufficient financial means to support the sponsored person.

• You were sponsored as a spouse yourself and became a permanent resident less than 5 years ago.
• You are still financially responsible for a previous spouse or partner that you sponsored.

Documents Required for a Canada Spouse Visa

When applying for a Canada Spouse Visa, you must provide the following documents:

• Proof of Marriage: A valid marriage certificate showing that your marriage is legally recognized.
• Proof of Intent to Live in Canada: Evidence that you and your spouse plan to live in Canada once they receive permanent residency.
• Signed Agreement: A signed agreement confirming that both the sponsor and the sponsored person understand their responsibilities and obligations.
• Undertaking Agreement: A commitment from the sponsor to provide financial support and basic needs for the sponsored person.
• Proof of Relationship: Documents such as marriage certificates, communication records (letters, emails, phone calls), photos together, and joint agreements (lease, bank accounts).

These documents help prove the authenticity of your relationship and ensure that your application is processed smoothly.

Processing Time for a Canada Spouse Visa

After submitting your application to the relevant visa office, the average processing time for a Canada Spouse Visa is around 8 to 10 months. This timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the visa office handling your case.

Moving to Canada with your family is an incredible opportunity to start a new life together in one of the world’s most welcoming countries. Whether you are sponsoring your spouse, children, or parents, Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program makes the process straightforward and accessible.