If your spouse is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be able to join them in Canada through the family sponsorship program. Often called a Canada Spouse Visa, this process allows eligible spouses and partners to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
The application involves proving your relationship, submitting the required documents, completing background checks and, when required, providing biometrics and undergoing a medical examination.
Here is a simple guide to the Canada spouse visa requirements, process, cost and timeline.
What Is a Canada Spouse Visa?
A Canada spouse visa is commonly used to describe the process of sponsoring a spouse for permanent residence in Canada.
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident may generally sponsor:
- A legally married spouse
- A common-law partner
- A conjugal partner
For married couples, the marriage must be legally recognized, and the relationship must be genuine rather than entered into mainly for immigration purposes.
If the application is approved, the sponsored spouse becomes a permanent resident of Canada.
Who Can Sponsor a Spouse?
The sponsor generally must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Live in Canada
- Meet Canada’s sponsorship requirements
- Sign a sponsorship undertaking and agreement
Canadian citizens living outside Canada may also be able to sponsor their spouse if they can demonstrate that they intend to live in Canada when their spouse becomes a permanent resident.
A permanent resident generally must be living in Canada to sponsor a spouse.
For most spouse sponsorship applications, there is no minimum income requirement. However, certain exceptions can apply, particularly in cases involving dependent children.
Canada Spouse Visa Requirements
Both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse need to meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
1. Marriage Certificate
If you are legally married, you will normally need to provide your official marriage certificate or other acceptable proof of marriage.
2. Proof of a Genuine Relationship
One of the most important parts of the application is demonstrating that your relationship is genuine.
Depending on your circumstances, you may provide:
- Wedding photographs
- Photos from trips and family events
- Communication records
- Travel documents
- Joint bank or financial records
- Lease or property documents
- Insurance documents
- Evidence of visits
- Evidence showing contact with each other’s families
The evidence should tell a clear and consistent story about your relationship.
3. Identity and Civil Documents
You may need documents such as:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce documents, if applicable
- Previous marriage records
- Documents for dependent children
The exact document requirements can vary depending on your country and personal circumstances.
4. Police Certificates
Police certificates may be required as part of the applicant’s background and admissibility assessment.
5. Medical Examination
The sponsored spouse may need to complete an immigration medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician.
6. Biometrics
Applicants who are required to provide biometrics must generally provide fingerprints and a photograph.
Canada Spouse Visa Cost in 2026
The main government fee for sponsoring a spouse or partner is currently CAD $1,260 when the Right of Permanent Residence Fee is included.
Other possible fees include:
| Expense | Approximate Government Fee |
|---|---|
| Spouse sponsorship application | CAD $1,260* |
| Biometrics — individual | CAD $85 |
| Biometrics — family maximum | CAD $170 |
| Dependent child | CAD $180 per child |
*The CAD $1,260 amount includes the sponsorship fee, processing fee and Right of Permanent Residence Fee.
You may also have additional expenses for medical examinations, police certificates, document translations, photographs and professional immigration services, if used.
Because Canadian immigration fees can change, always check the latest IRCC fee schedule before paying.
Canada Spouse Visa Process
The application process is relatively straightforward when broken down into steps.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
First, confirm that both the sponsor and the spouse meet the requirements for family sponsorship.
Step 2: Collect Documents
Gather passports, marriage certificates, civil documents, police certificates and evidence of your relationship.
Step 3: Complete the Forms
Both the sponsor and the sponsored applicant must complete the forms applicable to their situation. Always use the latest versions provided by IRCC.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
Pay the applicable sponsorship, processing, permanent residence and biometrics fees.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Spouse and partner sponsorship applications are generally submitted online through Canada’s immigration system.
Before submitting, carefully check that all required forms and supporting documents are included.
Step 6: Biometrics and Medical Examination
If required, the applicant will receive instructions for biometrics. IRCC may also request a medical examination.
Step 7: Background Checks
IRCC reviews the applicant’s background, security and admissibility information.
Step 8: Final Decision
If the application is approved, IRCC provides instructions for completing the permanent residence process.
Canada Spouse Visa Processing Time
Processing times are not guaranteed and can change depending on application volumes and individual circumstances.
IRCC currently indicates that new spouse or partner sponsorship applications are generally expected to take around 12 months, although some applications may take longer.
Delays can happen because of:
- Missing documents
- Incomplete forms
- Complicated relationship histories
- Additional background checks
- Requests for additional information
- Delays in medical or police documents
- Slow responses to IRCC requests
Submitting a complete application can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship
If the sponsored spouse is already in Canada, they may potentially qualify under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class, depending on their circumstances.
If the spouse is outside Canada, the Family Class is commonly used.
The right option depends on factors such as where the spouse lives, their immigration status and their individual circumstances.
How to Prove Your Marriage Is Genuine
A marriage certificate is important, but IRCC may also look at the overall evidence of your relationship.
Try to provide genuine evidence showing how your relationship developed and how you and your spouse have maintained your relationship.
Useful evidence may include photographs from different periods, travel records, communication history, financial documents and evidence of meeting each other’s family and friends.
There is no single type of evidence that guarantees approval. The most important thing is that the information is truthful, consistent and supported by appropriate documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before submitting your application, avoid these common mistakes:
- Using outdated forms
- Leaving required sections incomplete
- Providing inconsistent dates or information
- Submitting weak relationship evidence
- Forgetting required police certificates
- Failing to declare family members
- Uploading unclear or unreadable documents
- Missing IRCC deadlines
- Assuming processing times are guaranteed
Carefully reviewing the application before submission can prevent many avoidable problems.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s spouse sponsorship program provides a pathway for eligible couples to live together in Canada as permanent residents. Although the application can involve considerable paperwork, preparing everything carefully can make the process much smoother.
In 2026, the main government fee for sponsoring a spouse or partner is CAD $1,260 when the Right of Permanent Residence Fee is included, while processing for new spouse sponsorship applications is generally expected to take around 12 months.
However, fees, requirements and processing times can change. Before applying, always check the latest information and application instructions provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
DISCLAIMER:Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Canadian visa rules, fees, and processing times may change, so readers should verify the latest information on the official Government of Canada website or consult a qualified immigration professional before applying.
About Jordan
Jordan is a content writer at SushilHelps, covering legal topics such as car accidents, personal injury claims, medical compensation, and marriage visas. Jordan focuses on providing clear, practical, and easy-to-understand information to help readers navigate legal and immigration processes across major international destinations. He is not an attorney and does not provide legal advice, but his work is backed by thorough research and a commitment to accuracy. Spotted something that needs a correction? Let us know.