6 Ways to Get a Canada Visa by Marriage – Live in Canada

Marriage to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident opens a meaningful pathway to building a life together in one of the world’s most diverse and prosperous countries.

Whether you are looking to reunite with your spouse or start a new chapter, Canada’s immigration system provides multiple options for obtaining a visa through marriage or a committed relationship. This article explores six ways to navigate the Canadian immigration system via marriage or a spousal partnership.

1. Spousal Sponsorship under Family Class

The most common route for obtaining a Canadian visa through marriage is the spousal sponsorship program under the Family Class. Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. This program applies to both opposite-sex and same-sex relationships.

To be eligible, the sponsor must be at least 18 years old and either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Both the sponsor and applicant must demonstrate the authenticity of their relationship. Financial stability is essential, although there is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorships (except when the sponsored person has dependent children). The application process includes completing a sponsorship application package, providing proof of the relationship (e.g., marriage certificates, photos, joint financial accounts, and communication records), and undergoing medical exams and background checks. Processing times typically range from 12 to 18 months.

2. Inland Spousal Sponsorship

If the foreign spouse is already in Canada, they may apply for permanent residency through inland spousal sponsorship. This program is designed for couples who are living together in Canada while the application is being processed.

Key features of this pathway include eligibility for an open work permit while awaiting a decision, allowing the applicant to work legally in Canada. Applicants must maintain legal status in Canada, such as holding a valid visitor or student visa. This option can ease financial pressures during the application process, and the couple does not need to live apart while waiting for approval.

READ – Canada Marriage Visa To Get Permanent Residency

3. Outland Spousal Sponsorship

Outland spousal sponsorship applies when the sponsored spouse resides outside Canada. This pathway is suitable for couples who are temporarily separated due to geographical barriers.

The sponsor submits the application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) while the sponsored spouse remains in their home country. Processing times vary by country but generally take 12 to 18 months. The applicant may visit Canada during the processing period, though entry is not guaranteed and is subject to immigration regulations. This route offers the flexibility for the sponsored spouse to remain in their home country while the application is processed. Appeals can also be made if the application is denied.

4. Conjugal Partner Sponsorship

For couples who cannot marry or live together due to circumstances beyond their control, Canada offers a conjugal partner sponsorship option. This applies to situations where legal, social, or religious barriers prevent the couple from marrying or cohabiting.

To qualify, the relationship must have lasted for at least one year. Couples must provide evidence of barriers, such as discriminatory laws, war, or visa restrictions, alongside proof of a genuine and committed relationship, including shared financial responsibilities and communication history. This option has stricter requirements and is subject to higher scrutiny by immigration officers. Applicants must convincingly demonstrate why marriage or cohabitation is not feasible.

5. Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for Visiting Spouse

While waiting for a spousal sponsorship application to be approved, a foreign spouse can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit their Canadian partner. This option allows couples to spend time together during the application process.

Applicants must provide a strong reason for visiting, such as maintaining family ties or supporting the sponsorship process. It is crucial to demonstrate the intention to return to the home country if the TRV is temporary. Proof of financial stability, ties to the home country, and an invitation letter from the Canadian spouse are often required. This route enables the couple to be together in Canada during the sponsorship process, showing commitment to the relationship and potentially strengthening the sponsorship application. However, approval is not guaranteed.

6. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with Spousal Connection

Some provinces in Canada offer Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that prioritize applicants with family connections, including spouses. While PNPs are typically employment-driven, having a spouse in Canada can strengthen an application under certain streams.

For example, provinces like Manitoba or Saskatchewan may offer enhanced points for family connections. Applicants should check the specific PNP requirements for the province where their spouse resides and include proof of the relationship and the spouse’s residency status in Canada. This pathway offers a route to permanent residency with added benefits for family connections and can be combined with other federal programs, such as Express Entry, for faster processing.

Key Considerations

1. Proving the authenticity of the relationship is critical. Couples must provide extensive documentation to prove their relationship is genuine and not entered into solely for immigration purposes.
2. While not mandatory, consulting an immigration lawyer or certified consultant can help navigate the complex application process and avoid common pitfalls.
3. Understanding Canadian legal and cultural expectations about marriage and partnerships can ease the process and enhance the credibility of the application for international couples.
4. Canada’s immigration system actively monitors for fraudulent marriages. Couples should be prepared for interviews, home visits, or additional scrutiny if deemed necessary.

Obtaining a Canada visa through marriage involves several pathways, each with unique requirements and advantages. Whether applying under spousal sponsorship, as a conjugal partner, or through provincial programs, couples must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and provide compelling evidence of their relationship. With proper preparation and understanding of the process, a successful application can lead to permanent residency and a fulfilling life in Canada.