10 Ways to Get Marriage Visa in Canada - Fully Funded Scholarships

Moving to Canada as a spouse of a citizen or permanent resident is a dream for many couples. The Canadian government, through its spousal sponsorship program, makes it possible for married couples to reunite and build a life together in one of the most welcoming countries in the world.

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Obtaining a marriage visa requires attention to detail, thorough documentation, and adherence to legal requirements. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 effective ways to navigate this process successfully.

From eligibility criteria to post-application steps, this article covers all you need to know to get started.

1. Understand the Spousal Sponsorship Program

The spousal sponsorship program is a pathway for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses or common-law partners for permanent residency.

This program emphasizes family reunification and supports both opposite-sex and same-sex marriages.

Key details include:

Financial Responsibility: Sponsors agree to financially support their spouses for three years after obtaining permanent residency.
Relationship Verification: Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) thoroughly reviews applications to ensure the relationship is genuine.
Eligibility of Sponsored Partners: The sponsored partner must not be inadmissible to Canada due to medical, criminal, or security reasons.
Understanding the program’s framework sets the stage for a successful application.

2. Verify Eligibility Requirements

Both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse must meet specific eligibility criteria.

Sponsor Requirements:

Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered under the Indian Act.
Be at least 18 years old.
Demonstrate financial stability and not rely on social assistance (except for disability reasons).
Cannot have sponsored another spouse within the last five years.

Sponsored Spouse Requirements:

Must be legally married to the sponsor.
Be at least 18 years old.
Pass medical, criminal, and security screenings.

Pro Tip: Thoroughly review the IRCC website or consult an immigration expert to ensure you meet all conditions.

3. Prove the Authenticity of Your Marriage

Canadian immigration authorities take relationship fraud seriously. They will carefully evaluate whether your relationship is genuine and not solely for immigration purposes.

How to Prove a Genuine Relationship:

1. Document Your Marriage:

Provide a valid marriage certificate.
Submit photos of your wedding, showing family and friends present.

2. Show Evidence of Communication:

Chat logs, email exchanges, and call records.
Letters or cards exchanged between you and your spouse.

3. Demonstrate Shared Responsibilities:

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Joint bank accounts, shared leases, or property ownership.
Evidence of shared travel or future plans.

4. Affidavits from Family or Friends:

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Statements from close relatives or friends attesting to the authenticity of your relationship.
A well-documented application can avoid delays and rejections.

4. Choose the Right Sponsorship Type: Inland vs. Outland

Deciding whether to apply for inland sponsorship or outland sponsorship depends on your living situation.

Inland Sponsorship:

The spouse being sponsored resides in Canada during the application process.
Allows the applicant to apply for an Open Work Permit while waiting for permanent residency.
Travel outside Canada may be restricted.

Outland Sponsorship:

The sponsored spouse lives outside Canada.
Applications are processed through the visa office in the spouse’s home country.
Allows travel in and out of Canada during the process.

Tip: Inland sponsorship is suitable for spouses already in Canada, while outland sponsorship is ideal for those living abroad.

5. Prepare a Complete Application Package

The application package is the cornerstone of the marriage visa process. It includes forms, documents, and fees that must be submitted to IRCC.

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Required Forms and Documents:

Sponsorship Application (IMM 1344)
Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
Proof of marriage, such as marriage certificates and photos.
Police certificates from all countries where the spouse lived for six months or more.
Medical examination results conducted by an approved physician.
Proof of financial support, such as income tax returns or pay stubs.

Important: Double-check all forms and documents for accuracy before submission.

6. Budget for the Costs

Applying for a marriage visa comes with associated fees. Budgeting for these costs ensures a smoother process.

Table: Breakdown of Costs for a Marriage Visa

Expense Cost (CAD)

Sponsorship Processing Fee $75

Principal Applicant Fee $570

Right of Permanent Residence Fee $515

Biometrics Fee $85

Medical Examination $250

Police Clearance Certificates $75

Total Estimated Cost: $1,570

These fees must be paid at various stages, and failure to pay promptly may delay the application.

7. Pass Medical and Security Screenings

To protect public health and safety, Canada requires applicants to pass medical and security screenings.

Medical Examination:

Conducted by an IRCC-approved physician.
Includes a physical exam, blood tests, and chest X-rays.

Security Screening:

Police certificates from all countries where the applicant has lived since age 18 are mandatory.
IRCC may perform additional background checks.

Tip: Schedule your medical exam early to avoid delays.

8. Address Common Application Mistakes

Many applications are delayed or denied due to avoidable errors. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Incomplete Forms: Ensure all forms are complete and signed.
Missing Evidence: Provide comprehensive proof of your relationship.
Incorrect Fees: Confirm the total fees before payment.
Failure to Translate Documents: Include certified translations for documents not in English or French.

Attention to detail can prevent costly setbacks.

9. Consider Seeking Professional Assistance

If you find the process overwhelming, consider hiring an immigration lawyer or a regulated consultant.

Benefits of Professional Guidance:

Expert knowledge of IRCC requirements.
Assistance with complex cases, such as prior sponsorship refusals.
Help with organizing and submitting documents.
Choose a professional registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) for reliable assistance.

10. Prepare for the Interview (if Required)

In some cases, IRCC may require an interview to assess the authenticity of your relationship.

Tips for a Successful Interview:

Be honest and consistent in your answers.
Prepare for personal questions about your relationship, such as: How did you meet? What do you know about your spouse’s family? What are your future plans together?
Bring additional evidence of your relationship, such as recent photos or correspondence.

The interview is an opportunity to reinforce the authenticity of your relationship.

FAQs on 10 Ways To Get Marriage Visa In Canada

Can I sponsor my spouse if I am unemployed?

Yes, unemployment does not disqualify you from sponsoring your spouse. However, you must demonstrate that you are not receiving social assistance (except for disability benefits) and can meet financial obligations.

Can I appeal if my application is denied?

Yes, you can appeal a refusal through the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) if you believe the decision was incorrect. Consult a lawyer for guidance on the appeals process.

How long does the spousal sponsorship process take?

Processing times vary but typically range from 12 to 18 months, depending on the application stream and the complexity of your case.

Can my spouse work in Canada during the application process?

Inland applicants can apply for an Open Work Permit, allowing them to work while waiting for their permanent residency decision.

What happens if my spouse is inadmissible?

If the sponsored spouse is deemed inadmissible (due to medical or security issues), the application will be rejected. However, you may seek a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) in certain cases.

Can I sponsor my spouse if we’ve been married for less than a year?

Yes, there is no minimum marriage duration requirement for spousal sponsorship. However, ensure your relationship is genuine and well-documented.

Is common-law sponsorship different from marriage sponsorship?

No, both programs fall under the spousal sponsorship category. Common-law sponsorship applies to couples who have lived together for at least 12 months in a conjugal relationship.

Can I sponsor my spouse if I live outside Canada?

Yes, Canadian citizens living abroad can sponsor their spouse as long as they prove their intent to return to Canada once the sponsorship application is approved. Permanent residents, however, must reside in Canada during the sponsorship process.

What happens if I have sponsored a spouse before?

If you sponsored a previous spouse, you cannot sponsor another spouse until five years have passed since the previous spouse became a permanent resident.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for a marriage visa?

No, hiring a lawyer is not mandatory. However, if your case is complex or you have previously faced refusals, legal assistance may improve your chances of success.

Can my spouse bring dependents on the same application?

Yes, dependent children of the sponsored spouse can be included in the application, provided they meet the definition of a dependent under Canadian immigration law.

Can a marriage visa be revoked?

Yes, a marriage visa can be revoked if the relationship ends within the sponsorship period or if fraud is discovered. Sponsors must report any changes in the relationship status to IRCC.

Wrapping Up

Obtaining a marriage visa in Canada is a structured but rewarding process. By understanding the spousal sponsorship program, meeting eligibility criteria, and submitting a comprehensive application, you can maximize your chances of success.

Be prepared for every step, from proving your relationship to passing medical and security screenings.

If you encounter challenges, seeking professional guidance can make a significant difference. Canada values family reunification, and its spousal sponsorship program reflects this commitment.

By carefully following the steps outlined in this guide and avoiding common mistakes, you can turn the dream of living with your spouse in Canada into a reality.

Results

#1. What is your primary reason for considering a marriage visa?

#2. Do you know which documents are required for a marriage visa application?

#3. How soon are you planning to apply for a marriage visa?

#4. Are you aware of the benefits a marriage visa provides?

#5. Which challenge do you think is the hardest part of applying for a marriage visa?

#6. What support would be most helpful to you during the application process?