Spouse Visa Canada: Processing Time, Requirements, Fees
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If the applicants are in Canada on a student visa (study permit) and wish to bring their spouse or common-law partner to Canada, they can apply for a spouse visa in Canada or a common-law partner open work permit for them. This work permit allows spouses or partners to work in Canada while the primary applicant studies. Canada is going to reduce spouse visa permits by more than 1,00,000 lakhs over the next 3 years.
If you are studying in Canada and now you want to take your wife with you then you need a Canada Spouse Visa. It's not only for your wife but common-law partners, or conjugal partners to become permanent residents of Canada. This comes under the family reunification program. There is some eligibility that you need to fulfil to get the spouse visa approved.
As the primary student visa holder, the applicant must have a valid Canada study permit to be eligible to sponsor their spouse or partner visa. Also, ensure that the study permit is in good standing while studying in Canada. According to The country's Immigration Minister Marc Miller, Canada is going to reduce the Spouse visa approval by 1,00,000 in the next 3 years. In this article, we will cover every important information related to a Canada spouse visa, including eligibility, application process and more.
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What is a Spouse Visa in Canada?
A spouse visa in Canada is offered to spouses of those applicants who are either studying in Canada or are permanent residents of Canada. And those whose spouses or partners are settled elsewhere can come to Canada and settle or stay with their partners on a spouse visa in Canada. Thus, there is a process which needs to be followed and fulfil the eligibility criteria in order to apply for a spouse visa in Canada.
Dependent Visa Canada Eligibility
In order to be eligible for a spouse or common-law partner for an open work permit in Canada, applicants must have a valid study permit and be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. The spouse or common-law partner must also meet certain eligibility criteria.
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In Canada, a spouse is a dependent or partner of the applicant already residing in Canada for study or work purposes. The following criteria deem fit for declaring an applicant having a partner or spouse under the Family Law Act of Canada if:
- The applicants are or were married for a certain period of time. Or,
- The two of them have lived with each other in a similar relationship as that of marriage, referred to as common, even if it was for a certain period of time.
Apart from these, the applicant filing a spouse visa application as a sponsor can do it only if his/her partner is either a:
- Spouse: A partner of the applicant with whom he/she is married legally.
- Common-law partner: A relationship where two individuals have lived together for more than 12 months in a marriage-like relationship.
- Conjugal partner: A partner of the applicant who stays out of Canada. The relationship will be considered only if the sponsor and the partner have been in a conjugal relationship for at least one year.
Please note: Criminal inadmissibility or medical issues may affect dependent visa eligibility in Canada. Only upon fulfilling the above criteria, the applicants will be eligible for a dependent visa in Canada.
How to Apply for a Spouse Visa in Canada from India?
The spouse or partner residing in Canada has the authority to apply for an open work permit online or through a Visa Application Center (VAC) for their spouse. The application process for a spouse or common-law partner open work permit involves several steps:
- Step 1: Check out the eligibility criteria and apply on the VAC website.
- Step 2: Apply under family class if:
- The applicant to be sponsored lives outside Canada. Or,
- The sponsored applicant currently lives with the applicant in Canada but doesn’t plan on staying in Canada while the application is being processed.
- The applicant is planning to appeal if the wife's visa Canada application is refused.
-
- Also applicable if a conjugal partner or dependent child is being sponsored.
- Step 3: Gather all important documents and save them in the prescribed format.
- Step 4: The applicant of the spouse or partner must fill out the necessary application forms. These forms are available on the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Step 5: Spouse sponsorship should be submitted which acts as proof of the relationship status of the applicant.
- Step 6: Submit the documents and application.
Documents Required for Spouse Visa Canada
Along with the application form, the applicants would also need to provide supporting documents, such as:
- Marriage certificates
- Common-law partner proof
- Evidence of student status
- Employment proof if aiming to work in Canada with details of the employer
- Proof of income
- Completed application along with the application fee
Spouse Visa Canada Fees
Spouse visa requirements in Canada are more or less the same but can vary with the type of application the applicant submits for their partners. The spouse visa Canada fees for various types of applications or scenarios are tabulated below for reference:
| Type of Spouse Visa Sponsorship in Canada |
Fee Breakup |
|---|---|
| Sponsoring the spouse or partner |
|
| Sponsoring spouse or partner without right of permanent residence fee |
|
| Include any dependent child of the applicant along with the spouse visa application |
CDN 155 per child |
| Independently sponsor a dependent child |
CDN 150 per child |
Please note, that the application fees are dynamic and are subject to change, hence applicants must check the fee before applying and then plan accordingly.
Canada Dependent Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a spouse or common-law partner's open work permit can vary, so it's advisable to apply well in advance by the applicant for their spouse or partner's intended start date for work in Canada. Additionally, consider these important factors:
- Renewal: Open work permits are generally issued for the same duration as the study permit. If applicants wish to extend their study permit, then their spouse or partner should also renew their open work permit accordingly.
- Work Authorization: Once the open work permit is approved, the applicant’s spouse or partner will be authorized to work in Canada. They should be aware of their rights and responsibilities as a worker in Canada.
- Travel: If in case the spouse or partner plans to travel in and out of Canada during the validity of the open work permit, ensure they have all necessary travel documents, including a valid visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Thus, plan ahead of time, as to when to apply and for whom all the applicants will have to apply. Also check the spouse visa processing times, so that nothing clashes at the end of the day. Have more queries? Write to us in the comments below. Or sign up for free Shiksha Abroad Counselling.
Q: Is Cambrian College in Canada a good option for international students?
Cambrian College in Canada is largely recognised as a prestigious institution, making it an attractive option for overseas students. The college provides a wide choice of programmes, and its accreditation guarantees respect to academic standards. Prospective students should carefully assess Cambrian College's suitability in terms of individual programme offers, campus facilities, location, and foreign student support services. The total cost of education, including tuition and living expenses, should also be considered, as well as any available financial help or scholarships. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, check Cambrian College's official website, contact international student services, and speak with current or former international students for firsthand experiences.
Q: How much are Selkirk College tuition fees for international students in Canada?
The Selkirk College tuition fee for international student ranges between INR 7L-INR 12L for Diploma program, INR 8L-INR 11L for the UG program, and INR 9L-10L for PG programs. The tuition fee for popular programs at Selkirk College is given below:
Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
UG Diploma (23 courses) | INR 7 L - 12 L |
BBA (1 course) | INR 8 L |
BSc (4 courses) | INR 8 L - 11 L |
UG certificate (21 courses) | INR 4 L - 11 L |
BA (10 courses) | INR 7 L - 9 L |
PG Diploma (5 courses) | INR 9 L - 10 L |
B.Pharma (1 course) | INR 8 L |
BEd (1 course) | INR 9 L |
Q: What are Algoma University Canada MBA fees?
The Algoma University Business Administration programme fees is around INR 17.5 L for international students. We have mentioned below the complete segregation of Algoma University fees for MBA:
| Tuition Fees | International Students |
|---|---|
| Full-Time Tuition* | INR 16.6 L |
| Required Fees | INR 82k |
| Total | INR 17.4 L |
Q: What is the University of Canada West acceptance rate?
As per some unofficial sources, the University of West Canada acceptance rate is 80%, which means out of every 100 applications, around 80 are selected, which makes it fairly easy to get selected into the university.
The university gives preference to students having higher grades or have exceptional academic or research experience. Hence, having higher grades increases your chance of getting selected at University of West Canada.
Here is the list of eligibility requirements to get into Canadian Universities.
Q: How is studying at Mount Allison University in Canada?
Mount Allison University is one of the reputed universities in Canada that provides excellent programs and follows a brilliant academic culture. It ranked #1 for reputation and library expenses and second for student awards and faculty awards. Mt A is primarily an undergraduate Liberal Arts and Sciences university with over 2,300 students. Students from all over the globe are attracted to the university for its high-quality academic experience, hands-on learning opportunities, rankings, and small class size. The average class size at the university is 41 with student to faculty ratio of 16:1.
Q: How much time is required for an offer letter by St. Clair College, Canada?
International students can apply for St. Clair College admission through the college official portal and submit the required application material before the equal consideration deadline. As application received after the deadline are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. The admission decision on acceptance to the college can take anywhere between 2-6 weeks. However, there is no special mention about admission decision timeline, it is recommended to reach out to the college for further clarity.
Q: What are the requirements for Prince Edward University in Canada for international students?
International students must meet the Prince Edward University admission requirements to apply. Mentioned below are the admission requirments for undergraduate and graduate admission at the University of Prince Edward Island:
UPEI UG admission requirements:
- Must hold a high school Diploma in a relevant discipline
- An overall average of at least 70% score in high school
- Submit a final official high school transcript
- Upload a current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume
- An official English language proficiency test result
UPEI PG admission requirements:
- Must hold a four-year honours or majors baccalaureate or its equivalent in a relevant discipline
- Must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 or an average of 70% or higher in a bachelor’s degree
- Submit two letters of recommendation
- Meet the English language requirements
- Provide additional test score of GMAT/GRE (if required)
- Provide personal statement
- A current resume
UPEI Executive MBA admission requirements:
- Complete an UG degree in any discipline
- An UG degree in the sciences or a degree in any discipline plus considerable work experience in a Science is required for the Biotechnology Management and Entrepreneurship Stream graduates
- Must achieve a minimum average of B (70% or higher) in the last four semesters or last two years of UG study
- Must meet the English language requirements
- Submit additional test score of GMAT (if required)
- Provide personal statement
- A current resume
Also read: Eligibility Criteria to Study in Canada for Indian Students
Q: How is ICM Canada UTP Stage 2 Business Programs?
ICM Canada UTP Stage 2 Business programme equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate Business degree from the University of Manitoba. After completing the first year at ICM, students can complete their second year of the degree from the University of Manitoba. The intakes of this degree are Jan, May, and Sep. Pursuing this course will lead to opening of career opportunities in various fields such as:
- Financial sector
- Industry and trade
- International commerce
- Not-for-profit sector
- Government
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