Bringing Your Spouse to Canada on a Student Visa

If you are applying for a student visa for Canada, you might also want to consider bringing your spouse. There are specific requirements and processes to follow to ensure your spouse can accompany you to Canada.

How to Bring Your Spouse to Canada

You can definitely apply to bring your spouse with you to Canada. However, it is important to note that if you bring your spouse as a student, they would be required to pay international student tuition fees, which can be extremely expensive.

Instead, it is more advisable to apply for your spouse to come to Canada as a Permanent Resident. By doing so, they will not have to pay international student fees and can get a better understanding of life in Canada.

Requirements for Sponsorship

To sponsor your spouse as a Permanent Resident, you will need to meet certain financial obligations. You will need to demonstrate that you have the financial means to support your spouse. The exact amount required is stated on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Documents Needed

When applying to sponsor your spouse, you will need to provide several documents to meet the eligibility requirements:

Completed application forms Proof of status in Canada Identity documents for both you and your spouse Marriage certificate Pull certificates and clearances from all countries your spouse has lived in for six months or longer past the age of 18 Medical certificate for your spouse Proof of payment for applicable government fees Digital photo of you and your spouse Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation questionnaire Marriage certificate, if applicable Documents for any children you and your spouse have together, such as birth certificates or adoption records Proof of registration of marriage with a government authority

Work and Study Permits for Your Spouse

After your spouse arrives in Canada, they can apply for an open work permit. This allows them to work for any employer in any occupation other than work that is specifically regulated by law. An open work permit is valid for up to three years.

Your spouse can also apply for a study permit if they want to pursue further education in Canada. However, they will need to provide a letter from your university indicating that they are accompanying you.

It is worth noting that your spouse will need to establish the genuineness of the marriage. Visa officers are highly suspicious of marriages formed only to obtain a visa to Canada. Therefore, it is important to maintain a genuine relationship and to provide all necessary documentation to support this.

After living in Canada as a permanent resident for three years or a total of 1095 days, your spouse will be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Conclusion

Bringing your spouse to Canada involves specific processes and requirements. By understanding these requirements and following the necessary steps, you can ensure a smoother transition for everyone involved.