Canada Spouse Visa

The Canada Spouse Visa is a Permanent Resident Visa, unlike most other Canada visas. Thai citizens married to Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible for this visa, granting them the opportunity to live and work in Canada legally and indefinitely.

The application process requires sponsorship from the Canadian spouse (the sponsor), which can be accomplished regardless of whether the Thai spouse (the beneficiary) lives inside or outside Canada.

Canada Spouse Visa Eligibility Criteria

To sponsor a Canada Spouse Visa application in Thailand, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
• Be at least 18 years old
• Commit to a written agreement with the Government of Canada or Quebec
• Ensure provision for the basic needs of your spouse for a set period
• Not currently bankrupt, incarcerated, or charged with a serious offense
• Have no criminal charges or defaults on court-ordered support payments
• Not be subject to a removal order if a permanent resident

Your spouse would also need to meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have all the necessary immigration documents such as identity, education, marriage or legal partner documents, and completed application forms
• Must have passed medical exams and have met character requirements
• Must have completed a biometric process

Canada Spouse Visa Requirements

As the sponsor, you'll need to submit several supporting documents. Exactly which documents you need to submit will depend on your individual circumstances. The documents you may have to provide include but are not necessarily limited to:

• Your Canadian passport, Permanent Resident Card, and/or Canadian birth certificate
• Canadian marriage certificate
• If applicable, a divorce decree, death certificate of a previous spouse, or an annulment certificate 
• Proof of sufficient income to support your spouse
• Evidence that your relationship is genuine (e.g. photos together, joint accounts, travel itineraries, etc)

Canada Spouse Visa Application Process

The sponsorship and Permanent Resident Visa applications should be completed and submitted simultaneously. The sponsorship application is reviewed by the Case Processing Center, and upon its approval, the Permanent Resident Visa application is forwarded to the Canadian Visa Office in Thailand.

As the sponsor of this visa, here are the steps you should follow:

1. Download the application kit from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website (www.cic.gc.ca).
2. Fill out all required forms, noting the separate documents for the sponsor and the spouse or common-law partner. The beneficiary's forms must be sent to Thailand for completion and returned to Canada. Collect as much evidence as possible to demonstrate the authenticity of the marriage and include this evidence with the application documents.
3. Once all documents are compiled, it’s time to pay the visa fees. Once you've done that,  send the sponsorship and the beneficiary's permanent resident applications to the Canada Citizenship and Immigration Center for evaluation. If you are missing something or make a mistake on a form, be prepared for possible requests for additional fees or documents. Once the application is complete, it will be forwarded to a Canadian visa office in Thailand for more processing.
4. Wait for the final decision on sponsorship approval from the Canadian visa office. This stage may involve requests for an interview and/or additional documents. Upon sponsorship approval, a Permanent Resident Visa will be granted.

Canada Spouse Visa Processing Time

An immigration officer will review your spouse's eligibility. Typically, the processing duration ranges from 6 to 12 months, which includes the time your spouse will need to provide biometrics to the Canadian immigration authorities. This will be done at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Contact Siam Legal International

We know how important it is to share your home with your loved ones. That's why Siam Legal’s foreign visa team is committed to ensuring you can bring your spouse back home on a Canada Spouse Visa swiftly and successfully. We have over 20 years of experience with the Canadian immigration system, giving us the knowledge and expertise to make your application smooth and stress-free with maximum chances of approval.

Let us handle the specifics, so you can concentrate on planning your future in Canada with your spouse.

Should you have any further questions regarding the Canada Spouse Visa or any other type of Canada Visa, do not hesitate to contact Siam Legal.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Canada Spouse Visa

What is the income requirement to sponsor my spouse to Canada?

Contrary to popular belief, there is no specific income requirement to sponsor your spouse for Canadian residency. This misconception often leads people to think they must meet a certain income level to sponsor their spouse, but that's not the case. Whether or not you can financially support your spouse will be judged by an immigration officer who will take your unique circumstances into account.

Do I need to provide a medical examination and police clearance?

Medical examinations and police clearances are not required immediately but are typically requested 1-2 months after you submit your Canada visa application.

Does my spouse need to pass an IELTS test for the Canada Visa Application?

No, IELTS certification is not required for a Canada Spouse Visa application.

Can I sponsor my spouse if I don't have a job?

If you're without regular income or unemployed, securing a co-sponsor is necessary. However, if your assets are sufficient to fulfill the Affidavit of Support requirements, a co-sponsor is not needed to sponsor your spouse.