Canada Spouse Visa from India: Step-by-Step Application Guide for 2025 (Complete Process & Requirements)

Canada Spouse Visa from India: Step-by-Step Application Guide for 2025 (Complete Process & Requirements)

Canada Spouse Visa from India: Step-by-Step Application Guide for 2025

(A Complete Guide by Immigration Pointer)

Applying for a Canada Spouse Visa from India is one of the most reliable and fastest routes to reunite with your partner in Canada. Whether your spouse is a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident (PR), the Canadian government allows them to sponsor you for PR through the Family Class Sponsorship Program.

This guide by Immigration Pointer explains the process, eligibility, documents, fees, biometrics, processing time, and expert tips—everything you need to successfully apply.


1. What Is a Canada Spouse Visa?

The Canada Spouse Visa, officially called Spousal Sponsorship, allows a Canadian citizen or PR to sponsor their legally married spouse for Permanent Residency in Canada.

It has two categories:

Outland Sponsorship

  • For applicants living outside Canada (e.g., India).

  • Allows international travel during processing.

  • Processed by visa offices such as New Delhi.

Inland Sponsorship

  • For applicants already inside Canada.

  • Not applicable if you are applying from India.

For Indian applicants, Outland Sponsorship is the suitable pathway.


2. Eligibility Requirements for Canada Spouse Visa (2025)

To apply, both sponsor and applicant must meet eligibility rules.


Sponsor Eligibility

The sponsoring spouse must be:

  • A Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident (PR)

  • At least 18 years old

  • Living in Canada (Citizens can sponsor from outside Canada but must prove intent to return)

  • Must not be receiving social assistance (except disability benefits)

  • Must prove financial ability to support spouse

Note: There is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship.


Applicant (Indian Spouse) Eligibility

The spouse applying from India must:

  • Be legally married to the sponsor

  • Provide marriage proof and relationship evidence

  • Pass medical & police checks

  • Not be criminally inadmissible

  • Not have misrepresented any immigration information


3. Documents Required for Canada Spouse Visa from India

Here is a complete checklist:

1. Identity & Civil Documents

  • Passport

  • Birth certificate

  • 2 passport-size photos (as per IRCC specifications)

2. Marriage Proof

  • Marriage certificate

  • Wedding photos

  • Invitation cards

  • Bills of wedding venue, decoration, gifts, etc.

3. Relationship Proof

  • WhatsApp/Call logs

  • Video call screenshots

  • Travel proofs

  • Joint bank accounts

  • Joint property or lease

  • Social media posts

  • Affidavits from family/friends

  • Remittance proofs

  • Gifts or courier receipts

4. Sponsor Documents

  • Canadian passport/PR card

  • Employment letter or payslips

  • Notice of assessment (tax documents)

  • Bank statements

  • Sponsorship undertaking form

5. Applicant Documents (India)

  • Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

  • Medical exam results

  • Background declaration forms

  • Travel history

  • Family information form

Each document must be clear and, if needed, translated into English or French.


4. Step-by-Step Canada Spouse Visa Application Process (2025)

Step 1: Check eligibility

Ensure both applicant and sponsor meet IRCC requirements.


Step 2: Gather all documents

Prepare relationship proofs, marriage documents, identity documents, and forms.


Step 3: Create IRCC Online Account

The sponsor must create an account on the IRCC portal and complete the Spousal Sponsorship Package.


Step 4: Submit Forms & Upload Documents

Forms include:

  • IMM 1344 (Sponsorship application)

  • IMM 5533 (Document checklist)

  • IMM 5406 (Family information)

  • IMM 5669 (Background declaration)

  • IMM 5532 (Relationship questionnaire)


Step 5: Pay Government Fees

Typical fees include:

  • Sponsorship fee

  • Processing fee

  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

  • Biometrics fee

Total fees: Approx. CAD $1,050 – $1,200


Step 6: Submit the Application Online

After uploading all documents and submitting the forms, pay the fees and submit the file through your IRCC account.


Step 7: Biometrics Appointment in India

You will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL).
Visit any VFS Canada Centre in India for fingerprints and photos.


Step 8: Medical Examination

Complete the medical exam with a panel physician approved by IRCC.


Step 9: Background & Eligibility Assessment

IRCC reviews:

  • genuineness of relationship

  • criminal checks

  • medical results

  • sponsor financial eligibility


Step 10: Decision & Passport Request

If approved, IRCC sends:

  • Passport Request (PPR)

  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

You will get a PR visa stamped, allowing you to travel to Canada.


5. Processing Time for Canada Spouse Visa from India (2025)

The average processing time is:

⏳ 10–13 months (complete application)

Delays may occur if documents are missing or IRCC needs an interview.


6. Canada Spouse Visa Fees (2025)

Fee Type

Amount (Approx.)

Sponsorship Fee

CAD $85

Principal Applicant Fee

CAD $575

RPRF

CAD $515

Biometrics

CAD $85

Medical Exam

₹6,000–₹10,000

Total estimated cost: CAD $1,050–$1,200 + medical expense


7. Common Reasons for Spouse Visa Rejection

  • Missing relationship proof

  • Not enough communication evidence

  • Incomplete forms

  • Wrong or expired documents

  • Sponsor does not meet eligibility

  • Misrepresentation

  • Doubt about genuine marriage

  • Lack of financial stability

To avoid rejection, ensure your file is strong and complete.


8. Tips to Increase Approval Chances

  • Add maximum relationship evidence

  • Write a clear relationship timeline

  • Provide photos from important events

  • Provide proof of continuous communication

  • Show ongoing financial support (if any)

  • Avoid inconsistent statements

  • Submit all required forms correctly

Professional assistance from consultants like Immigration Pointer can help prepare a perfect file.


Why Choose Immigration Pointer?

At Immigration Pointer, we help Indian applicants with:

  • Spouse visa file preparation

  • Document checklist

  • Strong relationship proof preparation

  • Online application submission

  • Interview guidance

  • Step-by-step updates until approval

Our goal is to make your Canada spouse visa journey easy, transparent, and successful.


10 Most Asked FAQs About Canada Spouse Visa from India

1. How long does it take to get a Canada spouse visa from India?

Usually 10–13 months, depending on case complexity.


2. What is the minimum income to sponsor a spouse?

There is no minimum income requirement, but the sponsor must not be on social assistance.


3. Can the spouse work in Canada after getting PR?

Yes, once PR is granted, the spouse can work, study, or live anywhere in Canada.


4. Do we need to show wedding photos and proof?

Yes, strong relationship evidence is mandatory for approval.


5. Can we apply if the marriage is arranged?

Yes. IRCC accepts love and arranged marriages, as long as the relationship is genuine.


6. Do we need to show a bank balance in India?

Not mandatory, but strong financial documents from the sponsor help.


7. Can I visit Canada while my spouse visa is processing?

You may apply for a visitor visa, but approval is not guaranteed.


8. What if IRCC calls for an interview?

Interviews are rare and usually happen when IRCC doubts the relationship.


9. Can we apply without a consultant?

Yes, but many applicants prefer experts like Immigration Pointer to avoid mistakes and rejections.


10. What happens after the visa is approved?

You receive PPR + COPR, travel to Canada, complete landing, and get your PR card.