If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has applied to sponsor your spouse for permanent residency, you may wonder if your spouse can enter Canada while you wait for the application to be processed.
In this article, we will discuss the options available for spouses who wish to come to Canada while their sponsorship application is still pending.
How Can My Spouse Come to Canada While Waiting for Approval?
The good news is that your spouse may be able to come to Canada while they wait for their permanent residence application to be approved, regardless of which province you’re applying from.
To visit you in Canada, they can apply for a visitor visa.
If they meet the eligibility criteria, their application could be processed more quickly once you, as the sponsor, receive the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR), which confirms that the sponsorship application is underway.
If your spouse or partner comes from a visa-exempt country, they can apply for either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
This will enable them to travel to Canada while the spousal sponsorship application is being reviewed.
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
If your spouse is from a country that needs a visa to enter Canada, they must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
A TRV lets people visit Canada for a short time, usually up to six months.
Immigration officers decide whether to issue the visa.
When applying for a TRV, your spouse must show that they plan to return home after their visit and proof that they have enough money to support themselves while in Canada.
Keep in mind that getting a TRV does not guarantee entry into Canada.
Immigration officers review each application carefully.
With a Temporary Resident Visa, your partner may receive a single entry or multiple entries.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
If your spouse is from a visa-exempt country, they will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before traveling to Canada.
This authorization is linked to their passport and remains valid for up to five years or until the passport expires.
The application process is simple and can easily be done online.
Implications of Visiting While Waiting
While being able to see your partner during the application process is a wonderful opportunity, we at Parsam Immigration want to make you aware of the important implications that come with having your spouse come to Canada while you wait.
Dual Intent
Canada allows the idea of dual intent.
This means a visitor can plan to stay in Canada temporarily while also applying for permanent residency.
However, it’s important to be honest during the immigration process.
If your spouse applies for a TRV or eTA, they must state that they have submitted a sponsorship application and intend to visit Canada for a short time.
Length of Stay
If your spouse visits Canada, they must follow their visa or eTA terms, usually allowing a stay of up to six months.
Work and Study Restrictions
If your spouse is visiting Canada, they cannot work or study without the right permits. Working or studying without permission could harm their application for sponsorship and future visits to Canada.
In Summary
Yes, your spouse can come to Canada while waiting. They need a TRV or an eTA.
It’s important for them to be clear about their plans and follow the rules of their visitor status.
If you need help with their visitor visa application, reach out to us here.
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