Want to study in Canada with your partner beside you?
Applying for a spouse visa can feel overwhelming, especially when you are new to Canada’s immigration system. But with the right information, the process becomes much easier.

This guide explains everything requirements, application steps, new 2024 rules, and helpful tips to avoid delays.

Eligibility & Requirements

Before applying for a spousal work permit, your marriage or relationship must be genuine and usually at least one year old.

To qualify, you must provide:

✔ Financial Stability

You must show that you have enough money to support:

• Yourself

• Your spouse

• Any dependents
  This includes covering tuition, living costs, and health insurance.

✔ Acceptance Letter

You need an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a recognized Canadian university, college, or CEGEP.

✔ Language Skills

You must meet the language requirements using:

• IELTS

• CELPIP

• Any other approved test

✔ Valid Documentation

You must submit:

• Marriage certificate

• Proof of relationship

• Financial proof

• Travel documents

• Identification papers

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Applying for a spouse visa involves several steps. Here’s the simplified process:

1. Gather Documents

Collect all required documents and organize them clearly.

2. Fill Out Application Forms

Download forms from the IRCC website and complete them without errors.

3. Pay Application Fees

Make sure to pay fees on time.

4. Submit the Application

You may apply:

• Online

• By mail
  Follow IRCC instructions carefully.

5. Undergo a Medical Exam

Both you and your spouse may need medical examinations from IRCC-approved doctors.

6. Wait for Processing

Processing times vary, so monitor your application through your IRCC account.

Extra Tips to Speed Up the Process

• Apply Together
  Submitting your student visa and your spouse’s work permit application together may reduce delays.

• Seek Professional Advice
  An immigration consultant can guide you through confusing steps.

• Stay Updated
  Immigration rules change regularly. Always check official IRCC updates.

Spouse Open Work Permit (OWP) in Canada

An Open Work Permit allows your spouse to:

• Work for any employer

• In any field

• Without needing a job offer

This is extremely useful for spouses who want to:

• Support household income

• Gain Canadian work experience

• Begin their own career journey in Canada

Who Can Apply for an OWP?

You’re eligible if:

• You are the spouse/common-law partner of someone with temporary status (student visa, worker visa).

• Your relationship is genuine and has lasted at least one year.

• You meet medical and security requirements.

• You pay the application fees.

Benefits of a Spousal Open Work Permit

Your spouse gets:

• The freedom to work anywhere without restrictions

• Canadian work experience

• Financial independence

• Opportunities to build a career

How to Apply for a Spousal OWP

Steps:

• Collect documents (passport, marriage proof, spouse’s study/work permits, financial papers)

• Fill out the OWP application form

• Pay the fees

• Apply online or by mail

• Complete medical exams (if required)

• Wait for the IRCC decision

Processing Time for OWPs

Processing time depends on:

• The applicant’s country

• Complexity of the case

• IRCC workload

Typically, expect a few months before receiving a decision.

New Rules for Spouses of International Students (January 2024)

Major Change

Only spouses of students enrolled in:

• Master’s programs

• Doctoral programs

• Medical or Law programs

can apply for Open Work Permits.

Who is NOT eligible?

Spouses of:

• Undergraduate students

• Diploma students
  are no longer automatically eligible for OWP (unless they apply under Spousal Sponsorship).

Important Points to Know

• Current OWP applications are not affected.

• New rules apply only to applications after January 22, 2024.

• Spouses can still visit Canada on a Visitor Visa.

Other Visa Options for Spouses in 2024

If the spouse is not eligible for an OWP, they may consider:

✔ Visitor Visa

Allows them to stay in Canada but not work.

✔ Spousal Sponsorship (Permanent Residency)

A longer process but provides PR after approval.

Spousal Sponsorship Pathway – Key Requirements

To qualify:

• Both spouses must be 18 or older.

• You must be legally married or in a common-law relationship for at least one year.

• The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

• The sponsor must show they can financially support the spouse for three years.

• Both must pass medical and security checks.

How to Apply for Spousal Sponsorship

You must submit:

• Marriage/common-law proof

• Financial documents

• Proof of relationship (photos, chats, travel history)

• Medical exams

• Police certificates

Processing time: 12–24 months

Cost includes:

• Sponsorship application fees

• Medical exam fees

• Police clearance fees

• Consultant/legal fees (optional)

Benefits of Spousal Sponsorship

Once approved:

• You become a permanent resident

• You can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada

• You can sponsor eligible family members

Final Thoughts

Getting a spouse visa for Canada requires careful planning, proper documents, and awareness of current rules. Whether you’re applying for a Spousal OWP or PR sponsorship, the key is to:

• Meet eligibility requirements

• Provide strong proof of relationship

• Stay updated with IRCC policies

• Seek professional guidance when needed

With proper preparation, you can reunite with your loved one and start your life together in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a student get a spouse visa in Canada?

Yes. But since Feb 2024, only spouses of master’s and PhD students can work in Canada.

2. What are the new spouse visa rules in 2024?

Sponsors must meet financial requirements, complete medicals, and provide police certificates.

3. How long does a spouse visa take in 2024?

Around 12–24 months.

4. What are the new rules for international students in 2024?

Canada introduced:

• Caps on student permits

• New rules for spousal work permits

• Higher financial proof requirements