Your relatives can live, study and work in Canada if they become permanent residents of Canada. You can sponsor certain relatives to come to Canada if you’re at least 18 years old and a:
IMMIGRATION & VISA SPECIALISTS
Everything You Need to Know About Canada Spouse Visa New Rules in 2025
Navigating Canada’s immigration system can be complex, especially with recent updates to policies in 2025. Whether you’re applying for a spouse visa for Canada, seeking an open work permit for a spouse, or sponsoring your partner, it’s essential to stay informed. This blog covers all the latest updates and requirements for a successful application, along with how Sanjay Prasher, a seasoned immigration consultant in North York, Toronto, can assist you.
Canada Spouse Visa New Rules 2025
As of January 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced significant updates:
Stricter eligibility criteria for open work permits for spouses of international students and foreign workers.
Spouses of students must now be enrolled in Master’s programs (16 months or longer), Doctoral programs, or select professional degrees.
For foreign workers, only spouses of those employed in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or specific TEER 2 and 3 occupations aligned with labour market priorities, qualify for open work permits.
Spouse Visa Canada Requirements for Students
International students’ spouses need to provide:
Marriage certificate as proof of relationship.
Evidence of the principal applicant’s enrollment in an eligible program.
A valid study permit for the student.
Proof of financial capacity to support the spouse and dependents.
Spousal Sponsorship Canada Requirements
For Canadian citizens or permanent residents sponsoring a spouse:
Minimum Necessary Income (MNI): Unlike other family sponsorships, no minimum income requirement applies for spousal sponsorship unless dependent children are included.
Proof of genuine relationship through photographs, joint bank accounts, and communication history.
Completed forms like IMM 1344 and IMM 5532.
Canada Family Visa Requirements
Applicants must meet specific documentation requirements:
Passports of both spouses.
Police clearance certificates.
Medical exams.
Marriage certificate and supporting evidence of the relationship.
IRCC Spouse Open Work Permit Update
The open work permit remains a crucial option for spouses of international students and foreign workers. Changes in 2025 make eligibility more restrictive, focusing on skilled employment sectors and advanced academic programs.
Spouse Open Work Permit Canada Document Checklist
To apply for a spouse open work permit, ensure you have:
Copy of the principal applicant’s study or work permit.
Proof of employment or enrollment in an eligible program.
Marriage certificate.
Passport and photographs.
Completed work permit application forms.
Spouse Visa Canada Processing Time
Processing times vary:
Spousal sponsorship applications: Typically take 12 months.
Spouse open work permit: 2-4 months, depending on the application type and IRCC workload.
How Sanjay Prasher expert Immigration Services north York Toronto can Help
With decades of experience and a proven track record, Sanjay Prasher, based in North York, Toronto, provides tailored immigration solutions. Whether you need guidance on the latest Canada spouse visa rules, assistance with your spouse open work permit application, or expert advice on sponsorship requirements, Sanjay’s expertise ensures a seamless process.
Contact Sanjay Prasher at +1 416-857-0100 for a free consultation to simplify your spouse visa journey. Don’t leave your family’s future to chance—get professional guidance today!
Conclusion
Understanding the updated requirements for a spouse visa in Canada is essential in 2025. Whether you're navigating changes to spousal sponsorship, open work permits, or seeking clarity on processing times, staying informed can make all the difference. Trust Sanjay Prasher’s expertise to guide you through these complex processes and secure a positive outcome.
Your relatives can live, study and work in Canada if they become permanent residents of Canada. You can sponsor certain relatives to come to Canada if you’re at least 18 years old and a:
Obtaining and applying for Canadian citizenship can be a long and labour intensive process. We get ahead of these issues with your timely consultation and before they add any delay in term of days or even months to the process of becoming a Canadian Citizen.
