New Rules And Requirements For Spouse Visa In Canada 2024

Canada, with its diverse culture, strong economy, and excellent quality of life, continues to attract individuals from around the globe. For couples looking to build their lives together in Canada, the spouse visa program offers a pathway to reunite and start a new chapter. However, recent updates to the spouse visa rules and requirements in Canada have brought about significant changes, requiring couples to understand a new set of criteria and regulations. In this guide, explore the latest updates to the spouse visa rules in Canada, understand the eligibility criteria, document requirements, and the implications for couples seeking to get together in this welcoming country.

Changes in Spouse Visa Rules

The scenario of spouse visa rules in Canada underwent significant changes with the introduction of new regulations by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In 2023, Canada’s spouse visa eligibility criteria centred around marital status, age, financial capability, criminality checks, and medical examinations. Applicants had to be legally married or in a valid common-law partnership, with both partners at least 18 years old. Financial support for the sponsored spouse and dependents, police clearance certificates, and potential medical examinations were also required. However, as of January 22, 2024, this eligibility criterion has been revised. Now, partners and spouses of international students pursuing master’s or doctoral degree programs in Canada are eligible for a SOWP.

New Rules and Requirements for Spouse Visa in Canada 2024

In 2024, Canada introduced new rules and requirements affecting the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). Despite these changes, there are still pathways for students to bring their spouses with them. Here’s an overview of the new rules and the available options:

1. Application Submission Date: Indian students who submitted their applications before March 19, 2024, are still eligible to bring their spouses under any program, including both diploma and degree courses.

2. Eligible Degree Programs: Under the new regulations, only students enrolled in certain professional degree programs can bring their spouses along.These include:

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
• Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor
• Doctor of Medicine
• Doctor of Optometry
• Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Bachelor of Engineering

3. Additional Requirements for Medical Streams: For programs like pharmacy and nursing, there are extra mathematics requirements to apply for a spousal visa.

4. Options for Arts and Non-Medical Fields: Students pursuing degrees in arts or non-medical fields, such as engineering, law (LLB), or education (BEd), are also eligible to bring their spouses.

5. Pending Applications: The new rules affect applications submitted after March 18, 2024. Applications filed before this date but rejected are also subject to the new regulations.

6. Alternatives for Rejected or Late Applications: Students can bring their spouses after completing their studies and obtaining a work permit, which might require waiting for up to three years. Alternatively, switching to a Master’s or PhD program that allows immediate spousal sponsorship is an option, though it may involve additional costs.

7. Visitor Visa Option: If switching programs is not feasible, students can bring their spouses on a Visitor Visa. However, spouses will not be permitted to work in Canada under this visa.

8. LMIA Work Permit: Obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can enable students to secure work permits and sponsor their spouses accordingly.

These adjustments highlight Canada’s evolving immigration and education policies, making it crucial for prospective international students from India and elsewhere to stay informed and explore all available options for bringing their spouses while studying in Canada.

Increased Scrutiny of Marriages of Convenience

To combat fraud, there will be increased scrutiny of marriages of convenience. Immigration authorities will closely examine the genuineness of the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored spouse. This may include interviews, document verification, and other investigative measures to ensure the marriage is not solely for immigration purposes.

Language Proficiency Requirement

The sponsored spouse may be required to prove their language proficiency in English or French through standardised tests, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF).

Financial Sponsorship Obligations

Sponsors will be subject to increased financial obligations. They will be required to financially support the sponsored spouse and any dependent children for longer. This commitment ensures newcomers have the financial stability they need to settle in and integrate into Canadian society.

Lengthened Processing Times

Due to increased scrutiny and additional requirements, processing times for spouse visa applications may be longer. Planning your application well in advance and preparing for potential delays is crucial.

Why Choose Croyez Immigration?

As you start your journey to apply for a spouse visa in Canada in 2024, you might wonder why you should choose Croyez Immigration for your immigration consultant services. Here are some compelling reasons:

• Expertise: Croyez Immigration is a trusted name in immigration consultancy, with a team of experienced professionals well-versed in the latest Canadian immigration regulations.
• Personalized Guidance: We understand that each immigration case is unique. Croyez Immigration provides personalized guidance tailored to your situation, ensuring you meet all the new spouse visa requirements.
• Up-to-date Knowledge: Our team is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest immigration policies and requirements, including the changes introduced in 2024.
• Document Assistance: We assist you in preparing and organizing all the necessary documents, reducing the chances of errors or omissions that could lead to delays or denials.
• Application Support: Croyez Immigration will guide you through every application process step, from initial assessment to submission and follow-up.
• Reduced Stress: Understanding the spouse visa application process can be stressful. With Croyez Immigration by your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that experts are handling your case.

The new rules and requirements for spouse visas in Canada in 2024 will bring both challenges and opportunities for couples seeking to reunite in this diverse and welcoming nation. Managing these changes successfully requires careful planning, attention to detail, and expert guidance. So if you are in Kochi, India, and are in need of immigration consultant services, Croyez Immigration can be your trusted partner on this journey. With our expertise and personalized support, you can navigate the complexities of the spouse visa application process with confidence, ensuring a smoother path to reuniting with your loved one in Canada.