How to Get a Free Spousal Visa in Canada for Foreigners in 2025

If you’re married to or in a relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you might be eligible to move to Canada through the Spousal Sponsorship Program. In 2025, the process is more streamlined than ever. And while there’s no such thing as a completely “free” visa, there are ways to avoid many of the usual costs if you qualify.

One of the most common ways to immigrate is through the Spousal Sponsorship Program, which is part of Canada’s Family Class immigration stream. While many assume the process is expensive, there are specific situations where the costs can be reduced or even waived.

Here’s how foreigners can get a spousal visa in Canada in 2025—step-by-step, with links, costs, and tips to save money.

What Is a Spousal Visa in Canada?

A spousal visa allows a foreign national to live, work, and eventually become a permanent resident in Canada, based on their relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Canada recognizes a range of legitimate relationships, including legal marriages, common-law partnerships, and conjugal partnerships.

There are two main ways to apply. The first is Inland Sponsorship, which applies if both partners are living together in Canada when the application is submitted. This route often includes an open work permit so the sponsored person can work while their application is processed. The second is Outland Sponsorship, for those applying from outside Canada. This option typically moves faster and allows for appeals in case of denial.

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Regardless of the route, the main goal of the spousal sponsorship program is to reunite families and give couples the ability to build a future together in Canada.

You can apply under one of two categories:

Inland Spousal Sponsorship – You’re already living in Canada with your spouse.
Outland Spousal Sponsorship – You’re outside Canada when applying.

Both allow the foreign partner to apply for permanent residence (PR) and an open work permit during the process.

Who Can Sponsor a Spouse to Canada in 2025?

The sponsor must meet several requirements. They must be at least 18 years old and either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Sponsors living abroad must show they plan to return to Canada when the sponsored spouse arrives. Also, the sponsor cannot be receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability and must not have been convicted of certain criminal offenses.

Being eligible to sponsor someone doesn’t require a high income. Unlike other immigration streams, there is no minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse. What matters more is proving that the relationship is genuine and not entered into for the purpose of immigration benefits.

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To be eligible to sponsor, your spouse must:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Be at least 18 years old
Live in Canada (or plan to return once the spouse arrives)
Not be receiving social assistance (with exceptions)
Prove the relationship is genuine

In 2025, same-sex marriages, common-law partnerships (at least 12 months living together), and legal marriages are all eligible.

Who Can Be Sponsored for Free?

The sponsorship process isn’t 100% free, but there are no income requirements for spousal sponsorship, and many of the fees can be reduced or waived in certain cases.

You might qualify for free spousal visa processing if:

You’re applying from a low-income country
You or your spouse receive government financial support
You’re sponsored under humanitarian or compassionate grounds
Your sponsor qualifies for a fee waiver due to hardship

For most people, some fees still apply—but we’ll break down how to reduce or avoid them below.

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How Much Does a Spousal Visa Cost in 2025?

Here are the standard 2025 costs in Canadian dollars (CAD):

Sponsorship fee: $85
Principal applicant processing fee: $570
Right of permanent residence fee: $515
Biometrics fee: $85

Total: $1,255 CAD

How to Make It Free or Cheaper:

Apply for a fee waiver if your sponsor is facing financial hardship.
Submit a request for deferred payment with proof of need.
Check for fee exemptions in special cases (refugees, protected persons, or sponsored children under 18).

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Spousal Visa in Canada

Step 1: Gather Relationship Proof

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You’ll need to prove your relationship is real. Include:

Photos together
Chat or call records
Marriage certificate (if married)
Lease agreements or joint bank accounts (if common-law)

Step 2: Fill Out Sponsorship and PR Applications

You can download the latest forms directly from the official IRCC website:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides.html

Look for:

IMM 1344 (Sponsorship Application)
IMM 0008 (Generic PR Application)
Schedule A, Declaration of Sponsor, etc.

Step 3: Pay Fees (or Request Waiver)

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You can pay online via IRCC’s payment portal. If requesting a fee waiver, include a written explanation with documents proving financial hardship.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

You can submit a paper application by mail or apply online through the new IRCC digital portal.

Paper submission address (as of 2025):
CPC Mississauga – 2 Robert Speck Parkway, Suite 1200, Mississauga, ON, Canada

Check the latest address here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application.html

Step 5: Wait for AOR (Acknowledgment of Receipt)

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You’ll receive an email confirming that your application has been received. After that, the processing timeline begins.

Spousal Sponsorship Processing Time in 2025

pousal Visa Processing Time in 2025

In 2025, spousal sponsorship applications are generally processed within 10 to 12 months. Inland applications, especially those involving open work permits, may take slightly longer. IRCC has made efforts to reduce backlogs and improve processing speeds over the past few years, so timelines are more consistent now.

You can check your application status online using the IRCC tracking tool. While waiting, Inland applicants can apply for an open work permit, which usually takes around 3 to 4 months to process. This permit allows the applicant to work for any employer in Canada, which can help financially while waiting for permanent residence.

You can track your application status here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-status.html

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Can I Work While My Spousal Visa Is Processing?

Yes. If you’re applying from inside Canada (inland), you can apply for an Open Work Permit alongside your PR application. It allows you to work anywhere for any employer while waiting for approval.

This is a major benefit, and it can help cover living costs during the process.

Tips to Save Money on Your Spousal Visa

Submit a complete, accurate application the first time to avoid rejections or delays.
Avoid immigration consultants unless absolutely necessary—Canada’s system is DIY-friendly.
Use the official IRCC website for forms and instructions—never pay third-party websites.
Use scanned digital documents to cut mailing or printing costs.
Apply early—processing times can vary, and delays can add stress and expenses.

Final Advice for Foreigners Applying for a Free Spousal Visa in Canada

While the Canadian government charges standard processing fees, there are legal ways to reduce or even waive them. If your sponsor has limited income, or if you’re applying under humanitarian grounds, you may qualify for special fee reductions.

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More importantly, the spousal sponsorship path is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to gain permanent residency in Canada. Once approved, you’ll have access to healthcare, work rights, and the ability to eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.

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