How to Apply for a Canada Spouse Visa from Australia: Complete Guide (2025)

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for families looking to reunite and settle permanently. If you are living in Australia and your spouse or partner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible to apply for a Canada Spouse Visa, officially known as Spousal Sponsorship under the Family Class Program.

This detailed guide by Immigration Pointer Australia explains everything you need to know about applying for a Canada spouse visa from Australia — including eligibility, documents, application process, fees, and processing time.

What Is a Canada Spouse Visa?

The Canada Spouse Visa allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to live in Canada as a permanent resident.

Once approved, the sponsored spouse can:

• Live, work, and study anywhere in Canada

• Access healthcare benefits

• Eventually apply for Canadian citizenship

Who Can Apply from Australia?

You can apply for a Canada spouse visa from Australia if:

• You are legally residing in Australia (temporary or permanent status)

• Your spouse or partner is a Canadian citizen or PR

• Your relationship is genuine and legally recognized

Applications from Australia fall under Outland Spousal Sponsorship, even if the applicant is living abroad.

Types of Relationships Accepted

Canada recognizes the following relationships for spouse sponsorship:

1. Spouse

• Legally married (marriage must be valid in both countries)

2. Common-Law Partner

• Living together continuously for at least 12 months

• Proof of shared residence and relationship required

3. Conjugal Partner

• Relationship for at least one year

• Marriage or cohabitation not possible due to exceptional circumstances

Eligibility Requirements

✅ Sponsor Eligibility (Canadian Partner)

The sponsor must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Be at least 18 years old

• Not be receiving social assistance (except disability)

• Not have serious criminal convictions

• Agree to financially support the spouse for 3 years

✅ Applicant Eligibility (Spouse in Australia)

The applicant must:

• Pass medical examination

• Provide police clearance certificates

• Prove a genuine relationship

• Not be criminally or medically inadmissible

Documents Required for Canada Spouse Visa

Personal Documents

• Valid passport

• Birth certificate

• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Relationship Proof

• Wedding photos

• Communication records (calls, chats, emails)

• Joint bank statements

• Lease or utility bills

• Travel history together

• Affidavits from friends and family

Sponsor Documents

• Canadian passport or PR card

• Proof of residence in Canada or intent to return

• Income proof (if available)

Other Documents

• Police clearance (Australia + any other country lived in over 6 months)

• Medical exam confirmation

• Digital photos

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure both sponsor and applicant meet sponsorship requirements.

Step 2: Create IRCC Online Account

Applications are submitted online through the IRCC portal.

Step 3: Prepare & Upload Documents

Upload all required forms and relationship evidence carefully.

Step 4: Pay Government Fees

Pay the sponsorship and processing fees online.

Step 5: Biometrics & Medical

• Biometrics appointment (fingerprints + photo)

• Medical exam from an approved panel physician

Step 6: Background & Relationship Review

IRCC verifies documents, relationship authenticity, and security checks.

Step 7: Visa Decision

Once approved, the applicant receives Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

Canada Spouse Visa Fees (Approx.)

• Sponsorship fee: CAD 75

• Principal applicant processing fee: CAD 475

• Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD 515

• Biometrics fee: CAD 85

Total: ~CAD 1,150
(Excludes medical exams and police certificates)

Processing Time from Australia

Average processing time:

• 10 to 14 months

Processing time may vary depending on:

• Completeness of documents

• Background checks

• Interview requirement (if any)

Can the Applicant Work While Waiting?

• If applying outland (from Australia), work rights in Canada start only after PR approval.

• If the applicant enters Canada later, they can work once they become a PR.

Common Reasons for Refusal

• Insufficient relationship proof

• Incomplete or incorrect documents

• Misrepresentation

• Criminal or medical inadmissibility

Professional guidance can significantly reduce refusal risks.

Why Choose Immigration Pointer Australia?

At Immigration Pointer Australia, we provide:
✅ Expert assessment of eligibility
✅ Strong documentation strategy
✅ Genuine relationship presentation
✅ Error-free application filing
✅ End-to-end support until visa decision

We guide applicants from Australia with clarity, transparency, and professionalism.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a Canada spouse visa from Australia is a life-changing step toward family reunification in Canada. While the process is straightforward, strong documentation and proper guidance are critical to success.

If you want expert assistance and peace of mind, Immigration Pointer Australia is here to help you reunite with your loved one in Canada.

✅ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Canada Spouse Visa from Australia

1. Can I apply for a Canada spouse visa while living in Australia?

Yes. You can apply for a Canada spouse visa from Australia through the Outland Spousal Sponsorship program, as long as you are legally residing in Australia and meet all eligibility requirements.

2. How long does it take to process a Canada spouse visa from Australia?

The average processing time is 10 to 14 months, depending on document completeness, background checks, and IRCC workload.

3. Is IELTS required for a Canada spouse visa?

No. IELTS or any English language test is not required for a Canada spouse visa application.

4. Is there a minimum income requirement for spouse sponsorship?

There is no fixed income requirement for sponsoring a spouse, but the sponsor must show they can financially support the applicant and are not receiving social assistance (except disability benefits).

5. Can same-sex couples apply for a Canada spouse visa?

Yes. Canada fully recognizes same-sex marriages and partnerships for spousal sponsorship, provided the relationship is legally valid and genuine.

6. What proof is needed to show a genuine relationship?

IRCC may require:

• Marriage certificate

• Photos together

• Chat and call records

• Joint financial or residential documents

• Travel history

• Affidavits from family and friends

7. Can my spouse work in Canada after approval?

Yes. Once the spouse visa is approved and permanent residence is granted, the applicant can work, study, and live anywhere in Canada without restrictions.

8. Can my spouse visit Canada while the application is in process?

Yes. The applicant may apply for a visitor visa while the spouse sponsorship is in process, but approval is not guaranteed and depends on visa officer assessment.

9. What happens if the Canada spouse visa is refused?

If refused, you may:

• Reapply with stronger documentation

• Address the refusal reasons

• Seek professional guidance to avoid repeat mistakes

Expert help can significantly reduce refusal risks.

10. How can Immigration Pointer Australia help with my application?

Immigration Pointer Australia assists with:

• Eligibility assessment

• Document checklist and review

• Relationship proof preparation

• Online application filing

• Ongoing support until final decision