Do I need an ECA for a high school degree?

If you have an assessment for at least one post-secondary degree, you will not need an ECA for your high school degree.

What documents are required for the ECA?

Educational documents such as transcripts, diplomas, and degrees. If these documents are not in English or French, you may need to provide translations as well.

How much does an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) cost?

Generally, the cost is about CAN$200 plus the courier charges. The charges will be higher if you are a family, specialist, medical professional, or pharmacist.

How long does it take to get an ECA?

It depends on each designated organization. Generally, it takes a few weeks to a couple of months.

Is an ECA mandatory for all Express Entry candidates?

No, if you have finished your higher studies in Canada, you do not need an ECA.

What is a transcript?

Your official academic record is called a transcript. It mentions the program you studied, your marks and courses. You can get your transcript by contacting your alma mater.

Visitor Visa for Spouse in Canada

A visitor visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for various purposes, including vacation, family visits, and business. If your spouse plans to visit you in Canada, they must apply for a visitor visa as part of a family visit. Nevertheless, your spouse is restricted in length of stay and subject to other conditions at the discretion of the visa officer issuing it.

Open-Work-Permit-for-Spouse-of-PGWP-Holder-Requirements

Types of Visitors Visas Available for a Spouse in Canada

There are 2 types of the Canadian visitor visa: single-entry visa and multiple-entry visa.

1. Single Entry Visa

Usually, your spouse needs a new visa to leave and return to Canada. They can leave and come back to Canada on the original or single entry visa if:

Only visit the U.S or St. Pierre and Miquelon
Return to Canada before expiring the approved stay in Canada
Multiple Entry Visa
Multiple entry visas allow visitors to travel to Canada multiple times for six months.

What are the Requirements You Must Meet to Receive a Visitor Visa for a Spouse?

There are specific requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations that must be met to ensure your immigration officer that your stay in Canada will be temporary.

Demonstrate sufficient funds to maintain yourself and your family members during your stay.
Convince your immigration officer that you will not work temporarily or study in Canada during your stay.
Show a clean police record and be a law-abiding citizen in your native country.
Convince the authority that you will not pose any security risk.
Be in good health. There is no requirement for a medical examination for a visitor visa, but if required, you need to complete medicals.

Application Process: Visitor Visa for Spouse Canada

1. Determine Eligibility: Check if your spouse meets all eligibility requirements, including a valid passport, good health, no criminal records, and strong ties to their native country through employment, family, property, etc.

2. Gather Documents: Collect the required documents, which typically include:

A completed visitor visa application form.
Passport-sized photographs.
Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, etc.).
Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses in Canada.
Travel itinerary (if available).
Any other documents specific to your situation or requested by the Canadian visa office.

3. Complete the application form: Fill out the application form and attach all supporting documents.

4. Pay Fees: The fees for a visitor visa may vary depending on the country from which you are applying. Pay the required fees before submission.
Submit Application: Submit the completed application and the required documents to the nearest Canadian visa office or application centre.

5. Attend Biometrics: Your spouse will get a biometrics instruction letter to complete the biometrics. You can also book your appointment and give biometrics at a visa application centre (VAC).

6. Receive Visa: Once the application is processed, your spouse will receive a decision on the visitor visa in Canada. If approved, they will receive a visitor visa to travel to Canada.

Document Checklist for Canada’s Outland Spousal Sponsorship

Bring Your Spouse to Canada on a Visitor Visa

Get assistance from licensed RCIC experts for your Spouse’s Visitor Visa Application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who needs a visitor visa in Canada?

Any foreign national who wants to visit Canada for vacation, family visits, business meetings, etc., requires a temporary resident visa (TRV) or visitor visa. Nevertheless, citizens of visa-exempt countries may only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a visa.

How long does it take to process a visitor visa application?

Processing times can vary depending on the country you are applying to and the volume of visa applications. IRCC regularly updates processing time on their website.

What is the fee for a visitor visa for spouse in Canada?

Below are the fees for various types of visitor visas and services offered by the Canadian government:

Single or multiple entry temporary resident visa (per person): $100.00
Single or multiple entry temporary resident visa for a family of 5 or more people (per family): $500.00
Extend your stay as a visitor (per person): $100.00
Restore your status as a visitor: No visa fee is required, but a $229.00 fee applies for processing the application.

Please note that these fees are subject to change and you should check the official Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information.

Can spouses extend their stay in Canada on a visitor visa?

Visitors can extend their stay in Canada by applying for a visitor record. A visitor record is not a visa but a document that allows visitors to extend their stay as visitors, for work without a work permit, or as students authorized to study without a study permit.

Contact our team of experts if you need help with a Visitor Visa for your spouse. We have helped hundreds of international students and skilled workers with Canada visitor visa applications for their spouses.

Read More: Visitor Visa to Work Permit Canada