Bringing Wife On Tourist Visa In Canada: Advice from an Immigration Consultant

[drummerlover33]

Hi all,

Canadian PR here trying to bring my wife from a "tourist visa required" country to Canada. I was initially exploring outland sponsorship, but had a chat with a consultant earlier who said that bringing my wife to Canada on a tourist visa and applying inland spousal + open work permit was a good idea — as long as the tourist visa is approved.

I'd like to sound this off with some of you. Is this actually a good idea? Asking as I've heard horror stories where the spouse actually gets approved for a tourist visa, only to be denied entry into Canada at the point of entry. Or stories about applications being in limbo for years leaving spouses in "tourist visa" status for very long times. Or even ones about being refused re-entry to Canada when flagpoling (I think this needs to be done to "activate" work permit and PR status once approved?), and being stuck without status between the US and Canada.

Hoping to get some insights, especially from senior members and those who actually went through this!

Thanks!

 

[canuck78]

Hi all,

Canadian PR here trying to bring my wife from a "tourist visa required" country to Canada. I was initially exploring outland sponsorship, but had a chat with a consultant earlier who said that bringing my wife to Canada on a tourist visa and applying inland spousal + open work permit was a good idea — as long as the tourist visa is approved.

I'd like to sound this off with some of you. Is this actually a good idea? Asking as I've heard horror stories where the spouse actually gets approved for a tourist visa, only to be denied entry into Canada at the point of entry. Or stories about applications being in limbo for years leaving spouses in "tourist visa" status for very long times. Or even ones about being refused re-entry to Canada when flagpoling (I think this needs to be done to "activate" work permit and PR status once approved?), and being stuck without status between the US and Canada.

Hoping to get some insights, especially from senior members and those who actually went through this!

Thanks!

It can be different for spouses of PRs or citizens to get a TRV so that is the primary obstacle. If you do inland sponsorship your spouse needs to remain in Canada during the process. A short trip is possible but always comes with risk of potential issues with reentry. In most province a spouse on a TRV doesn’t qualify for healthcare so that can also be a factor. If your spouse is able to get a TRV and doesn’t want to leave Canada for around a year then it’s a good option. A spouse can also apply for an OWP which can get them access to healthcare if they find a job. Flagpoling doesn’t actually lead to you leaving the country. Flagpoling isn’t an option at the moment but virtual landing is now possible. If you are able to get a TRV it is really a personal decision based on your own circumstances. If a spouse can’t work for around 6 months that can also be a deciding factor.

 

[drummerlover33]

It can be different for spouses of PRs or citizens to get a TRV so that is the primary obstacle. If you do inland sponsorship your spouse needs to remain in Canada during the process. A short trip is possible but always comes with risk of potential issues with reentry. In most province a spouse on a TRV doesn’t qualify for healthcare so that can also be a factor. If your spouse is able to get a TRV and doesn’t want to leave Canada for around a year then it’s a good option. A spouse can also apply for an OWP which can get them access to healthcare if they find a job. Flagpoling doesn’t actually lead to you leaving the country. Flagpoling isn’t an option at the moment but virtual landing is now possible. If you are able to get a TRV it is really a personal decision based on your own circumstances. If a spouse can’t work for around 6 months that can also be a deciding factor.

Thanks @canuck78! I've noticed that you're super helpful around the forum, and I really appreciate that.

Good to know that TRV + inland isn't as scary as it sounds, despite the inherent risks that come with it. Would you know if there's any thread in this forum centered around getting TRV for spouses of PRs or citizens?

 

[canuck78]

Thanks @canuck78! I've noticed that you're super helpful around the forum, and I really appreciate that.

Good to know that TRV + inland isn't as scary as it sounds, despite the inherent risks that come with it. Would you know if there's any thread in this forum centered around getting TRV for spouses of PRs or citizens?

Just posts in visitor section. It is certainly easier during covid than it was before covid. Assume that was due to delays in processing sponsorship and mental health reasons associated with being alone during covid. There is a good chance that the lower approval rates will return eventually. Approval/refusal is very dependent on individual cases. Chances increase if your spouse can show strong ties to their home country like longterm job, property, savings, previous travel history, etc.