Introduction
Canada is globally recognized for its inclusive and humanitarian immigration policies, particularly those designed to reunite families. One of the most sought-after immigration routes is through spousal sponsorship, which allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their foreign spouse or partner for permanent residency. Whether you’re already married to a Canadian or planning to tie the knot soon, this pathway offers a legal and structured route for building a life together in Canada.
The Dependant Visa, commonly referred to in this context as the Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship, is a key part of Canada’s Family Class Immigration category. This program allows spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners to gain permanent resident status when sponsored by their Canadian partner. As of 2025, the Canadian government has prioritized spousal sponsorships with reduced processing times, aiming to reunite families faster while maintaining a thorough review process to prevent misuse.
This guide breaks down every aspect of obtaining a dependant visa through marriage to a Canadian. We’ll walk you through entry-level job opportunities, required documents, application steps, and job websites to help you settle in Canada more efficiently. Whether you’re navigating the relationship from abroad or already living in Canada, this guide serves as a comprehensive resource for successfully immigrating as a dependant.
Entry Level Jobs for Immigrants
After arriving in Canada as a sponsored spouse or partner, many newcomers seek employment to support their household and integrate into Canadian society. While your qualifications may take time to be recognized, entry-level jobs can serve as a stepping stone toward long-term career goals.
Here’s a table outlining popular entry-level roles suitable for sponsored immigrants:
| Job Title | Average Salary (CAD/year) | Skill Level | Language Requirement | Provinces in Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Service Associate | $35,000 – $42,000 | Low | Basic–Intermediate English | Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta |
| Food Counter Attendant | $30,000 – $35,000 | Low | Basic English | Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta |
| Retail Sales Associate | $32,000 – $38,000 | Low | Conversational English | All Provinces |
| Housekeeping Attendant | $29,000 – $34,000 | Low | Basic English | B.C., Saskatchewan |
| Security Guard | $35,000 – $43,000 | Low–Medium | English + Certification | Alberta, Ontario |
| Warehouse Worker | $36,000 – $40,000 | Low | Basic English | Ontario, Quebec |
| Delivery Driver | $37,000 – $45,000 | Low–Medium | English + Driver’s License | All Provinces |
| Kitchen Helper | $28,000 – $34,000 | Low | Basic English | Nova Scotia, Alberta |
| Childcare Assistant | $34,000 – $41,000 | Medium | English + Certification | British Columbia, Ontario |
| Receptionist | $36,000 – $44,000 | Medium | Intermediate English | Quebec, Alberta |
These positions offer quick access to the labor market with minimal barriers. Over time, sponsored spouses may pursue further education, skill upgrades, or professional licensing to unlock more advanced job opportunities.
Application Requirements and Documents
To apply for a Dependant Visa through marriage to a Canadian, both the sponsor (Canadian citizen or PR) and the applicant (foreign spouse or partner) must meet specific eligibility requirements and submit accurate documentation.
1. Eligibility Requirements
Sponsor Must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada (or planning to return).
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability).
- Be financially able to support the spouse for 3 years.
- Not have sponsored another spouse in the past 5 years.
Applicant (Foreign Spouse/Partner) Must:
- Be legally married to the sponsor OR in a common-law or conjugal relationship.
- Pass medical, criminal, and background checks.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Provide complete documentation with translated records (if necessary).
2. Required Documents
For the Sponsor:
- Proof of status in Canada (passport, PR card, or citizenship certificate)
- Financial support agreement
- Notice of Assessment (from CRA) or proof of income
- Identity documents
For the Applicant:
- Valid passport and ID documents
- Marriage certificate (or proof of common-law relationship)
- Photos (passport size, as per IRCC specs)
- Police clearance certificate(s) from all countries lived in over the past 10 years
- Medical examination certificate (from IRCC-approved doctor)
- Language proficiency test (if applying for PR under certain streams)
- Proof of genuine relationship (e.g., photos, emails, chat logs, joint bank accounts, lease agreements)
3. Application Streams
There are two sponsorship options:
- Inland Sponsorship: For couples living together in Canada; allows open work permit during processing.
- Outland Sponsorship: For spouses living outside Canada; can travel while application is processed.
Processing time in 2025 is approximately 8–12 months depending on the volume of applications and completeness of your file.
Employment Websites to Find Opportunities
After receiving permanent resident status, many sponsored individuals seek work immediately. These websites are useful for locating jobs that accept newcomers and offer entry-level positions:
| Website | Description |
|---|---|
| Job Bank Canada | Canada’s official job board with filters for newcomers and skill levels |
| Indeed Canada | Comprehensive listings with visa sponsorship tags |
| Useful for networking and finding Canadian employers open to immigrants | |
| Workopolis | Popular Canadian job board with entry-level and skilled jobs |
| Eluta | Search engine that aggregates job listings from verified employer websites |
| Talent.com | Fast-growing platform with salary estimates and newcomer-friendly jobs |
| Monster Canada | Offers resume tools, career advice, and local job listings |
| CanadaVisa Job Search | Immigration-focused with LMIA-based job postings for foreigners |
When searching for jobs, use keywords like “newcomer,” “entry level,” “no Canadian experience,” or “open to international applicants” for best results.
Conclusion
Marrying a Canadian and applying for a dependant visa is one of the most effective ways to legally immigrate and begin a new chapter in Canada. With a well-organized application, proof of a genuine relationship, and the proper documentation, the spousal sponsorship process is both accessible and generous.
Once in Canada, sponsored spouses can quickly integrate into the workforce by applying for entry-level jobs and gaining Canadian experience. Over time, they may qualify for additional benefits, pursue citizenship, and contribute fully to Canadian society.
Whether you’re living abroad or already in Canada with your partner, following the steps in this guide ensures a smoother transition and greater clarity about your immigration journey. As always, make sure to consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a certified immigration consultant for the most up-to-date and case-specific information.
