Having a US Green Card (US Permanent Resident status) allows your spouse to travel to Canada easily, but it does not give them the legal right to live or work in Canada permanently. You must still submit a full spousal sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and pay the standard $1,260 CAD processing fee.
Many Canadians find love just across the border. 💗 If your spouse holds a US Green Card (officially known as United States Permanent Resident status), they enjoy a highly privileged travel status. They can cross the Canadian border without needing to apply for a standard Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). This makes maintaining a cross-border relationship significantly easier compared to other nationalities.
However, immigration law is strictly enforced. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) treats US Permanent Residents as visitors. They cannot legally move to Montreal, Ottawa, or Halifax, enroll in public healthcare, or apply for jobs without proper authorization. To make Canada their permanent home, you must sponsor them for Canadian Permanent Residence. Here is the step-by-step process to transition your spouse from a US Green Card holder to a Canadian PR.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Whether your spouse intends to wait in the United States while the application is processed, or move in with you immediately in Canada as a visitor, the official legal pathway generally follows these essential steps.
Step 1: Deciding Between Inland and Outland Processing
Because your spouse can visit Canada easily, you must choose a processing route. If they stay in the US, you will apply under the “Family Class” (Outland). If they physically move in with you in Canada as a visitor, you can apply under the “Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada Class” (Inland). Inland processing allows them to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) so they can work while waiting.
Step 2: Proving the Genuine Relationship
Even though your spouse lives in the US, IRCC still demands rigorous proof that your marriage is real. You must gather joint bank account statements, photographs from trips, chat logs, and proof of visits. 📸 Since travel between the US and Canada is relatively cheap and straightforward, immigration officers will expect to see numerous boarding passes, passport stamps, or gas receipts proving you spent time together.
Step 3: Obtaining Police Certificates
Your spouse must provide police certificates for any country they have lived in for more than 6 months since the age of 18. Because they reside in the US, they absolutely must provide an FBI Identity History Summary. Furthermore, if they have any criminal record in the US, such as a DUI, it could be treated as an indictable offence or summary conviction in Canada, leading to criminal inadmissibility.
Step 4: Completing the Medical Examination
Your spouse cannot use an American medical exam designed for US immigration. They must complete a specific Canadian immigration medical exam. Fortunately, there are dozens of IRCC-approved Panel Physicians located throughout major US cities, so they do not need to fly to Canada just for a doctor’s appointment.
Step 5: Submitting the Application Portal
Once all documents, translations, and forms are collected, the complete package is uploaded through the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal. You must electronically sign the sponsorship undertaking, legally promising to provide basic financial support for your spouse for exactly three years after they become a Canadian Permanent Resident.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Filing a spousal sponsorship involves significant government fees. As of May 2026, couples should budget for the following costs in CAD:
| Requirement | Estimated Fee (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IRCC Processing Fees | $1,260 | Includes the sponsorship fee ($90), principal applicant fee ($570), and Right of PR fee ($600). |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 | Mandatory fingerprinting at a US Application Support Center. |
| FBI Background Check | Approx. $25 ($18 USD) | Required for anyone who has resided in the United States. |
| Lawyer / Law Firm Fees | $2,500 to $5,000 | If you hire legal representation to handle the entire application. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
IRCC strives to process all spousal sponsorship applications-both inland and outland-within 10 to 12 months. If your spouse applies inland and requests a Spousal Open Work Permit, the work permit is generally approved within 3 to 5 months, allowing them to legally earn income and pay taxes to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) while waiting for the final PR decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does my spouse need an eTA to fly to Canada?
No. Lawful permanent residents of the United States (US Green Card holders) are fully exempt from the eTA requirement for all modes of entry into Canada, including air travel. To travel to Canada, they only need to carry a valid passport and official proof of their US status, such as a valid Green Card (Form I-551).
Will my spouse lose their US Green Card?
Applying for Canadian PR does not automatically cancel a US Green Card. However, US law requires Green Card holders to permanently reside in the US. If they move to Canada to wait out inland processing, US border agents may determine they have abandoned their US status.
Can Service Canada issue them a SIN right away?
No. A US Green Card holder cannot get a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) as a visitor. They must wait until they are approved for a Canadian Spousal Open Work Permit or receive their final PR status before Service Canada will issue a SIN.
What if they have a minor criminal charge in the US?
Any criminal conviction, even a minor misdemeanor in the US, can cause severe admissibility issues in Canada. You should consult a Canadian Lawyer to determine if they need a Temporary Resident Permit or Criminal Rehabilitation before applying.
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