If you get married, divorced, or enter a common-law relationship while your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is processing, you must notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) immediately. Failing to update your file can lead to a refusal or a 5-year ban for misrepresentation.
Life can change quickly, and the processing times for a Canadian visa can sometimes stretch for months. If your personal circumstances change after you hit the submit button on your TRV application, your legal obligations do not stop there. Under Canadian immigration law, applicants have a strict duty of candour, meaning you must keep your application perfectly accurate until the day you arrive in Canada.
Changing your marital status without telling the government is one of the most common mistakes applicants make. 📝 The good news is that updating your file is straightforward if you follow the correct procedures. If your case is complex, we highly recommend searching our directory for an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer to assist you with the update.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada (Federal IRCC)
Since immigration is a federal matter, this process applies to everyone applying to enter Canada, whether your final destination is Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary. Here is how you generally update your marital status with IRCC.
Step 1: Obtain the Official Legal Documents
Before contacting IRCC, you need proof of your new status. If you got married, you need your official marriage certificate. If you separated or divorced, you need a separation agreement or a final divorce decree. If you entered a common-law relationship (living together for at least 12 continuous months), you must prepare the evidence of your cohabitation.
Step 2: Translate the Documents (If Required)
IRCC only accepts documents in English or French. 🌎 If your marriage certificate from your home country is in another language, you must hire a certified translator. You will need to submit the translation, an affidavit from the translator, and a certified copy of the original document.
Step 3: Complete the Required Forms
If you are declaring a new common-law partner, you generally must complete Form IMM 5409 (Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union). Both you and your partner must sign this form, and it must be witnessed by a notary public or commissioner of oaths. If you are adding a spouse, you may also need to fill out an updated IMM 5645 or IMM 5406 (Family Information Form).
Step 4: Submit the Update via the IRCC Webform
Do not mail physical documents unless specifically asked. You must use the official IRCC Webform online. Select the option that your application is in progress, enter your Application Number and Unique Client Identifier (UCI), and write a short, clear letter of explanation. Upload your new forms and translated documents as PDF attachments.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Updating your file directly with IRCC does not require an extra government processing fee. However, preparing the documents properly involves several third-party costs. Here are the estimates as of May 2026:
| Service / Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| IRCC Webform Submission | $0 CAD (Free government service). |
| Certified Document Translation | Typically $50 to $150 CAD per page. |
| Notary Public (for IMM 5409) | Generally $40 to $80 CAD per signature. |
| Lawyer Fees (Consultation & Update) | Usually $300 to $800 CAD to review and submit safely. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
You must notify IRCC the moment you receive your official documents. Once you submit the Webform, it typically takes IRCC about 3 to 4 weeks to read the message and attach the new documents to your pending TRV application. If they need more information from you, they will send a procedural fairness letter to your online portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will changing my marital status delay my TRV processing?
It is possible. Whenever you add new information to your file, an officer must review it to ensure it does not change your eligibility. However, a slight delay is much better than arriving at the border with incorrect documents and facing a ban.
What happens if my visa is approved before I tell them?
If your visa is issued but you got married before travelling, your visa is technically based on false information. You must stop, submit a Webform to explain the situation, and wait for IRCC guidance before attempting to board a flight to Canada.
Can I add my new spouse to my TRV application so we travel together?
No. TRV applications are processed individually. If your new spouse wants to visit Canada with you, they must create their own IRCC portal account, pay the $100 CAD application fee, and apply for their own visitor visa, linking it to your application as a family member.
Do I have to update IRCC about a divorce if my ex-spouse is not coming?
Yes. You must ensure your family information is 100% accurate. Even if they are not travelling with you, changing from married to divorced alters your ties to your home country, which is a major factor in visa decisions.
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