Introduction
Canada offers one of the most inclusive and transparent immigration systems in the world. Among the various pathways to becoming a Canadian resident, one of the most common and human-centric routes is through spousal sponsorship or the Dependant Visa. If you are a foreign national and are married to, or in a common-law relationship with, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible to join them and even apply for permanent residency yourself. As of 2025, Canada’s immigration programs continue to support family reunification, making it possible for spouses and dependent children to live, work, and thrive in the country together.
A dependant visa, specifically under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship Program, is a subcategory of the Family Class immigration stream. This visa is not only a ticket to join your loved one in Canada but also opens doors to legal employment, access to healthcare, and potential permanent residence. In most cases, applicants can receive an open work permit while their sponsorship application is processed, allowing them to work for any Canadian employer without restriction.
Navigating this pathway successfully requires a clear understanding of eligibility criteria, documentation, timelines, and available job opportunities once in Canada. Whether you’re already married to a Canadian or planning to do so soon, this 2025 guide will provide the critical insights you need to make informed decisions and prepare your application with confidence.
Entry Level Jobs for Immigrants
Upon arrival in Canada on a dependant visa, most sponsored spouses or partners receive an open work permit, which allows them to work in any occupation. Here are some entry-level jobs that are readily accessible and in high demand, even for newcomers with limited Canadian work experience:
| Job Title | Description | Average Annual Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service Representative | Works in call centers or retail; assists clients with inquiries and support | $35,000 – $45,000 |
| Food Counter Attendant | Assists with serving food in cafes, fast-food restaurants, or cafeterias | $28,000 – $35,000 |
| Cleaner/Janitorial Staff | Cleans residential, commercial, or industrial facilities | $30,000 – $38,000 |
| Retail Sales Associate | Sells goods in retail stores and provides customer service | $32,000 – $42,000 |
| Warehouse Associate | Handles shipping, packing, and inventory in distribution centers | $31,000 – $45,000 |
| Housekeeper | Works in hotels, resorts, or private homes; responsible for cleaning duties | $29,000 – $37,000 |
| Delivery Driver | Delivers goods using company vehicles or personal cars | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| Home Support Worker | Assists seniors or disabled persons with daily tasks and companionship | $32,000 – $44,000 |
Many of these jobs are stepping stones that lead to better roles once you gain Canadian experience and upgrade your qualifications or language skills.
Application Requirements and Documents
Applying for a dependant visa under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship Program in 2025 involves several steps, whether you’re applying from inside or outside Canada. Here’s what you need to know:
Eligibility Criteria for the Sponsor (Canadian citizen or PR):
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Must reside in Canada, or plan to return once the spouse arrives
- Must not be receiving social assistance, except for disability
- Must demonstrate the ability to financially support the sponsored person
- Must not have sponsored another spouse within the last 5 years
Eligibility Criteria for the Applicant (Dependant/Spouse):
- Must be legally married to the sponsor, or in a common-law relationship of at least 12 months
- Must undergo medical exams
- Must submit police clearance certificates
- Must not be inadmissible due to criminal or immigration violations
- Can apply from inside or outside Canada
Required Documents:
From the Sponsor:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or PR (passport, PR card, or birth certificate)
- Financial documentation (e.g., recent Notice of Assessment or employment letter)
- Identity documents (driver’s license, health card)
- Sponsorship agreement and undertaking form
From the Sponsored Spouse:
- Valid passport
- Marriage certificate (translated if not in English or French)
- Photographs of the couple (for proof of genuine relationship)
- Supporting evidence of relationship (emails, joint bank accounts, lease agreements, etc.)
- Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 6+ months since age 18
- Medical examination results by an approved panel physician
- Completed forms: IMM 5406, IMM 5532, IMM 1344, and IMM 0008
Processing Time & Fees:
- Average processing time (as of 2025): 12 months
- Sponsorship application fee: $1,080 CAD
- Biometrics: $85 CAD
- Medical exam: Varies by country (typically $200–$300 CAD)
Work Permit Option:
Applicants applying from inside Canada (inland sponsorship) are eligible for an Open Work Permit, which lets them work while awaiting a decision. Apply using Form IMM 5710 and pay the associated fee of $255 CAD.
Employment Websites to Find Opportunities
Once you’ve received your open work permit, you can begin job hunting immediately. Canada offers a variety of digital platforms for job seekers, including those new to the country:
| Website | Features |
|---|---|
| Job Bank Canada | Official government portal listing jobs across all provinces jobbank.gc.ca |
| Indeed Canada | One of Canada’s largest job aggregators; use filters like “no experience” or “entry-level” |
| WorkBC | British Columbia’s job site, offering career resources and local job posts |
| Monster.ca | Offers a wide range of general and specialized positions |
| Jobboom | Quebec-focused job board with French and English options |
| Eluta.ca | Aggregates listings directly from employer websites |
| LinkedIn Jobs | Excellent for building professional networks and connecting with recruiters |
| Settlement.org | Employment and settlement help for newcomers in Ontario |
Tips for Finding Your First Job in Canada:
- Prepare a Canadian-style resume (focus on skills, omit personal info like age or marital status)
- Join local newcomer employment programs and job readiness workshops
- Obtain references from your home country or volunteer roles in Canada
- Apply for a SIN (Social Insurance Number) immediately to work legally
Conclusion
For many immigrants, marrying a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and moving to Canada through the Dependant Visa pathway offers a powerful opportunity to start a new chapter in life. Canada’s immigration policies are built around family reunification, and in 2025, the process is more accessible than ever—with the right information, preparation, and documents in place.
Whether you’re applying from abroad or already in Canada, the spousal sponsorship program ensures you can join your loved one and begin building a shared life. Once granted a work permit, you’ll have access to Canada’s job market, social programs, and even the potential for permanent residency and citizenship in the future.
From understanding the eligibility criteria and gathering required documents to securing employment and settling into Canadian society, this guide equips you with all the tools necessary for success. Remember, each application is unique, and while the process is straightforward, attention to detail and proper legal support can make a significant difference.
Start your journey today—Canada is not just welcoming you as a visitor, but as a future citizen, partner, and contributor to its vibrant multicultural society.
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