Once it has been determined by the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) that both the sponsor and the visa applicant meet basic permanent resident visa eligibility requirements, the entire case file is sent to a Canadian visa office overseas for the next stage of processing. At this point, a consular official will decide whether they wish to conduct a selection marriage visa interview, or if they will choose to waive this requirement.

The decision about whether an interview will be conducted is made on a case-by-case basis. Much depends on whether the application is clearly approvable. Family sponsorship applications that are not completed correctly, or contain a lack of supporting documentation will increase the likelihood that an interview will be required. On the other hand, if it is clear that you meet all of the requirements for a spouse, partner, or same sex partner visa, it is quite possible that this requirement will be waived.

During the spouse or partner visa interview, the immigration officer will ask a number of questions to find out more about your case and to ensure that the information on your spousal or partner visa application is honest and accurate. The adjudicating consular official will also ask questions to ensure that your relationship is bona fide, ongoing, and was not entered into solely for immigration purposes. You may be required to bring additional documents to the selection interview. In some cases, the petitioning sponsor may be required to accompany the applicant to the interview.

If the immigration official is satisfied with the interview, and there is no request for additional documentation, the visa application will likely be approved right on the spot. Answering questions incorrectly or committing a material misrepresentation of facts, however, can lead to big delays in processing, or even a refusal of wife, husband or partner visa case.