7 Essential Requirements to Marry a Canadian Citizen

For many who dream of building a life with a partner from another country, marrying a Canadian citizen is a cherished goal. However, an international marriage is not only about love, it also involves a series of legal and administrative requirements that must be fulfilled.

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Here’s a breakdown of the seven essential requirements you need to know before marrying a Canadian citizen:

1. Comply with Canadian Marriage Laws

To marry a Canadian citizen, you must adhere to the local laws of the province where the marriage will take place. While each province in Canada has its own rules, a common requirement is that both individuals must be at least 19 years old. Foreign nationals planning to marry in Canada must obtain a Marriage License from the local civil registry office.

Commonly required documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of single status. If previously married, a divorce certificate is also required. Make sure all documents are translated into English or French by a certified translator and legalized if necessary. Since this process may take time, prepare these documents well in advance.

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2. Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)

One of the most crucial documents is the Certificate of No Impediment (CNI), which proves that you are not currently married. The CNI is usually issued by your country’s embassy or consulate in Canada. For Indonesian citizens, this document must be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Ottawa, or the consulates in Toronto or Vancouver.

To apply for the CNI, prepare documents such as your birth certificate, passport copy, national ID copy, and proof of address. If you were previously married, a divorce certificate or death certificate of your former spouse is also required. Since the process may take weeks, apply 2 to 3 months before your wedding date.

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3. Document Translation and Legalization

Any document not originally in English or French must be translated by a certified translator and then legalized. For instance, Indonesian birth certificates, CNIs, or divorce papers must be translated into English and then legalized by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Indonesia, before being submitted to the Canadian embassy or local government office.

Legalization costs can range between Rp500,000 to Rp2,000,000 per document, depending on complexity and the agency handling it. Always keep original copies as backup, especially for future processes like visa applications.

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4. Marriage Registration in Your Home Country

If the marriage takes place in Canada, you must register it in your home country to ensure it is legally recognized. According to Law No. 23 of 2006 on Population Administration, Indonesian citizens must report their marriage to the Population and Civil Registry Office (Disdukcapil) within 30 days of returning to Indonesia.

Required documents include the Canadian marriage certificate, the CNI, and their official translations. If the marriage is held in Indonesia, registration must be done at the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) or Disdukcapil. Canadian citizens must meet all applicable local requirements, including a valid visitor visa and CNI.

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5. Visa and Residency Requirements

Once married, the next step is to apply for a visa or residency permit to live in Canada with your spouse. This is typically done through the Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship Program, where the Canadian partner must act as the sponsor.

You must prove that your relationship is genuine and has lasted for at least two years. Required documents include the marriage certificate, proof of relationship, and financial documents from the sponsor.

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Note that Canadian immigration authorities are strict in screening to prevent fraudulent marriages. The verification process can take up to 12 months, so apply as soon as possible. Canada also allows dual citizenship, so you won’t have to give up your original nationality.

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6. Understanding Cultural and Legal Differences

When marrying a Canadian, it’s important to understand the cultural and legal implications. Canada is a diverse nation that highly values gender equality, personal freedom, and the rule of law. Have open conversations with your partner about each other’s cultural expectations, this includes topics such as household roles and child-rearing responsibilities to avoid future conflicts.

Consider drafting a prenuptial agreement that clearly outlines rights and responsibilities regarding property and inheritance. This is particularly important because inheritance laws in Canada differ from those in Indonesia. For legal validity, consult a qualified lawyer or notary in Canada.

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7. Health Checks and Vaccinations

Before tying the knot, the Canadian government recommends a premarital health check-up. This is not just a formality, it’s a proactive step to detect infectious diseases, genetic disorders and ensure reproductive health for both parties. Although not mandatory, it shows your commitment to your partner’s health and the future family you may build together.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health also supports this by recommending vaccinations to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Marrying a Canadian citizen is a big decision that requires thorough planning. By understanding and preparing these seven key requirements, you can ensure your wedding and life ahead proceed smoothly and legally. Wishing you a joyful love story ahead!

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