Canada’s spousal sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency. While this pathway helps families reunite, the processing time can sometimes take longer than expected. Delays can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to speed up the process.
In this blog, we will discuss the current processing times, common reasons for delays, and practical tips to help you get your application processed faster.
Spousal sponsorship applications typically take:
These timelines vary depending on factors such as the volume of applications, country of residence, and whether additional documents or interviews are required.
Several factors can slow down the processing of your sponsorship application:
Understanding these common reasons can help applicants take proactive steps to avoid unnecessary delays.
If you want your application processed as quickly as possible, follow these key steps:
One of the main reasons for delays is incorrect or missing information. Before submitting your application:
Consider hiring an immigration consultant or lawyer to review your application for any mistakes.
IRCC carefully examines applications to prevent fraudulent marriages. To prove that your relationship is genuine, provide:
The stronger your proof, the smoother your application process will be.
Spouses must complete a medical exam by an IRCC-approved doctor and submit police clearance certificates from all countries they have lived in for over six months.
Having these documents ready in advance can speed up the application.
IRCC now allows spousal sponsorship applications to be submitted online. Online applications are often processed faster than paper-based ones. Ensure you:
Pay all required fees, including the sponsorship fee, processing fee, and right of permanent residence fee, at the time of submission. If fees are missing, IRCC may return your application, causing delays.
If IRCC requests more information, respond as soon as possible. Delayed responses can put your application on hold. Check your email and IRCC account regularly for updates.
If your spouse is applying for sponsorship from within Canada, they can apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while waiting for permanent residency. This allows them to work legally in Canada and can prevent financial strain during the processing period.
Applying for an OWP at the same time as the sponsorship application can improve processing efficiency.
If you move or change your phone number or email, update your contact details with IRCC to ensure you don’t miss any important requests or updates.
If your spouse is applying from inside Canada, traveling outside the country while the application is in process can create complications. It is recommended to stay in Canada until the process is complete.
If your case is complex or you have concerns about delays, consider consulting an immigration consultant or lawyer. They can help ensure your application is processed smoothly.
In some rare cases, IRCC may prioritize a spousal sponsorship application if there are urgent humanitarian reasons, such as:
Applicants can submit a request for expedited processing, but approval is not guaranteed.
If your application takes longer than the estimated processing time:
Spousal sponsorship is one of the most important immigration pathways in Canada, helping families reunite and build a future together. While processing times can vary, following the right steps can significantly reduce delays.
By submitting a complete application, providing strong proof of your relationship, and staying proactive, you can improve your chances of a smooth and faster approval.
If you are currently in the process of sponsoring your spouse, stay patient and informed. Keeping track of updates and responding quickly to any IRCC requests will help you navigate the process efficiently.
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