Average Canadian Spousal Sponsorship Visa Processing Time
As of April 26th, 2022 the Canadian Spousal Sponsorship Processing Time for both inland and Outland has an average of 12 months. It is important to remember that this average processing time cannot be guaranteed and vary from case to case.
Factors That Affect the Spousal Sponsorship Processing Time 2022
1. Location of Application
The IRCC can vary the processing times for spousal sponsorship depending on the applicant’s country of residence. You can use an IRCC tool that will help you find out your spousal sponsorship processing time: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/
2. Completeness of Application
It is always important to make sure that your application is absolutely complete with every document and response to what the IRCC is asking for. This is why hiring an immigration lawyer for spousal sponsorship applications is typically very beneficial to avoid delays and denial.
3. Number of Applications
Your spousal sponsorship application may be processed much faster or much slower than expected depending on how many applications Canada has received. If they have received fewer lately then your application may be processed faster than the average 12-month processing time.
Inland Sponsorship vs Outland Sponsorship
There are two different types of Spousal Sponsorship: Inland sponsorship and Outland sponsorship. To qualify for the Inland sponsorship category, the foreign spouse or partner must have temporary resident status in Canada, which can be as a worker, student, or visitor. Applicants may be eligible for an open work permit, which ensures they can work for a Canadian employer while the application is processed. This may help prevent any issues that can arise if an existing visa expires before the sponsorship process is completed. The Outland sponsorship category applies to a situation where the foreign partner is living outside of Canada. While the sponsored individual may still be able to travel in and out of Canada during the application process, their application will be processed through the visa office in their country of origin or permanent residence.
Top Questions About Spousal Sponsorship Visa Processing Times
How long will it take to process my application?
Processing times are difficult to predict. They vary depending on the type of application you submit and the number of applications currently being processed. Please note that processing times change depending on the number of applications received and may change during the processing of your application.
How are processing times calculated?
We calculate processing times from the day we receive an application to the day it makes a decision on the application. When estimating how long you will wait to receive a temporary visa, you must also take into account up to 10 days of transit or delivery time on top of our processing time. The time your application will spend traveling to and from IRCC will vary depending on where you live.
Why are there differences in processing times among regions and offices?
Visa offices face different challenges operating in different countries and regions, and even in different offices within the same region. Various factors can affect the time it takes to process applications, including:
- the number of applications received;
- the resources at an office;
- the length of time an applicant takes to respond to requests for information;
- the need for medical and security screening; and
- differences in mail service.
How can I avoid delays or refusals in processing my application?
To help avoid delays or a refusal, make sure that you:
- carefully read the application guide for your immigration category and follow the instructions;
- properly fill out, sign, and date the application form(s);
- include all the required documents as indicated on the application checklist;
- pay the right fee using the correct method of payment;
- include the payment with your application; and
- double-check your application before submitting it.
Things that can cause delays:
- Your medical and security screening takes longer than usual
- We need to interview you
- You communicate with us by mail instead of using an online account
- You don’t respond to our requests for information quickly
- High numbers of applications
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