On December 7th, 2016, in Brampton, Ontario, Canada’s immigration Minister, John McCallum announced that the federal government will be reducing the processing times of in-Canada spousal sponsorship applications to approximately 12 months. Up until now, processing times for inland spousal sponsorship applications were averaging 26 months. While the federal government works to reduce these times by half, the ultimate goal is to process these applications in 6 months.
Of course, this is news that is welcomed by thousands of applicants who have already submitted their applications, and those who intend on submitting an applications in the coming months. As the government has a target to welcome 64,000 new permanent residents through the spousal sponsorship program, the reduction of processing times is expected to last.
“We have listened to Canadians and are delivering results. Bringing families together makes for a stronger Canada. Canadians who marry someone from abroad shouldn’t have to wait for years to have them immigrate or be left with uncertainty in terms of their ability to stay. What we’re announcing today is a more efficient, more considerate process to reunite families”, said Minister McCallum.
The federal government will be updating the sponsorship package on December 15th and will have it available on the government of Canada’s website. Spousal sponsorship applications made from inside or outside of Canada are complex applications that require careful preparation.
While forms, checklists, and guides are always available to applicants, it is highly advisable to hire the services of an authorized representative to ensure a well and thoroughly-prepared application is submitted. Immigration Canada will be able to keep up with their expected processing times only when an application is prepared properly. Applications that have missing information, documentation or complex scenarios may experience longer than usual processing times.
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