Starting the process of Canadian Spousal Sponsorship is both exciting and challenging, with two distinct stages of approval. Understanding these stages is critical for couples hoping to reconnect in Canada. We'll look at the two stages of approval the spousal sponsorship Canada timeline to give a general idea of what the steps are and how long it will take.
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5W
Initiating the Spousal Sponsorship Application:
3 - 5 weeks
The first step in the Canadian Spousal Sponsorship timetable is starting the application process. The Canadian citizen or Canadian PR files the sponsorship application with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Included in the application are significant documents to support the genuineness of the relationship. Some examples of these are:
- marriage certificate
- birth certificates
- divorce certificate(s) from previous marriage(s), if applicable
- shared financial responsibilities, and proof of cohabitation.
This is why initiating the spousal sponsorship application process can take 2-5 weeks when collecting all of the supporting documentation.
It’s important to note that as of September 2023, the submission of the spousal sponsorship application and all of these documents can only be submitted online.
Stage 1: Sponsorship Approval
At this stage, the application has been submitted to IRCC. The first stage focuses on the sponsor, who is often a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
1M
3M
Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR):
1-3 Months
Once the application has been submitted, it can take one to three months to receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC. During this time, IRCC may request biometric collection and medical examinations to be completed and submitted.
The purpose of the AOR is to check the completion of the application. If you are not missing any documents you will receive an AOR. If you are missing anything, the application will be returned due to it being incomplete.
Interview and Additional Documentation (if applicable):
Immigration authorities may conduct interviews to determine the genuineness of the relationship. Furthermore, both spouses may be asked to present further documentation to support their case if the authorities have some concerns.
4M
9M
Approval in Principle (AIP):
4-9 months after receiving AOR
When the sponsorship application is received by IRCC they will evaluate the documentation to determine the legitimacy of the relationship. This can take 4-9 months. If approved, IRCC will grant an “Approval in Principle” (AIP) which means that the immigration authorities have checked the Canadian sponsor meets the sponsor eligibility criteria and assessed the genuineness of the relationship.
During this time, IRCC may request medical examinations again from the foreign partner. This usually happens If the sponsorship was submitted under the outland sponsorship category. This is because medical examinations are only valid for 12 months.
Once everything is approved, the application will proceed to the second stage of the process.
NOTE: It is crucial to note that although receiving an "Approval in Principle" is a good sign, it does not ensure ultimate approval for permanent residency. Applicants should pay close attention to the requirements of the second stage to ensure a successful process.
Bring Your Spouse to Canada
Fill out a FREE spousal sponsorship assessment form to see if you qualify.
Stage 2: Permanent Residence Approval for the Sponsored Partner
Once the sponsorship is approved, the focus moves to the foreign-sponsored partner. This stage consists of the following important steps:
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12M or
18M
Approval in Principle (AIP):
4-9 months after receiving AOR
Background, Biometrics, and Medical Examinations:
During this period, the immigration authorities will review foreign partner’s medical exam and police background check to ensure that they are not inadmissible to Canada.
Permanent Residence Approval:
If all the requirements are met, the foreign partner will be approved for permanent residency in Canada and will be issued the confirmation for PR. This will allow them to live, work, and study in Canada permanently.
Total Timeline
Inland Spousal Sponsorship: 9 - 12 months
Generally, it usually takes nine to twelve months to complete an inland or in-Canada spousal sponsorship from beginning to end. The inland Canada spousal sponsorship category is for those who filed a sponsorship application who have their foreign partner living in Canada. Typically, the foreign partner is in Canada through a work permit, visitor visa, or student visa.
Outland Spousal Sponsorship: 12-18 months
For those who have submitted an outland or outside-Canada spousal sponsorship, it can take approximately twelve to eighteen months. This category is for those who will have their foreign partner living outside of Canada, usually in their home country, while the application is being processed. This also means that the foreign partner’s application will be processed at the Canadian Visa office in the country in which they live.
Timeline Considerations:
The Canada Spousal Sponsorship timeline can vary depending on a number of criteria, including the complexity of the application, the completeness of documentation, and processing periods at the immigration office.
How We Can Help
The two stages of approval in Canadian Spousal Sponsorship are a path of reunification for couples. Getting through the complexity of documentation, interviews, and assessments takes time and great attention to detail.
The Immigration Law Firm of Matthew Jeffery are experts in spousal and common-law partner sponsorship. We provide a full service of preparing, filing, and processing the spousal sponsorship application from beginning to end which will increase the likelihood of a smooth and successful process. Fill out our free Sponsorship Assessment form to begin the process and to see if we can help you bring your spouse to Canada.