Are Canada Spousal Sponsorship Processing Times Too Long?

By Casey August 18, 2020 (Updated August 19, 2020) 2 min. read

Are Canadian spousal sponsorship applications taking too long to process? According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, sponsoring a spouse can take up to 12 months under normal circumstances. In many cases, this is seen as too long to wait to be reunited with a spouse.

Kimberly Johnson, a Toronto woman, stated she’s waited close to two years so far for her spousal sponsorship application to be processed. She submitted the application in hopes her husband from Cuba would be living in Canada with her by this time.

Johnson claims she has reached out to her local Minister of Parliament’s office and says she was told by staff that the process could take an additional six to twelve months due to the pandemic.

Many other families are dealing with the same challenges Johnson is going through, which has led to protests in major cities all across the country. These families have brought forth a petition before the House of Commons asking that the government produce something called a “Special Temporary Resident Visa”. This visa would grant immediate family members (spouses and children) of a Canadian resident to reunite during a global emergency while they await decisions on their sponsorship applications.

What Steps Can You Take to Speed Up Your Spousal Sponsorship Process?

This all depends on where you applied and your situation. To avoid additional delays, you must make sure you include all photocopies and documents necessary and also make sure that they are clear. You should include all changes to personal information on your application and include every piece of information asked for on the application. Be sure to provide certified English or French translations of all original documents that are submitted in another language.

To be sure that you will not make any mistakes that will prolong your spousal sponsorship process, we highly recommend you hire an immigration lawyer.

How to See My Spouse While Waiting for Spousal Sponsorship

Yes, you can apply for a Canadian visitor visa in the meantime. If a spouse applies within Canada, a Canadian visitor visa typically only takes 12 days to process.

Although it is not a permanent stay in Canada, a visitor may stay in Canada up to six months after the day they have arrived. This will allow you to wait for your spousal sponsorship application to be approved while living in Canada with your spouse. If you wish to stay longer than your authorized stay, you can apply for an extension in some cases.

VisaPlace specializes in helping foreign nationals apply for and receive Canadian visitor visas, and we are certain we can help you increase your chances with our extensive experience.

Are You Interested in Applying for Spousal Sponsorship or a Visitor Visa?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-877-296-0874.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form below and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

Ljiljana Pavkov Avatar

Ljiljana Pavkov

I have nothing but praise! The entire team was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and kind, especially Mansi Sanghiv. She patiently explained everything I needed to know and resolved all of my concerns. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the entire process. I am extremely satisfied with the service and experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for quality, dedication, and trust.

Lisanne Cholette Avatar

Lisanne Cholette

Mansi has been helping me navigate through a new chapter in my life. It has been a huge comfort to be able to lean on her knowledge and expertise and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

BERLITA COLLADO Avatar

BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

Shahrzad Sh Avatar

Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

kevin geoffrey Avatar

kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

Nessie Leigh Ilarde Avatar

Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

parker ellis Avatar

parker ellis

Mansi Sanghvi has been nothing for of remarkable for me. I have been dealing with a visa, immigration issues , and any time I have to call her, she has been there to answer any questions. Has answers to every question and is there to HELP YOU. Truly could not recommend her more.