Spousal Visa Canada Processing Time

Spousal Visa Canada Processing Time: What to Expect in 2024

Understanding the processing time for a spousal visa (officially called Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship) is crucial for couples planning to reunite in Canada. This guide provides current processing times, factors affecting applications, and tips to potentially speed up the process.

Current Processing Times for Spousal Visa Canada

As of 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reports the following processing times:

• Inland Sponsorship (both sponsor and applicant in Canada): 12-14 months
• Outland Sponsorship (applicant outside Canada): 10-12 months
• Complete application processing goal: 80% within 12 months

Note: These times are estimates and can vary based on individual circumstances.

Spousal Visa Application Timeline

Application Submission

Day 1: Submit complete application package to IRCC

Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)

1-2 months: Receive confirmation that application has been received

Sponsor Approval

2-3 months: Sponsor eligibility assessed and approved

Medical & Biometrics Request

3-4 months: Applicant receives instructions for medical exam and biometrics

Background Check

4-8 months: Comprehensive security and criminality checks

Decision Made

10-14 months: Final decision on the application

Essential Documents Checklist

• Completed application forms (IMM 5532, IMM 5533, etc.)
• Proof of genuine relationship (photos, communication records, joint accounts)
• Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship
• Police clearance certificates
• Medical examination results
• Proof of sponsor's Canadian status
• Sponsor's financial documents (Option C printout, employment letter)
• Passport copies and photographs
• Payment receipts for application fees

Processing Time Calculator

Estimate Your Processing Time

Application Type: Inland Sponsorship Outland Sponsorship Applicant's Country: Normal processing country Higher risk country Application Completeness: Complete with all documents May be missing some documents

Factors Affecting Processing Time

• Application completeness: Missing documents can add months to processing
• Country of origin: Some countries have additional security checks
• Complex cases: Previous marriages, criminal records, or medical issues
• IRCC workload: Seasonal variations in processing times
• COVID-19 measures: Some pandemic-related delays may still occur

Pro Tip:

Submit a complete, well-organized application with clear evidence of your genuine relationship. This is the single best way to avoid unnecessary delays in processing.

How to Check Your Application Status

You can track your application through:

1. Online through IRCC's GCKey account
2. Linking your paper application to an online account
3. Using the IRCC web form for specific inquiries
4. Calling IRCC client service center

Recent Processing Time Trends

Over the past three years, processing times have fluctuated:

• 2021: 18-24 months (pandemic backlog)
• 2022: 14-18 months
• 2023: 12-14 months

IRCC has been working to reduce processing times with increased staffing and digital processing.