Reuniting with your spouse or common-law partner in Canada is an important step. Nonetheless, knowing the processing times for spousal sponsorship applications is essential for planning and setting realistic expectations. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the official processing times for finding out if a permanent resident application has been approved were updated in 2025. To ensure that you receive updated information on how to navigate the spousal sponsorship process, we have Swift Immigration Solutions Inc.
Current Spousal Sponsorship Processing Times (As of March 2025)
All applicants wishing to sponsor their spouse as a permanent resident must undergo a spousal sponsorship application process. However, the processing time varies depending on whether you are applying inland or outland and whether you are applying for Quebec or non-Quebec.
Inland Applicants (Inside Canada)
- Other than Quebec Applicants: About 2 years.
- For Quebec Applicants: About 35 months.
Outland Applications (From Outside of Canada)
- For candidates outside Quebec: About 11 months.
- Applicants in Quebec: Around 35 months.
These timelines are subject to change based on several factors, such as completing the application, the volume of applications you submitted, and so on.
Factors Influencing Processing Times
Several factors can impact how long the spousal sponsorship process takes:
Application Completeness: Delays can occur due to applications in progress or missing documents.
Final Verification: Additional confirmatory checks for authenticity or eligibility can delay processing.
Policy Changes: Modifiers to immigration policies or procedures can affect timelines.
Quebec-Specific Steps: Different procedures apply to Quebec applications, which involve obtaining a Certificate of Selection of Quebec (CSQ) that can add to the processing times.
Tips for a Smoother Application Process
Here are tips to improve the efficiency of your spousal sponsorship application:
Complete it: Make sure you have all necessary documents and that they are being filled out correctly.
Submit Strong Evidence: Prove your real relationship by providing many joint finances, photos, and communication evidence.
Keep Updated: Continue to follow processing times and changes in policy
Seek Expert Guidance: Immigration experts know their way around complex specifications, helping you avoid common pitfalls.
Conclusion
This article demonstrates how to plan for the current processing times for spousal sponsorship in Canada. Timelines may vary, but being proactive and thorough in your application can help facilitate a smoother process. That is where Swift Immigration Solutions Inc. comes in.
Do you need help with your spousal sponsorship application?
Call Swift Immigration Solutions Inc. now to book a consultation, the first step to reuniting with your loved one in Canada.