Peachnibbler
Star Member
- Jun 14, 2013
- 10
- Category........
- Visa Office......
- Accra, Ghana
- Job Offer........
- Pre-Assessed..
- App. Filed.......
- 28-01-2013
- Interview........
- 28-08-2013
- VISA ISSUED...
- Declined
A simple overview of the process - if that helps anyone here: Total Time 8 - 12 months
1. Application submitted.
2. Sponsor confirmed as eligible to sponsor - can take 1 month approximately.
3. Request for documents - if not already submitted - police checks, medical records, biometrics.
4. Decision as to whether an interview is required. Note - some people do not get an interview. Don't panic if you don't. That's usually a good thing. It means they have no concerns. If you get an interview, make sure you go together.
5. BEFORE THE INTERVIEW, Make sure your passport has 6 months or more validity as you need to send your passport in to get the counterfoil (visa) stuck into your passport once you are approved.
6. Attend interview - 1 hour to prove you are legitimate. Guide the interview in the way you answer questions. Be intentional in your answers.
7. Decision - a decision is typically made right at the time of the interview.
8. If approved, you will be asked to send in your passport. You will be given 1 month to do so. You need to send in a return envelope or pay for a courier service (because of COVID-19, there may be no in person services). Any problems with this timeline, email Immigration on their web forum. They will give you an extension. If concerned, contact your MP.
9. Once your passport is returned, it should be accompanied by the Confirmation of Permanent Residence. Don't be freaked out when you read that if you don't travel within a certain, that it will be assumed that you are no longer interested in coming to Canada and your sponsorship will be cancelled.
10. You have a period of time to travel to Canada. If your country's international flights are not operating, make sure you contact Immigration via the website to let them know that you may not be able to travel in that time frame. They will give you an extension.
11. Find a flight that is continuous. Your Canadian visa will allow you to be in a foreign airport for a short period of time but you won't be permitted to leave the airport. Unless you have authority to land in a "transit" country - like a transit visa or other, be thoughtful about what countries you might have to travel through. Avoid the US if possible. If you can get a direct flight, go with that. Try to make sure that your first landing in Canada is as close to your spouse as possible, because the screening will occur there. So if you are not fluent in French (and coping with a French Canadian accent), avoid landing in Montreal on your way to Vancouver.
12. Once you arrive, you will go through a landing screening. Under COVID-19, this may be deferred and you will be screened for COVID and allowed to leave. You will need to show that you have a quarantine plan. Be sure to bring a copy of your marriage certificate, your spouse's evidence of being a Canadian (birth certificate/ passport copy). There is a list on the IRRC website.
13. If you are the spouse of a Canadian citizen, provided you are able to fly, you are permitted to travel. If you are unsure, this is on the IRCC website. You might find contrary information there. Look for the most current and specific to your situation.
14. Then off you go to your new life in Canada. You may have to a landing interview later as this is part of what gives you the final piece of the Permanent Resident status (and eventually a PR card).
Good Luck!!
1. Application submitted.
2. Sponsor confirmed as eligible to sponsor - can take 1 month approximately.
3. Request for documents - if not already submitted - police checks, medical records, biometrics.
4. Decision as to whether an interview is required. Note - some people do not get an interview. Don't panic if you don't. That's usually a good thing. It means they have no concerns. If you get an interview, make sure you go together.
5. BEFORE THE INTERVIEW, Make sure your passport has 6 months or more validity as you need to send your passport in to get the counterfoil (visa) stuck into your passport once you are approved.
6. Attend interview - 1 hour to prove you are legitimate. Guide the interview in the way you answer questions. Be intentional in your answers.
7. Decision - a decision is typically made right at the time of the interview.
8. If approved, you will be asked to send in your passport. You will be given 1 month to do so. You need to send in a return envelope or pay for a courier service (because of COVID-19, there may be no in person services). Any problems with this timeline, email Immigration on their web forum. They will give you an extension. If concerned, contact your MP.
9. Once your passport is returned, it should be accompanied by the Confirmation of Permanent Residence. Don't be freaked out when you read that if you don't travel within a certain, that it will be assumed that you are no longer interested in coming to Canada and your sponsorship will be cancelled.
10. You have a period of time to travel to Canada. If your country's international flights are not operating, make sure you contact Immigration via the website to let them know that you may not be able to travel in that time frame. They will give you an extension.
11. Find a flight that is continuous. Your Canadian visa will allow you to be in a foreign airport for a short period of time but you won't be permitted to leave the airport. Unless you have authority to land in a "transit" country - like a transit visa or other, be thoughtful about what countries you might have to travel through. Avoid the US if possible. If you can get a direct flight, go with that. Try to make sure that your first landing in Canada is as close to your spouse as possible, because the screening will occur there. So if you are not fluent in French (and coping with a French Canadian accent), avoid landing in Montreal on your way to Vancouver.
12. Once you arrive, you will go through a landing screening. Under COVID-19, this may be deferred and you will be screened for COVID and allowed to leave. You will need to show that you have a quarantine plan. Be sure to bring a copy of your marriage certificate, your spouse's evidence of being a Canadian (birth certificate/ passport copy). There is a list on the IRRC website.
13. If you are the spouse of a Canadian citizen, provided you are able to fly, you are permitted to travel. If you are unsure, this is on the IRCC website. You might find contrary information there. Look for the most current and specific to your situation.
14. Then off you go to your new life in Canada. You may have to a landing interview later as this is part of what gives you the final piece of the Permanent Resident status (and eventually a PR card).
Good Luck!!
