definition of complex cases under inland spousal applications

[bonami]

Recently, some applicants have received notices from immigration show some 20% of the spousal applications submitted more than a year ago are considered "complex" cases, thus requiring verification and getting answers to information...etc . these may take more time to process. Can someone shed light on what are complex cases and what kind of verification or actions possibly taken by immigration or what probable actions might be taken before finalizing a decision. How long would it take roughly to reach a decision after the issuing the notices.
My application falls into this "complex" cases and I am worried about the protracted waiting time!
Many thanks.

 

[canuck78]

Recently, some applicants have received notices from immigration show some 20% of the spousal applications submitted more than a year ago are considered "complex" cases, thus requiring verification and getting answers to information...etc . these may take more time to process. Can someone shed light on what are complex cases and what kind of verification or actions possibly taken by immigration or what probable actions might be taken before finalizing a decision. How long would it take roughly to reach a decision after the issuing the notices.
My application falls into this "complex" cases and I am worried about the protracted waiting time!
Many thanks.

No one can predict how long complex cases will take. CIC wants to male sure these are real relationships. Best proof is time spent together over time. Red flags are large age differences, interracial/intercultural marriages that are not common between 2 groups, differences in religions, quick marriages without much time together, lack of time spent together, atypical marriage ceremonies given cultural norms, etc.

 

[k.h.p.]

@canuck78 has given examples of complex cases due to doubts over relationship status. Other kinds of complex cases could include:

• Any case where a procedural fairness letter was issued
• Any case with a security screening review
• Any case involving a previously denied applicant
• Any case that, on its face, isn't a Canadian/PR with a spotless background in a long-term provable relationship with a foreigner with easily proven identities and a spotless background who has lived in their country of birth (which has strong diplomatic relationships with Canada and no history of significant refugee claims) who can both provide appropriate clear and unquestionable evidence of their backgrounds, relationship, abd identities.
• Basically anything in the profile that makes it complicated

 

[scylla]

Applicant's status in Canada can be a factor (i.e. if applicant is out of status and depending on how long / for what reason).

 

[bonami]

Many thanks for the quick reply. It looks like my previous military service 30 years ago and my previous government employment in a state-owned college in China few years ago before my retirement in 2016 might necessitate the intensive background and security checks! Would these prolong the processing time ? How long roughly?

 

[k.h.p.]

Many thanks for the quick reply. It looks like my previous military service 30 years ago and my previous government employment in a state-owned college in China few years ago before my retirement in 2016 might necessitate the intensive background and security checks! Would these prolong the processing time ? How long roughly?

Yep, that would provoke security and background checks. With that kind of a profile, sadly, there is no timeline. It's until CSIS, IRCC, and CBSA are satisfied.