Inland Spousal Sponsorship Canada Timeline

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The timeline for Inland Spousal Sponsorship in Canada typically ranges from 12 to 27 months, depending on various factors such as the completeness of the application, volume of applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the complexity of the case.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the process and timeline:

1. Submission of Application

• The Inland Spousal Sponsorship application involves two main parts:
  • The sponsor (a Canadian citizen or permanent resident) submits an application to sponsor their spouse or partner.
  • The sponsored person submits an application for permanent residence.
• Applicants must ensure that all required forms are completed, fees are paid online, and supporting documents are included.

Estimated Timeframe:
Once submitted, IRCC will review the application for completeness. If any documents or fees are missing, the application will be returned. This initial review can take several weeks to a few months, depending on IRCC's workload.

2. Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)

• After confirming that the application is complete, IRCC issues an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR). This document includes an application number and confirms that processing has officially begun.
• The AOR allows applicants to track their application's progress through IRCC's online portal.

Estimated Timeframe:
Typically issued within 1 to 3 months after submission.

3. First Stage Approval: Sponsor Eligibility Assessment

• During this stage, IRCC assesses whether the sponsor meets eligibility requirements:
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Must not have been sponsored as a spouse themselves within the last five years.
  • Must not be in prison, bankrupt, or charged with serious crimes.
• Simultaneously, IRCC evaluates whether the relationship between the sponsor and sponsored person is genuine. Evidence such as marriage certificates, photos, joint financial records, and communication history may be reviewed.

Estimated Timeframe:
This stage usually takes 6 to 12 months, though it can vary based on case complexity.

4. Open Work Permit (Optional)

• Sponsored individuals can apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while their sponsorship application is being processed. This allows them to work in Canada during the waiting period.
• If approved for an OWP, it is typically issued within 4 to 5 months after applying.

5. Second Stage Approval: Admissibility Assessment

• Once first-stage approval is granted (also known as "approval in principle"), IRCC conducts a more detailed assessment of the sponsored person's admissibility to Canada.
• This includes:
  • Criminal background checks.
  • Medical examinations.
  • Security screenings.

Estimated Timeframe:
This stage can take another 6 to 15 months, depending on factors such as:

• Whether additional documentation is requested by IRCC.
• The country of origin of the sponsored person (some countries require more extensive background checks due to higher fraud risks).

6. Final Decision and Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

• After completing all assessments successfully:
  • If inside Canada: The sponsored individual receives a letter inviting them to meet with an immigration officer at a local office for finalization and issuance of their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
  • If outside Canada: COPR documents are sent along with instructions for entry into Canada.

Estimated Timeframe:
Finalization typically occurs within 1 to 3 months after second-stage approval.

Factors That May Affect Processing Times
Several variables can influence how long Inland Spousal Sponsorship applications take:

1. Application Completeness: Missing documents or incomplete forms can lead to delays if IRCC requests additional information.
2. Volume of Applications: High volumes may result in backlogs at processing centers.
3. Country-Specific Background Checks: Some countries require more extensive security screenings due to fraud risks or political instability.
4. Complexity of Case: Cases involving previous refusals, criminal records, or medical inadmissibility may require additional scrutiny.

Total estimated time: 12–27 months, depending on case-specific factors.