Processing times for spousal visas applying outland in the US

[gandujar80]

My partner and I got married in Vancouver in August this year. We sent the completed application woth FBI clearance, medical, sponsoprhip, etc in late September. I am under the understading that once the sponsorship part is approved in Canada, it will go to the NYC office. How long does the NYC office take to process a spousal petition. I am the only person being petitioned. In the meantime, am I able to wait in Canada or can I only enter for 6 months as a US tourist. Any advice will be HUGELY appreciated.

 

[DuberBlue]

Since you applied Outland you have no implied status in Canada other than as a Visitor. This means at the end of 6 months you must leave, or apply to extend your visit.

As far as processing times, I can't give you a definitive answer on that one, but if it's anything like other cases going through the U.S. (of which my wife has been a part) you can probably expect at least a 6-7 month wait before hearing anything else. There are several threads in this forum with tracking spreadsheets linked, so have a look through those and see what other peoples' experiences are.

 

[MilesAway]

Your application should be going through Ottawa, which can then decide to transfer to New York or Los Angeles if there are complications (they are posted at 18 and 22 months respectively, I believe). Ottawa seems to be relatively quick, but I imagine you'll have to wait about 6 months before you hear anything.

The previous poster is correct. You do not get implied status with an outland application, however you can apply (and you should if you want to stay legal) to extend your stay in Canada.

 

[gandujar80]

Thank you very much to both of you for your responses. We have been very meticulous and included everything you can possibly need so that the process goes as smoothly as possible. If I am understanding correctly, does this mean that everything could be processed and approved in Ottawa without the need of it being sent to LA or NY?
Once everything is finalized, will the approval letter come to my address in the US or my partner's in Canada? Thanks again!!!

 

[chala]

Thank you very much to both of you for your responses. We have been very meticulous and included everything you can possibly need so that the process goes as smoothly as possible. If I am understanding correctly, does this mean that everything could be processed and approved in Ottawa without the need of it being sent to LA or NY?
Once everything is finalized, will the approval letter come to my address in the US or my partner's in Canada? Thanks again!!!

Yes everything can be finalized in Ottawa unless you have red flags or they require an interview, but for most US applicants Ottawa will do all the processing. Whatever mailing address you indicate in your application , is where they will forward surface mail. ( I would recommend a Canadian address if you are staying in Canada simply because it is faster.) If surface mail is not required they will utilize email.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Once everything is finalized, will the approval letter come to my address in the US or my partner's in Canada? Thanks again!!!

You should change your address to the Canadian one so that your COPR goes there. You can change it on ECAS once you are able to login.