My partner and I just submitted our application and it was received in Mississauga on April 22, 2010. We're hearing conflicting opinions on how long each part of the process will take. Our immigration consultant is saying my approval as a sponsor will take 3-4 months. But colleagues I know who have gone through the same say it doesn't take nearly as long. My spouse is an American living in Texas and we've applied Outside of Canada as a married couple. Can anyone shed some light??? And once I'm approved and the file goes to Buffalo, our consultant says 9-10 months, but again, have heard shorter.
We don't want to pin our hopes on erroneous information. Any positive firsthand experience would be great!
Also, in terms of the processing times on the Immigration Canada site for Mississauga, does the February 11th date mean they won't even begin processing applications received after that date until all of the ones before that date are processed? We're confused on the Feb. 11th cut-off and 67-day current processing time.
One last question: Our consultant has instructed us to hold off on doing the FBI check until he gives us the word, as he says the form expires after six months. We're planning on doing the FBI part ASAP regardless, after learning how long the FBI check takes, and hoping my approval to sponsor moves faster than 3-4 months. Has anyone else deliberately waited? Will they send back the entire package if it's missing the FBI forms?
Have to say, this is such an incredibly stressful and anxious time, but it's reassuring to be amongst others going through the same ordeal.
Our best wishes to everyone, and happy to be part of the "submitted in April 2010" crowd. Here's hoping it goes by smoothly and quickly - for all of us!
