Eabie said:
Are these averages?
The UK processing time for applications for spousal visas is supposedly about three months, but they processed mine in one week. Not that I expect CIC to do it in one week... but nine months? Crikey.
So... something I've wondered about. Can we go over to Canada before my husband gets PR? We're currently living in the UK together, working, and saving money for our move... but we don't want to be here for another 9-10 months. We'd ideally like to go over in late spring or early summer. Is that allowed?
On a related note... does anyone know if they look at the sponsor's intention to move back to Canada during Stage 1, or is that Stage 2? The reason I ask is because that was the part of the application I worried about most - and it'd be nice if, after we pass through Stage 1, I don't have to worry about it anymore. (Though I assume even if it isn't addressed until Stage 2, I could always submit evidence that we already moved back to Canada while they're still processing the application. My intention to go back would be kind of obvious if I'm already there!)
Hey Eabie,
80% of applications are completed within 9 months. It's not an average, but a cumulative percentage ( if that makes sense).... so maybe 20% are done in 2 months, 30 % in 3 months etc - until they reach 80% of applications in 9 months. That's the time from when it reaches London ( so after stage 1 is completed).
To answer your second question: yes, you can "move" to Canada before getting the PR. There are a few problems with that: if you are asked for an interview, you will have to fly back to London for it. There are very few interviews for applicants from EU in general, but you never know. If you have a straightforward application, then the risk of interview is quite low. AS you don't have your PR, you will have to go as a tourist : which means not working, no healthcare for some provinces ( ALberta, BC have a different system, so depending on where you're headed). Once the PR is issued, you need to exit Canada and re-enter to "land as a PR" (you can flagpole at the US border, or book at appointment at a CIC office and land there) to activate your PR.
At the border there is always a chance that you will not be let in, but for most people that have done it (on this thread) it went quite well ( me included). At the border, you can explain that you have applied for a PR and have proofs of it (sponsorship letter, or receipt of payment for the fees etc), and ask to be let in for 6 months, saying that you would like to "wait out" your PR in Canada with your spouse. If you don't have a return ticket, you can bring proofs of funds (bank account) in case they are worried ( I was not asked for anything).
You can not "import" anything tax-free ( which you can do with a PR), so it also depends on how much stuff you have. IF you have not too many things, and you intend to ship it, you can declare it under your spouse name as a "returning canadian". If you have lots of stuff, then you might want to consider delaying the shipping until after you have the PR, to be able to do customs clearance with your PR and get it into the country tax free.
The "advantages" of moving back before is - well that you are already there, and for my part i found it less stressful to have been able to organise everything according to my own schedule rather than having to rush once the PR is issued.
About returning to Canada - it's mostly at Stage 1, when the sponsor is approved, it means that CIC believes that you will actually move to Canada, and that your sponsor is eligible. On the second stage, it's mostly about the background of the applicant, and the nature of your relationship (genuine or not).
If they have doubts for your intention to return to Canada, they will ask for more proofs, so until they ask for it - don't worry about it!
Good luck,
Sweden
