was told today it would take 30+ months for my US spouse to come here?

[keesio]

Just heard back from the same lady, she showed me the chart online (cannot attach link because it is within my email) and said that it takes 16 months for processing in Ottawa. I assume these are extreme-case estimates.

Oh my goodness... all your consultant knows is to look at number on CICs webpage without understanding what the numbers mean. Amazing.

Everyone here is correct. I also explain it in my post here:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/how-long-did-it-take-you-usa-to-canada-t312766.0.html;msg4427662#msg4427662

Unless your American husband has a history with criminality, deportation or CIC thinks your relationship is bogus (which is really really unlikely for a US/CDN couple), you will almost certainly be on the standard track in Ottawa of 8-10 months. This is assuming you send in a complete application (all forms filled out correctly and signed, all necessary documents included in packet, etc).

One think I should mentioned to everyone here - consultants and lawyers admittedly often like to give very conservative estimates on timelines. This is because if they give an aggressive number and things take longer, clients are quick bug them and to get upset at them because expectations are higher. Also even when everything is done successfully, clients level of satisfaction is lower and less likely to recommend the consultant/lawyer. It is often easier to lower expectations and then exceed them. Clients will be more satisfied with the service and they don't pester the consultant/lawyer as much.

 

[GG_wife]

they only say this to save their behind from you to sue them. If they give you the impression that it is a shorter process than indicated on the website then they become subject of lawsuit. Don't use lawyers or consultants unless you have criminal record, otherwise they are quite useless. this forum will provide you more than sufficient info you need through real life examples.

all the best with the application!

 

[vasask]

You're applying for PR? I did that too, through this consultant, and she was great! It should have been 16 months but she got us through in 9! :

Why wouldn't she exaggerate to make herself look good? Unless you have special circumstances file your PR application yourself.

The one strong piece of advice I will give is don't skimp on proof of relationship. Just because you have a marriage certificate, photos, etc. CIC will STILL ask for further proof. Photos, Skype chat (you can go back into your history and print out selected sections, I looked for where we talked about future plans) Financial ties (credit cards, life insurance, etc.) Letters from friends and family that basically say yes, they actually intend to stay married, it's a real relationship.

 

[bigredmoose]

You're applying for PR? I did that too, through this consultant, and she was great! It should have been 16 months but she got us through in 9! :

Why wouldn't she exaggerate to make herself look good? Unless you have special circumstances file your PR application yourself.

The one strong piece of advice I will give is don't skimp on proof of relationship. Just because you have a marriage certificate, photos, etc. CIC will STILL ask for further proof. Photos, Skype chat (you can go back into your history and print out selected sections, I looked for where we talked about future plans) Financial ties (credit cards, life insurance, etc.) Letters from friends and family that basically say yes, they actually intend to stay married, it's a real relationship.

NO NO NO NO, A THOUSAND TIMES NO. There is nothing, not one thing, a consultant or lawyer can do to speed up the process. At best, and only if you're very lucky and happen to get a competent one, they can help you put a better application in. Most people are able to put in good applications without paying thousands of dollars though.

 

[DanSlh]

NO NO NO NO, A THOUSAND TIMES NO. There is nothing, not one thing, a consultant or lawyer can do to speed up the process. At best, and only if you're very lucky and happen to get a competent one, they can help you put a better application in. Most people are able to put in good applications without paying thousands of dollars though.

TOTALLY agree!
I didn't hired any lawyer/consultant.
Only used this forum and my process was done in 3.5 months.
Lawyers are only useful if you have a criminal issue or a big red flag.