Processing Time:
The processing times for spousal visa applications vary based on the country from where it is applied. Every country has a different processing time which is primarily based on the case load.
The longest processing time is for Pakistan, with the estimated maximum wait time of 40 months. The shorter wait is for Brazil with just 5 months long. The wait time Los Angeles, USA is 29 months while for New York its 35. These processing times are based on a complete application package which is the step 1 in spousal sponsorship.
It is very important to submit a complete and accurate application package in order to avoid any unwanted and unexpected delays. These processing times are based on how long it took to process 80% of the cases between April 1, 2014 to March 21, 2015. Furthermore, these processing times can change at any time.
To be eligible the person being sponsored has to meet the following requirement of being a spouse:
Spouse:
A person married to the sponsor. If married inside Canada then must have a marriage certificate issued by the province or territory where the marriage took place. Must be at least 16 years of age, legally married and not otherwise married to someone else to qualify for sponsorship.
If married outside of Canada, they have to be recognized as legal in the country in which the marriage took place.
To apply under spousal sponsorship:
- Get the application package from Citizenship and Immigration Canada according to where the sponsored person is living. If the person is living in Canada already then use the Application for in Canada—Spouse or Common Law Partner. However if the spouse being sponsored is living outside of Canada then use the Application to Sponsor a Member of the Family Class
- Have to pay the processing fee in Canadian dollars and the best way is payment through online method. Information about the fees can be found on the CIC website.
- Send the filled out application to the Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Canada, who will then process your application to sponsor your family member
- Once CPC approves you as a Sponsor you application will then be forwarded to a Canadian Visa Office.
Sponsorship Agreement:
A Sponsor is required to enter into a Sponsorship Agreement with the sponsored person(s).
In this agreement the Sponsor makes a commitment to provide basic requirements for the sponsored member. Amongst these basic requirements are food, shelter, clothing, utilities, household supplies, personal requirements and other goods and services including dental care, eye care, and other health care needs that are not provided by public health care.
By signing the agreement, the Sponsored person also promises that she/he will make every effort to support himself/herself. The Sponsored person has a duty to not solely rely on his/her Sponsor and rather find way to earn a life for him/herself.
The agreement sets out what the responsibilities for both the Sponsor and the Sponsored. If the Sponsored person ends up receiving Social Assistance then that money is received from the Sponsor and considered a debt owed by the Sponsor.
Spousal sponsorships is a slow process and requires a lot of time. Incomplete applications or missing documents can lead to unexpected delays. At Akrami & Associates we understand what living together as a family means. Therefore, give us a call today and let us assist you with this application.
