If you’re planning to bring your spouse or common-law partner to Canada, one of the most common routes is through spousal sponsorship. This program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouses or common-law partners for permanent residency in Canada. However, one of the most frequently asked questions is: How long does a Canada spousal sponsorship really take?
The process can seem overwhelming and frustrating due to the many factors that can influence the timeline. In this blog, we’ll break down the actual timeline for a Canada spousal sponsorship application, what factors affect processing time, and how you can ensure your application moves as quickly and smoothly as possible.
The Official Processing Time for Spousal Sponsorship
As of 2025, the official processing time for a spousal sponsorship application is typically 12 months for applications submitted through the Spousal Sponsorship Program under Canada’s Family Class. This 12-month timeline is the target set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for most applications, from the moment they are submitted until a decision is made.
However, it’s essential to understand that this timeline is an estimate, and many factors can either speed up or delay the process. While some applications are approved within the stated timeframe, others may take longer due to various circumstances.
What Factors Influence the Processing Time?
There are a variety of factors that can impact the processing time of a spousal sponsorship application. These include:
1. Completeness and Accuracy of Your Application
One of the most significant reasons for delays is submitting an incomplete or inaccurate application. If your application is missing documents or contains errors, IRCC will return your application and ask for the necessary corrections, which can significantly slow down the process.
Tip: Ensure your application is complete, including all required documents, forms, and information. Double-check for any errors or missing items before submitting.
2. Location of the Sponsored Person
Where your spouse or partner is currently residing can influence processing times. If your spouse is living outside of Canada, their application will be processed through a Canadian visa office in their country of residence. Processing times vary depending on the specific visa office handling the case. Some visa offices are more efficient than others, and certain regions may experience higher volumes of applications.
Tip: Research the processing times for your specific visa office on the IRCC website to get a more accurate estimate for your case.
3. Additional Background Checks and Security Screening
For some applicants, the background check process can take longer due to factors like past criminal history or security concerns. If your spouse or common-law partner is from a country with heightened security concerns, additional checks may be required, leading to longer processing times.
Tip: Be honest and transparent during the application process to avoid unnecessary delays. If there are any potential issues with your spouse’s background, it’s better to disclose them upfront.
4. Medical and Police Checks
Your spouse will need to undergo a medical examination as part of the application process. If the results take longer to process or if additional medical assessments are required, this can delay the overall timeline. Similarly, police clearance certificates may take time to gather from certain countries, especially if there are delays or complications in obtaining them.
Tip: Start gathering medical and police clearance documents early to prevent delays.
5. Increased Application Volume
At times, IRCC experiences a backlog of applications, especially during peak seasons. This can happen when the volume of applications exceeds the resources available for processing. If there’s a surge in the number of spousal sponsorship applications, you may experience delays, even if your application is complete.
Tip: While you can’t control this factor, it’s always good to be prepared for potential delays. Be patient and stay informed about any updates from IRCC.
6. Completeness of the Relationship
In some cases, IRCC may require additional proof of your relationship, particularly if there is a concern about the authenticity of your marriage or partnership. This can involve submitting more documents, attending interviews, or providing additional evidence that your relationship is genuine.
Tip: Ensure that you provide clear evidence of a genuine relationship, such as photos, communication records, and travel history together.
The Step-by-Step Process
Here’s an overview of the steps involved in a spousal sponsorship application, which can give you an idea of where delays may occur:
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Submit the Application: Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and completed the application forms, you submit them to IRCC.
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IRCC Acknowledges Receipt: IRCC will acknowledge that they have received your application. At this point, they will check if the application is complete.
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Application Processed: IRCC will begin processing your application. This includes reviewing your forms, documents, and performing security and background checks.
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Request for Additional Information: If needed, IRCC may request additional documents or clarifications. This can delay the processing time if there are any complications or missing information.
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Decision: Once all checks have been completed and all requirements met, IRCC will make a final decision on your application. If approved, your spouse will receive permanent resident status in Canada.
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Landing as a Permanent Resident: Once approved, your spouse will be issued a visa and can land in Canada as a permanent resident.
How to Speed Up the Process
While you can’t always control how long the process takes, there are a few ways to potentially speed things up:
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Ensure a complete application: Double-check everything before submission to avoid delays.
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Submit correct and up-to-date documents: Missing or outdated documents can lead to delays.
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Respond promptly to requests from IRCC: If IRCC requests additional information, respond as quickly as possible.
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Follow up regularly: You can check the status of your application online through the IRCC portal.
What to Do If Your Application Is Taking Longer Than Expected
If your application is taking longer than the estimated 12 months, it’s a good idea to stay patient but also stay informed. If the delay becomes excessive or you believe there’s been an error, you can reach out to IRCC for updates on your application status.
Keep in mind that delays do not always mean your application has been rejected. In some cases, additional checks or documentation are required, which can take time.
Conclusion
While the typical processing time for a Canada spousal sponsorship is around 12 months, many factors can affect the timeline. It’s important to be patient, thorough, and prepared throughout the process. Ensuring that your application is complete, accurate, and submitted with the required documents will give you the best chance of a smooth and timely application process.
Remember, every case is unique, so while some couples may see their applications approved quickly, others might face delays. The key is to stay informed, be proactive in addressing any requests, and maintain a positive outlook throughout the process.