Average Processing Time for Inland Spousal Sponsorship

To determine the average processing time for inland spousal sponsorship applications in Canada, it is essential to analyze the most recent data and authoritative sources. Inland spousal sponsorship refers to cases where the sponsor (a Canadian citizen or permanent resident) and the sponsored spouse or common-law partner are both residing together in Canada during the application process.

Step 1: Understanding Inland Sponsorship Processing Times

The processing time for inland spousal sponsorship applications depends on several factors, including:

• The completeness of the application.
• The volume of applications being processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Whether additional documentation or interviews are required.
• The use of advanced analytics and streamlined measures by IRCC to expedite routine cases.

Step 2: Current Average Processing Time

Based on multiple authoritative sources:

1. IRCC's official guidance indicates that inland spousal sponsorship applications typically take approximately 12 months to process.1 This timeline includes all stages of the application, from submission to final decision.
2. Recent updates from December 2023 confirm that IRCC has harmonized processing times for inland and outland sponsorships, maintaining an average timeline of 10–12 months for most inland cases.2
3. Additional insights from immigration consultants suggest that while most cases fall within this range, individual circumstances such as incomplete documentation or requests for further information can extend processing times up to 24 months in rare situations.3

Step 3: Factors Influencing Processing Times

Several factors can affect how quickly an inland spousal sponsorship application is processed:

• Completeness of Application: Submitting a complete application with all required forms and supporting documents minimizes delays.
• Biometrics and Medical Exams: Promptly completing biometrics and medical exams after receiving requests from IRCC can prevent unnecessary holds on the application.
• Volume of Applications: High volumes of applications at specific visa offices may lead to longer wait times.
• Quebec-Specific Requirements: Applicants destined for Quebec must meet additional provincial requirements, which can add several months to the overall timeline.4

Conclusion

The average processing time for inland spousal sponsorship applications in Canada is approximately 12 months. However, depending on individual circumstances, this timeframe may range from 10 months to up to 24 months in exceptional cases.

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