If you are planning to live with your spouse or partner in Canada, one of the first things you need to do is apply for a spousal visa. The processing time for a spousal visa is an important consideration when planning your move. It can vary based on different factors, including the type of application, the accuracy of your application, and the backlog of applications at the visa office.

Factors That Affect Spousal Visa Processing Time

Several factors can impact your spousal visa’s processing time, making it difficult to predict exactly how long it will take. Some of the critical factors that can influence how long it takes to get a spousal visa for Canada from India are:

• Type of application: The processing time for a spousal visa application can vary depending on the type of application. Inland spousal sponsorship applications typically take less time than applications from outside Canada.

• Completeness and accuracy of the application: It’s crucial to complete your application accurately and provide all necessary documents to avoid any unnecessary delays. The visa officer assessing your application can also request additional documents or information as part of the process.

• Backlog at the visa office: The backlog of applications at the visa office can significantly impact the processing time of your application. If the visa office is experiencing an unusually large volume of applications, it can take longer to process your application.

Typical Spousal Visa Processing Times

The average processing time for a spousal visa application is approximately 12 months. However, this time can vary widely depending on the factors mentioned above. Some applications may take as little as six months, while others can take over two years. To get a more accurate estimate of how long it will take to process your specific application, check the processing time for the visa office responsible for your application.

As monitoring the status of your application can be stressful, you can enroll in Canada’s new biometrics program to receive automatic updates on your application’s progress. It can give you some peace of mind and help you plan your move accordingly.

Conclusion

Getting a spousal visa to Canada can be a challenging process, with many factors influencing how long it takes to process your application. It’s essential to be patient throughout the process, ensure your application is complete and accurate, and be aware of the current processing times for the visa office handling your application.

If you need further information on the spousal visa application process, consider consulting the official immigration websites, immigration consultants, or the Embassy for more details.

FAQs

Q.1. Can I expedite my spousal visa application processing time?

Yes, you may be able to expedite your application if there are compelling circumstances. Contact the visa office processing your application for information on how to request an expedited process.

Q.2. Do I need to be married to apply for a spousal visa?

No, you don’t have to be legally married to apply for a spousal visa. If you are in a common-law relationship or a civil partnership, you may still be able to apply for a spousal visa.