December 7, 2016

Faster Processing and Shorter Wait Times for Spousal Reunification

As of 7 December 2016, the Government of Canada has announced that they would be making it faster and easier for Canadians and permanent residents to reunite with their spouses.

From the start of 2016 to the fall, processing times were reduced by 15 percent for in-Canada applications and just over 10 percent for applications outside Canada.

Starting today, processing times will be reduced even further with most spousal applications now being processed in 12 months. Cases that are more complex may require more time.

Applicants who already filed an application will not have to wait an additional 12 months to have them finalized. Most families who have been waiting should have a decision on their sponsorship application no later than the end of December 2017.

The Government of Canada’s new changes are expected to benefit more than 64,000 applicants by the end of 2017, and are expected to bring families together.

For more information, please click here.