What Happens After Submitting a Family Class Sponsorship Application?

Sponsoring a family member to Canada under the Family Class program is a multi-step process. Once the application is submitted, it undergoes a series of reviews and decisions before the sponsored person can obtain permanent residency. Below is a breakdown of what to expect after submitting a Family Class Sponsorship application.

Application Intake and Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)

Once Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives the sponsorship application, they will verify that all required forms and supporting documents have been provided. If the package is complete, IRCC issues an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR). This typically occurs within a few weeks to a few months, depending on processing times.

Sponsor Eligibility Assessment

IRCC will first assess the sponsor to ensure they meet eligibility criteria, including:

Being at least 18 years old
Being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Meeting financial requirements (where applicable)
Not being subject to sponsorship bars

If the sponsor is found eligible, IRCC proceeds to assess the sponsored person’s application.

Assessment of the Sponsored Person’s Application

The sponsored family member’s application is then reviewed for completeness and admissibility. IRCC assesses:

Identity and civil status documents
Background history and travel records
Medical exam results
Police certificates from countries of residence
Any additional supporting documents

If all requirements are met, IRCC proceeds to the next step.

Biometrics Request and Submission

Most applicants are required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). IRCC will send a request letter instructing the sponsored person to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit their biometrics. Failure to complete this step on time can delay processing.

Medical Examination

IRCC requires the sponsored person and any accompanying dependents to complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) with an IRCC-approved panel physician. The physician submits the results directly to IRCC.

Additional Document Requests and Interview (If Required)

IRCC may request additional documents or schedule an interview if they need clarification regarding the relationship’s genuineness or other factors. Interviews are more common in cases of spousal sponsorships where there are concerns about the legitimacy of the relationship.

Background and Security Checks

IRCC conducts background and security checks, which involve verifying the applicant’s criminal record, security concerns, and any immigration violations. This step varies in length depending on the individual’s travel history and country of residence.

Decision-Making Process

Once all assessments are complete, IRCC makes a final decision:

Approval: The sponsored person receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if applicable, a permanent resident visa.
Refusal: IRCC provides written reasons for the refusal, and the sponsor may have options to appeal the decision or reapply with stronger supporting evidence.

Passport Request (If Outside Canada)

If the applicant is outside Canada and needs a TRV to enter, IRCC will request their passport for visa stamping. Once returned, the applicant can travel to Canada to finalize their permanent residency.

Landing and Permanent Residency Confirmation

The final step involves the sponsored person arriving in Canada to complete the landing process. They must present their COPR to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer or attend an in-Canada landing appointment if they are already in Canada. The PR card is mailed to them within a few weeks after successful landing.

Processing Timelines

Processing times vary based on application type, country of residence, and IRCC’s workload. As of recent updates, typical processing times are:

Spousal and common-law partner sponsorship (inside Canada, outside Quebec): 28 months
Spousal and common-law partner sponsorship (inside Canada, in Quebec): 34 months
Spousal and common-law partner sponsorship (outside Canada, outside Quebec): 10–12 months
Spousal and common-law partner sponsorship (outside Canada, in Quebec): 36 months

Up to date processing times can be found here.

Conclusion

Submitting a Family Class Sponsorship application is just the beginning of the process. Understanding the sequence of events helps applicants and sponsors anticipate what to expect, avoid delays, and prepare for each step accordingly. If you have concerns about your application, consulting an immigration professional can help ensure a smooth process.
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