Author: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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