Introduction
Migrating to Canada is a dream come true for many families around the world. The process of obtaining a family visa can be complex, and it requires careful planning and preparation. One of the most important aspects of the family visa application process is understanding the processing time.
What is Family Visa?
A family visa is a type of immigration visa that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their eligible family members to live and work in Canada. The family members who can be sponsored under this visa include spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.
What is Processing Time?
Processing time refers to the amount of time it takes for the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process a family visa application. The processing time may vary depending on several factors such as the type of visa, the number of applications received, and the completeness of the application.
Processing Time for Family Visa
The processing time for family visa applications in Canada varies based on the type of visa applied. The IRCC provides an estimated processing time for each category of visa application, which can be helpful to plan the application process accordingly.
Spousal Sponsorship Visa
The spousal sponsorship visa is one of the most common types of family visas. The processing time for this visa application is around 12 months, which means it takes approximately one year for the IRCC to process and approve the application.
Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Visa
The parent and grandparent sponsorship visa is another popular category of family visa. The processing time for this visa application is around 20-24 months, which means it takes approximately two years for the IRCC to process and approve the application.
Super Visa
The super visa is a type of family visa that allows parents and grandparents to visit their family members in Canada for up to two years. The processing time for the super visa application is around 8 weeks, which means it takes approximately two months for the IRCC to process and approve the application.
Dependent Child Sponsorship Visa
The dependent child sponsorship visa is for children under 22 years of age who are dependent on their parents and want to migrate to Canada. The processing time for this visa application is around 12 months, which means it takes approximately one year for the IRCC to process and approve the application.
Tips to Reduce Processing Time
There are several ways to reduce the processing time for a family visa application. These tips can help to ensure that the application is processed faster and with minimal delays.
Submit a Complete and Accurate Application
One of the most important things to do is to submit a complete and accurate application. This includes filling out all the required fields, providing all the necessary documents, and ensuring that the information provided is accurate.
Respond Promptly to Requests for Information
The IRCC may require additional information or clarification during the visa application process. It is important to respond promptly to these requests to avoid delays in processing.
Keep Track of Application Status
It is important to keep track of the application status by checking the IRCC website regularly. This can help to identify any issues or delays in processing the application.
Seek Professional Assistance
If you are struggling with the visa application process, it may be helpful to seek professional assistance. Immigration lawyers or consultants can help to ensure that the application is complete and accurate, which can help to speed up the processing time.
Conclusion
The processing time for family visa applications in Canada varies depending on several factors. Understanding the processing time and following the tips mentioned above can help to ensure that the application is processed faster and with minimal delays.
