Canada immigration news spouse

Here are some recent news updates and changes related to spouse immigration in Canada:

Recent Changes:

  1. Spousal Sponsorship Processing Times: As of January 2023, the processing time for spousal sponsorship applications has increased to 24-30 months (2-2.5 years) due to a high volume of applications.
  2. New Spousal Sponsorship Application Form: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new application form (IMM 0008) for spousal sponsorship applications, which became effective on November 1, 2022.
  3. Biometric Requirements: As of November 2022, biometric data (fingerprints) are required for all spousal sponsorship applications, including those submitted online.

Recent News:

  1. Spousal Sponsorship Backlog: In October 2022, IRCC announced that it had cleared a significant backlog of spousal sponsorship applications, with over 20,000 applications processed in the previous quarter.
  2. New Spousal Sponsorship Program: In August 2022, the Canadian government launched a new spousal sponsorship program, which allows same-sex couples to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence.
  3. Spousal Sponsorship Ineligibility: In July 2022, IRCC updated its guidelines to clarify that individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes, including domestic violence, may be ineligible for spousal sponsorship.

Tips and Reminders:

  1. Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including proof of relationship, proof of income, and police certificates, to support your spousal sponsorship application.
  2. Meet the Eligibility Criteria: Review the eligibility criteria for spousal sponsorship, including the requirement that the sponsor be at least 18 years old and have been a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for at least one year.
  3. Submit a Complete Application: Make sure to submit a complete and accurate application to avoid delays or rejection.

Resources:

  1. IRCC Website: Visit the IRCC website for more information on spousal sponsorship, including application forms, guidelines, and processing times.
  2. Spousal Sponsorship Application Guide: Download the IRCC's Spousal Sponsorship Application Guide (IMM 5553) for detailed information on the application process.
  3. Immigration Lawyer: Consider consulting with an immigration lawyer to ensure your application is complete and accurate.

Please note that immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and it's essential to stay informed about the latest updates and requirements.