IRCC Clearing Spousal Sponsorship Backlog
IRCC Clearing Spousal Sponsorship Backlog
In a news release dated February 14, 2018, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced it has successfully met its commitment to reduce the spousal sponsorship backlog.
It confirmed that more than 80% of applications that were in the backlog on December 7, 2016, have now received final decisions on their applications. This resulted in a reduction in the spousal sponsorship inventory from 75,000 to 15,000 at the end of 2017.
IRCC notes that it has responded to client and stakeholder feedback to improve and simplify the application process for sponsors and other applicants, resulting in changes being made to the application guides and checklists.
According to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, “The Government of Canada is committed to family reunification. We understand how important it is to reunite couples. It also makes for a stronger Canada. Canadians who marry someone from abroad shouldn’t have to wait for years to have them immigrate or be left with uncertainty in terms of their ability to stay.”
Changes to the Application Process
With newly updated application kit for spousal sponsorship, applicants will be required to submit their Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669) form and police certificates as part of the initial paper application package, instead of later in the application process, as was previously required.
This will help us process applications even more quickly and efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays, according to IRCC.
Other Steps to Improve Application Processing Times
To further reduce their application processing times, applicants are encouraged to link their applications to an online account in order to:
- Communicate more quickly and securely with IRCC
- Get medical instructions as soon as they are issued
- Receive and respond to request letters quickly
- Get application updates online
To apply for permanent residency through the spousal sponsorship program or find out how these changes affect you contact us or call 306-559-4904 to speak with a representative.
Find out if you are eligible to immigrate to Canada by completing our free assessment.
Photo credit IRCC
The Team at Northern Connections Canada Immigration
