Canada Perm. Resident Spouse Sponsorship times - only 35 days !?!?!

[Cindo and Joe 0]

I believe I am closer to figuring out which visa process to take-

From the page I found, it says it only takes 35 days to become a Permanent Resident via Spousal Visa (IMM 5289) in CANADA... I'm assuming that after that is processed I can start working legally in Canada? Could someone please clarify because that seems very fast!!! Here is the link:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/t...asp#sponsorship

This would be the ideal route, because having permanent residence in Canada myself we could then file for a DCF in order for us to go back to the states which seems to be the most convenient.

If not that, from what I've been reading the CR-1 seems to be the most hassle-free way to go (not having to deal with the USCIS for 2 years). Although I've heard conflictingopinions- some say that the couple is forced to seperate, some people have said you can stay together throughout the process.

Edited April 9, 2009 by Cindo and Joe

[thetreble 19]

Honestly, no matter which process you do it's going to take time.

35 days seems...very fast to be honest. Someone who has gone to Canada to immigrate can probably give you a better idea. We know people who have been waiting ages.

But applying to immigrate to Canada, just so you can apply DCF to get back in the US seems like, no offense, a really complicated way of doing things. It may end up taking you longer doing that then doing an immgration procedure to one country and one country online.

You can still see your spouse on a CR-1. You can visit each other as much as you want. Can you go and stay there the entire time? No, probably not but you will get some answers here.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I am not sure where you are seeing 35 days but from my experience you are more likely looking at 6 to 9 months for processing immigration to Canada. Here is a link to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website processing times for different applications. You can check for the processing times for In Canada applications and for Out of Canada applications. In the Out of Canada applications, scroll down until you find "The Americas" and the processing office you are looking for is Buffalo. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/index.asp

Yes, if you decide you would like to return to the US eventually, you can then do DCF. I would not count on a 35 day processing time with any credibility. In my 7 years of working for a Member of Parliament assisting with immigration applications, the average time was closer to 9 to 12 months. That was, however, five years ago. I cannot see how they can make the process much faster due to the work that needs to be done on each application.

It might be 35 days to process a visitor's visa, but I highly doubt it is an immigrant visa.

btw - Temporary Residence permits are the equivalent of visitor visas in the US. You are looking at Permanent Residence Permits in order to live in Canada.

Edited April 10, 2009 by Kathryn41

[trailmix 77]

The 35 days is the average for them to acknowledge your application. My Husband's PR application took 6 months, from within Canada - but that was 9 years ago.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I actually just took a class on Canadian immigration processes. Honestly, I didn't learn a thing about family-based immigration, It was mainly centered around refugee and asylum policies. Soo... If you want to claim refugee status in Canada I can help you out The 1 thing I did learn was that there is a common misconception that Canadian immigration processes are easy... In some cases its even harder than what we face in the US. Also, whatever the government puts on the internet about processing times are usually very wrong and not updated frequently... But good luck! Its exciting that an American is considering a move to Canada! I don't hear about that as often

[cmls 0]

I actually just took a class on Canadian immigration processes. Honestly, I didn't learn a thing about family-based immigration, It was mainly centered around refugee and asylum policies. Soo... If you want to claim refugee status in Canada I can help you out The 1 thing I did learn was that there is a common misconception that Canadian immigration processes are easy... In some cases its even harder than what we face in the US. Also, whatever the government puts on the internet about processing times are usually very wrong and not updated frequently... But good luck! Its exciting that an American is considering a move to Canada! I don't hear about that as often

I sponsored my husband (USC) last year and it took 4 months from the time the docs are submitted to his approval date. My suggestions is to check and re-check everything before mailing, send everything the first time and send lots of evidence for bonafide marriage. He didn't even have an interview- very smooth process.

[Reba 2]

I'm not sure, but I think a USC would have to be an LPR for 2 years in Canada before they're eligible to file a DCF petition for their spouse. Check with the US consulate on that.