PACP - Spousal Sponsorship Processing Times - December 5, 2023

Key Facts And Figures

Current processing times for spousal permanent resident applications (excluding Quebec) are approximately 13 months (overseas) and 10 months (in-Canada) compared to 20 months and 12 months (respectively) for the same period last year.
The 2023 planned admission target for Spouses, Partners and Children is 78,000 which is expected to increase to 82,000 in 2024, and 84,000 in 2025.
70,092 spouses, partners and children became permanent residents in 2022. From January to October 2023, 70,041 partners and children have become permanent residents which exceeds the pace demonstrated from January to October of 2022 (61,590) and 2021 (54,014).
In 2022, over 91,000 decisions were made, surpassing the number of decisions made in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

IRCC is committed to reuniting families. The Department has implemented several measures to support and accelerate the processing of spousal sponsorship applications while maintaining program integrity, including file digitization, remote processing, the use of streamlined processing measures, online portals and an increase in the number of decision-makers.
On May 26, 2023, we announced new measures to strengthen family reunification and help address labour shortages:
- Faster and more accessible Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) processing for spousal applicants using streamlined tools and techniques.
- Going forward, most new TRV applications for spousal sponsorship applicants will be processed within 30 days.
- In addition, the approval rate for spousal temporary resident visas increased from 55% in 2022 to 75% between January and September 2023. This is in line with the global TRV approval rate and fulfills the Minister’s mandate letter commitment to better facilitate access to TRVs for spouses who have a permanent residence application in process.
- Open work permits can also now be issued to spouses and partners and their dependent children that have arrived in Canada and are pending a decision on their permanent residence application under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class or family class programs.

Quebec-destined spouses face additional delays in processing – currently 26 months (in-Canada), and 37 months (overseas) – compared to other applicants, given limited levels space under family class to accommodate demand of Quebec-destined sponsors/spouses.

IRCC leverages IT tools to triage more straightforward cases into quick processing so that clients see improved processing times and greater access to TRVs. This approach recognizes that the vast majority of applicants (approximately 90%) seeking permanent residence under the spousal/partner reunification program will be approved to come to Canada.

Streamlined processing measures for in-Canada spousal applications include the use of advanced data analytics (AA) that allows officers to identify routine applications for streamlined processing.
When an application is deemed routine for streamlined processing, AA is used to determine only that an applicant is eligible, before the file is sent to an officer to screen for admissibility, which includes security and criminality. Applications not deemed routine are triaged to officers for regular manual processing. Officers always make the final decision on applications. The systems never refuse or recommend refusing applications. When applications are refused, an officer made the decision.
Streamlined processing measures have led to processing efficiencies. Looking ahead, IRCC will monitor and evaluate the effects of automated decision making on overall processing times for clients.