What factors can slow down processing?
Here is a list of common factors that can slow down the processing of your application.
・Incomplete or unsigned application forms
・Incorrect, incomplete address or failure to notify CPC-M of a change of address
・Missing documents
・Unclear photocopies of documents
・Documents not accompanied by a certified English or French translation
・Investigation of sponsors by CIC
・Verification of information and documents provided (for example, there may be lengthy procedures for background checks in the countries where the sponsored person and his or her family members have lived or need for a second interview for additional background screening)
・A medical condition that may require additional tests or consultations
・A criminal or security problem (for example, failure to declare family members or criminal charges pending)
・Family situations such as impending divorce, custody or maintenance issues
・Completion of legal adoption
・Consultation is required with other offices in Canada and abroad
・Inquiring about the status of your application before the standard processing time has elapsed
・The sponsored person is not a permanent resident of the country in which he or she currently lives
・The sponsored person or his or her family members require an interview and live in an area not regularly visited by Immigration officials
・Photos provided by the sponsored person and his or her family members do not comply with specifications set out in Appendix C accompanying the immigrant’s guide
If your case is not routine, we may not be able to process your application within the regular service standards for routine cases. Consult our Web site for additional information on processing times.
〜CIC〜
Processing Time
The length of time it takes to process your application can be different in each mission or visa office. Visit the applications processing times page for more information on how long it might take.
You may be able to speed up the process by:
・making sure all the necessary information is included with your application;
・notifying the visa office of any changes to the information on your application;
・avoiding unnecessary enquiries to the visa office;
・making sure the photocopies and documents you provide are clear and legible;
・providing certified English or French translations of documents, where indicated; and
・applying from a country where you are a citizen or permanent resident.
〜CIC〜