Family reunification has always been a core pillar of Canada’s immigration policy, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents (PRs) to sponsor their spouses, common-law partners, and close family members. In fact, family-class immigration is the second most popular immigration pathway after economic immigration.
According to the 2023 Annual Report on Immigration from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the number of sponsored spouses and partners admitted to Canada has steadily risen since 2018, with 70,076 admissions recorded in 2022. Despite this, the processing time for these sponsorships has increased, with average times rising from 13 months in 2019 to 18 months in 2022.
While IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within the service standards, the waiting time has prompted many Canadian citizens and PRs to explore alternative options to bring their loved ones to Canada more quickly. Fortunately, there are two key pathways that can expedite the process.
Option 1: Open Work Permits (SOWP)
A Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) allows spouses and common-law partners to work while their permanent residency application is being processed. To qualify, applicants must:
- Prove a genuine relationship with their sponsor
- Have an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter for their PR application
- Reside in Canada with their sponsor
IRCC has set a 60-day processing standard for new work permit applications, making this an attractive option for those seeking faster family reunification.
Option 2: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)
Alternatively, spouses or partners may apply for a Visitor Visa to join their sponsor in Canada temporarily while awaiting permanent residency approval. General eligibility requirements include:
- A valid travel document (e.g., passport)
- Good health and no criminal or immigration-related convictions
- Proof of ties to their home country
- Sufficient funds for their stay in Canada
IRCC’s current processing time for visitor visa applications submitted outside Canada is 14 days. Applicants may also need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of relationship, identity, and family information, to support their visa application.
For Canadian citizens and PRs eager to reunite with their families sooner, these two options offer potential pathways to bring their spouses or partners to Canada ahead of their permanent residency approval.