Spousal sponsorship is a process that allows Canadians to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to come and live with them in Canada. However, this process can be complex, and understanding your application status is crucial to knowing what's going on with your application. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to track and understand your spousal sponsorship application status.
Understanding Your Spousal Sponsorship Application Status
You will only be able to see updates on your application status once you have received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter or email. However, before receiving the AOR, you may still be able to view some basic information, such as the date your application was received, the name of your sponsor, and your contact details.
Understanding the IRCC Portal
Canada's Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal provides up-to-date information on the status of various immigration applications, including spousal sponsorship. Once you've applied, you can log into your account to check the current status of your application.
Common Application Statuses and Their Meaning
Received: This is the first status you will see after submitting your application. It means that the IRCC has received your application package.
In Progress: This status indicates that your application is currently under review. The reviewing officer is checking for completeness and may request additional documents if needed.
Decision Made: This status means a decision has been made on your application. However, the portal won't specify if it's a positive or negative decision.
Approved: This is the status you hope to see! It indicates that your spousal sponsorship application has been successful.
Refused: This status means that your application has been declined. You should receive a letter from the IRCC explaining the reasons for the refusal.
What to Do If Your Application Is In Progress for a Long Time?
It's not uncommon for spousal sponsorship applications to remain 'In Progress' for several months. However, if you're concerned about the prolonged processing time:
Ensure you respond promptly to any requests from the IRCC for additional information or documentation.
Consider seeking advice from an immigration attorney or consultant.
Check IRCC processing times to see if your application's processing time aligns with the current average.
Addressing a Refused Status
A refused status can be disheartening, but it's crucial to understand the reasons behind the refusal:
Review the refusal letter carefully to understand the concerns raised by the immigration officer.
Consider reapplying if you believe you can address the issues highlighted in the refusal letter.
Seek guidance from immigration professionals to strengthen your subsequent application.
Importance of Staying Updated
It's crucial to frequently check the status of your application. The IRCC might request additional documents, and responding promptly can accelerate the processing time.
Tracking Your Spousal Sponsorship Application Status
The Canadian government has made it easy to track the status of your spousal sponsorship application. Here are the steps you should follow:
Gather your application information: Before you start tracking your application, you should have all the necessary information, including your application number, date of birth, and the information about your sponsor.
Log into your IRCC account: Once you have your application information ready, log in to your IRCC account. If you don't have an account, you will need to create one.
Check your application status: After logging in, click on the "Check application status" tab. You will be redirected to a page where you can enter your application number, date of birth, and the information about your sponsor. Once you enter the details, click on the "Check status and messages" button.
Review your application status: After clicking on the "Check status and messages" button, you will see your application status. It will show you whether your application is in progress, under review, or has been approved. If there are any updates or messages from IRCC regarding your application, you will see them here.
Contact IRCC: If you have any questions or concerns about your application status, you can contact IRCC through their online messaging system. This system allows you to send messages and receive responses from IRCC regarding your application.
If your application has been refused, IRCC will provide you with a reason for the refusal. You can appeal the decision if you believe that the decision was unfair or incorrect. For more information on how to appeal a spousal sponsorship refusal, check out our guide here.