I applied for Candian Immigration in the end of November 2001 from Kansas City, USA where I am working on a H-1B visa. I recently got married in Pakistan, however my spouse did not accompany me to the US. She will be joining me in October later this year.

I wanted to find out if this change in marital status will delay my immigration processing in any way?. Would it be better if I inform the Canadian Immigration office about this change in marital status and request them to process my spouse's application after she comes to the US instead of starting it in Pakistan?.

Thanks in advance.

Once married, the Canadian Government will also request that the new spouse complete the government IMM-0008 forms, as well as provide a copy of the marriage certificate. If the new spouse plans to accompany the main applicant to Canada, then he/she will also have to provide the correct processing fees (usually $500 CAD), as well as a passport copy.

The new spouse will usually be required to attend a medical exam, and provide police clearances regardless of whether or not he/she will be accompanying the main applicant to Canada.

In our experience such a change, in which an applicant becomes married, will usually not significantly delay the processing of the application. Although every case is different, and there exists the possibility of a delay in the application.