Few probably simple questions on family sponsorship

[Apple]

Hello all,

I hope someone can help me with a few questions - thank you in advance!

I am a Canadian citizen, working outside Canada for several years.  Am interested to go to Canada and study and have my non-Canadian wife obtain PR prior to my study.

•   Once I have university acceptance letter, I would apply for wife's PR. How long might that take?  I am wondering what if that takes so long and I miss my studies.

I am not sure where I would work after my studies, but we are contemplating two scenarios:

•   If I end up working outside Canada, how complicated would the PR renewal be for my wife? That is, she'd have to come to Canada, apply from there and wait a few months - or possibly go apply and then go again to pick the new card up?  We are still wondering whether applying for PR would be practical in that scenario...

•   If I end up working in Canada, we would consider sponsoring my wife's parents to join us. As I understand, she, as a PR, could sponsor them. How long does that process take? Are there any faster options (e.g. if they buy a house in Canada)?

Thank you again.

[rjessome]

1.  Can't really say how long it will take without knowing what embassy would be reviewing your application.  Here is the link for average processing times.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/international/05-fc-spouses.asp

If you plan to start studying in September, that's a pretty short time frame and it might not be finished in time.  Keep in mind that you have to show proof of resettlement in Canada to be eligible.

2.  If you work outside of the country after you finish your studies, your wife's PR status is fine as long as she is with you.  I don't know how the renewal process works from outside of Canada but maybe a member who does will comment on that.

3.  Yes, as a PR your wife can sponsor her parents and you will co-sign the application.  Unless they fall within another category of the economic classes (i.e. skilled worker, etc.) there is no faster way to make it happen and it takes a long time.  The average processing time is two fold.  First, the sponsorship application must be approved in Canada.  Please see this website:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/canada/process-in.asp#sponsorship

Then the file will be forwarded to the appropriate visa office where the processing times are listed on this website:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/international/08-fc-parents.asp

So add the two together to get a guesstimate of how long it will take.  These processing times are subject to change without notice.

Hope that helps a little.