+1(514) 937-9445 or Toll-free (Canada & US) +1 (888) 947-9445

Spouse, common-law or conjugal partner living outside Canada: Outside Quebec​

Estimated time left​

We need more time to process your application

Last updated: October 9, 2025 Updated monthly

We might not be able to give you an estimate because:

  • your application is complex
  • we need to check more things on your application for security reasons
Even if you haven’t heard from us recently, we’re still processing your application. If we need more information, we’ll contact you.

***is this normal?

Yes, it does not mean bad news. Its an automated response. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait more.
 
Mostly Timeline is gonna increase further. Processing is expected to be delayed for this year for sure.
Reasons - Application Backlog, IRCC's employee reduction
Mostly Timeline is gonna increase further. Processing is expected to be delayed for this year for sure.
Reasons - Application Backlog, IRCC's employee reduction
But why for those who applied after us they are not facing delays.
And why it’s taking so long for Abu Dhabi to process files my husband file got transferred from London to Abu Dhabi no progress at all from January 2025.
 
But why for those who applied after us they are not facing delays.
And why it’s taking so long for Abu Dhabi to process files my husband file got transferred from London to Abu Dhabi no progress at all from January 2025.
IRCC never guarantees a sequential execution & timely delivery.
Depends how complicated your case is (the travel history's, citizenship's he may have held ), which global IRCC office gets assigned for your file. A lot of times files are shared across regions to avoid delays but may create further delays.
There is no fast tracking with IRCC.

Hopefully you will receive your updates soon.

PS: Hope you already have access to the application tracker. If not already, create an account, https://ircc-tracker-suivi.apps.cic.gc.ca/en/login
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mustafa Zara
IRCC never guarantees a sequential execution & timely delivery.
Depends how complicated your case is (the travel history's, citizenship's he may have held ), which global IRCC office gets assigned for your file. A lot of times files are shared across regions to avoid delays but may create further delays.
There is no fast tracking with IRCC.

Hopefully you will receive your updates soon.

PS: Hope you already have access to the application tracker. If not already, create an account, https://ircc-tracker-suivi.apps.cic.gc.ca/en/login
I totally understand the process but my husband never lived outside of the country where he was born. Whenever I reach out to my MP or lawyer they are saying it's 3rd party who's assigned to do the background check we can not do anything but what I don't understand is what kind of information do they need I'm just tired of the same response “File is in progress if we need more information we will contact you”.
Every single time I read this message it breaks my heart it’s not fair
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jozef001
I totally understand the process but my husband never lived outside of the country where he was born. Whenever I reach out to my MP or lawyer they are saying it's 3rd party who's assigned to do the background check we can not do anything but what I don't understand is what kind of information do they need I'm just tired of the same response “File is in progress if we need more information we will contact you”.
Every single time I read this message it breaks my heart it’s not fair
i feel you. applied dec 23, background verification still in progress. same response I got from my MP, security assessment are processed by partnering agencies to IRCC and IRCC has no pathway to communicate with these agencies, so MP wont able to send requests or even track the progress of the security assessment. WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE, the 3rd party? PI?