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grapz

Full Member
Sep 1, 2014
27
1
Hey guys,

On the website for processing times, LA and NYC both have processing times of over 30+ months. Is this usually the standard? Our application is relatively simple and so is our case. We've been together for 4 years now, with tons of evidence to show. How long does it usually take for these applications?
 
US applications are processed through Ottawa for the most part (only problematic applications are sent to LA and NYC). The processing time you see for Ottawa is how long it took CIC to complete processing for 80% of applications. This means most applications are processed faster than the post time and many significantly faster. I believe many applicants from the US are getting through in around 6 months right now.
 
to get an idea of what to expect as a us applicant, check out the ottawa spreadsheet (Which is where us applications are processed), which is the blue link in my signature below. most applicants have seen approval in 5-6 months, though Ottawa seems to be slowing down to more of a 7-8 month approval time since the holidays.

as scylla said, the processing time listed online are not true averages, and they certainly don't reflect what applicants are experiencing TODAY. IF an interviw is called (Which is a very slim chance), it will be held in LA. There is no option for NY interviews. Those with interviews have seen a processing time of 12-16 months.
 
The rough general trend:
-US citizens: ~6 months (used to be really fast last year but they seem to be slowing down as rhcohen said)
-US green card holders: ~10 months
-Foreign workers or students in the US: 1+ year

The above is for people with no big red-flags and who do not need an interview.

If you need an interview then your app gets transferred and that is when the timelines spike up.
 
Im assuming the percentage of U.S citizens getting an interview is slim to none, what would be the reason an interview would be scheduled/nessecary?
 
jamsham12 said:
Im assuming the percentage of U.S citizens getting an interview is slim to none, what would be the reason an interview would be scheduled/nessecary?

The main reason they would schedule an interview is because they don't think your relationship is legit. Since they usually give US citizens the benefit of the doubt, your application would have to be riddled with major red-flags for them to question it (like getting married almost immediately after you first met your spouse or if for some crazy reason you applied as a conjugal couple (which is almost certain rejection) )
 
keesio said:
-Foreign workers or students in the US: 1+ year

I hope I will be the exception to this rule honestly... :(
 
keesio said:
The main reason they would schedule an interview is because they don't think your relationship is legit. Since they usually give US citizens the benefit of the doubt, your application would have to be riddled with major red-flags for them to question it (like getting married almost immediately after you first met your spouse or if for some crazy reason you applied as a conjugal couple (which is almost certain rejection) )

makes sense. apperciate the insight.
 
jamsham12 said:
makes sense. apperciate the insight.

they will also call an interview if there is a dependant issue (ie: birth parent refusing to sign forms/get medical done for child) or criminality issues of the applicant.
 
vasask said:
Is the 6-8 months time frame based on AOR or sponsor approval date?

application "received" date. generally, the day the application was delivered to CIC.
 
rhcohen2014 said:
application "received" date. generally, the day the application was delivered to CIC.

even with AOR and SA at 3 months? Most VO are approving apps and issusing COPR within 3 months of AOR? :-X. If so that is amazing.
 
jamsham12 said:
even with AOR and SA at 3 months? Most VO are approving apps and issusing COPR within 3 months of AOR? :-X. If so that is amazing.

Definitely not most VOs. Ottawa has a pretty good track record, though I imagine it will slow down with the current delays in SA.
 
MilesAway said:
Definitely not most VOs. Ottawa has a pretty good track record, though I imagine it will slow down with the current delays in SA.

:'( damn that sucks.
 
MilesAway said:
Definitely not most VOs. Ottawa has a pretty good track record, though I imagine it will slow down with the current delays in SA.

Yep. Overall timelines are creeping up. Probably due to SA taking longer in Mississauga