Sponsoring an america (outland application) - 33 months wait???

[lifeisfun]

Hello all,

My wife and I live in the US. She is american and I will be sponsoring her to Canada. We've already done the medical exam, filled out the documents and got fingerprints.....

I called a lawyer to go through the documents and make sure everything is good, and when I asked how long it actually takes, they said anywhere from 22 to 33 months for outland applications... does that apply to american citizens as well? can anyone please give us an input/advice..


Regards....

 

[tink23]

No, that is wrong. Please don't use that lawyer, they are sadly mistaken and clearly not knowledgeable. American applications are processed in Ottawa. The current rate is around 6-8 months for approval. Only if there are major concerns with the application and an interview is required, will the application go to LA, which has the long timeline. This is very unlikely for an American applicant. You do not need a lawyer to do this, unless there are big red flags, which as I stated before, is unlikely with an American. If you don't have a confusing criminal history, then don't use a lawyer. Waste of money and they don't even sound like they know what they're talkig about.

 

[lifeisfun]

thanks for the response, we do however want to hire someone to help us with documents , as we would like to avoid any mistakes. can anyone recommend a law firm?

 

[keesio]

I'm stunned (and disappointed) at how misinformed many immigration consultants and lawyers are. There have been a few US applicants misled into applying inland by consultants. How could they be so misinformed when you have people on this forum who are not pros but know the process better?

 

[tink23]

thanks for the response, we do however want to hire someone to help us with documents , as we would like to avoid any mistakes. can anyone recommend a law firm?

That really isn't necessary at all. But if you insist on using a lawyer, please find a different one!!! The person who manages this forum is from the Cohen firm. They have an office in Montreal and Toronto.

 

[rhcohen2014]

Only if there are major concerns with the application and an interview is required, will the application go to LA, which has the long timeline. This is very unlikely for an American applicant.

The posted time online is NOT accurate for family class spousal interviews. this forum has seen US applicants with interviews in LA getting processed in 12-16 months, rather than the 6-8 seen by straight forward applications processed in Ottawa.

and as Tink said, if your attorney/consultant doesn't know this information, then RUN QUICKLY.

 

[blueangel371115]

The posted time online is NOT accurate for family class spousal interviews. this forum has seen US applicants with interviews in LA getting processed in 12-16 months, rather than the 6-8 seen by straight forward applications processed in Ottawa.

and as Tink said, if your attorney/consultant doesn't know this information, then RUN QUICKLY.

I agree. They will lead you the wrong way, fire them IMMEDIATELY. Based on what you've said, you'll get more accurate info here, for free. I've heard so many horror stories from folks who've hired consultants and no good ones. People here reading this have actually done it themselves and aren't just parroting back to you what the CIC or some books tells them. You honestly don't need one and financially I think you'll be better off in my opinion.