LN13 said:
I understand that I send it to Mississauga but when I look at processing times do I look at it for that center or do I look at it for where we'd have to go for an interview if necessary? That would be New York and there is a significant difference in processing times.
I'm not overly concerned about needing an interview, to be honest. We've been married for almost 7 years and will soon have two kids together. I can send them PLENTY of documentation showing a real relationship.
Any information you could give me would be very much appreciated.
You are very unlikely to be asked for an interview - 7 years and two kids together don't look like a marriage-of-convenience. You should make sure to get your Certificate of Canadian citizenship for your children (so you can have their passports) ASAP, as that will take as long (or longer) than getting your husband his PR.
NYC and LA typically handle more complex applications, such as those that require an interview. Thus, the correct time to consider for your case is the time for CPP-O (Ottawa) as that's the visa office outside Canada that would handle your application.
Further, the open data project (http://data.gc.ca) publishes detailed information about processing times. In your case, the time of interest is the "processing time for spouse & partner) for CPP-O. The times posted are: 6/7/9/11/14 (20%/30%/50%/70%/80%). What that means is that you are likely to have a decision in 9 months or less (the 50% time) but CIC only posts the 80% time (and they only do so for spouse/partner and children, not just for spouse/partner.)
What can you do to be on the shorter time frame? Make sure your application is thorough and complete. You are unlikely to have substantial challenges to the legitimacy of your relationship so don't spend a lot of time including volumes of evidence. Focus on making sure that all the documentary evidence is present, the documents are filled out properly, the fees paid up front (notably the RPRF of $490).
Ideally, you want to hear from CIC three times:
(1) When you are approved as sponsor;
(2) When they want your husband's passport (or copy in his case);
(3) When you receive his Confirmation of Permanent Residence.
You do that by submitting a thorough, complete and well-organized application.
Good luck!
so happy to be over this.... We were told usually takes 6 weeks to get PR card by Immigration guy at Border but that it may take a little longer. Doing the happy dance! Happy Holidays everyone!
