Question Period Note: SPOUSAL SPONSORSHIP

Addressing spousal sponsorship processing times

• IRCC is committed to reuniting families and has implemented several measures to support and accelerate the processing of spousal sponsorship applications.
• These measures include file digitization, remote processing, the use of streamlined processing measures and online portals, as well as an increase in the number of decision-makers.
• From June 1 to November 30, 2023, processing times for spousal permanent resident applications (excluding QC) were approximately 13 months (overseas) and 10 months (in-Canada) compared to 18 months and 11 months (respectively) for the same period in 2022.

If pressed:
• In May 2023, we announced new measures to strengthen family reunification and help address labour shortages including:
o Faster and more accessible temporary resident visa processing for spousal permanent residence applicants using streamlined tools and techniques.
o Additionally, open work permits can now be issued to spouses and partners that have arrived in Canada and are pending a decision on their permanent residence application under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class or family class programs.
o Processing times for temporary resident visas for spousal permanent residence applicants are now in line with processing times for other visitors. A significant portion of applications are processed in less than 30 days.

• The 2023 planned admission target for Spouses, Partners and Children was 78,000 spaces, which is expected to increase to 82,000 in 2024, and to 84,000 in 2025.

• A total of 81,296 spouses, partners and children became permanent residents (PR) in 2023 compared to 70,092 in 2022. From January to November 2023, 74,870 partners and children became permanent residents which exceeds the pace demonstrated from January to November of 2022 (65,164).

• As a result of efforts on backlog reduction, while also processing new applications within service standards, processing times have improved. Current processing times for Rest of Canada-destined applicants are approximately 13 months (overseas) and 10 months (in-Canada) (as of November 2023 based on 80% of applications in the prior 6 months). As a comparison, for the same period in 2022, processing times for Rest of Canada-destined applicants were 18 months and 11 months for overseas and in-Canada spousal applications respectively.

• Quebec-destined spouses face additional delays in processing, compared to other applicants [currently 26 months (in-Canada), and 40 months (overseas)], given limited levels space under family class to accommodate demand of Quebec-destined sponsors/spouses.

• The Department will continue to work on strengthening family reunification and eliminate the current backlog for those impacted by the pandemic.

• The Department has devoted considerable resources since the start of the pandemic to improve the processing of spousal applications resulting in a higher number of decisions and faster processing of new spousal applications. Between January and November 2023, 86,994 total decisions were made, surpassing the number of decisions made in 2022 (82, 586) for the same period.

• The Department has also put in place innovative processes and implemented modernization efforts to streamline PR spousal processing by:

o Digitizing paper applications for remote processing by officers,
o Building a Permanent Residence online portal to allow all applicants to apply digitally (exemptions apply upon request for accommodation),
o Implementing streamlined processing measures for in-Canada spousal PR applications that include the use of advanced data analytics (AA) which allow officers to identify routine applications for streamlined processing.
o When an in-Canada spouse or common-law partner PR application is deemed routine for streamlined processing, AA is used to determine only that an applicant is eligible, before the file is sent to an officer to screen for admissibility, which includes security and criminality. PR applications not deemed routine are triaged to officers for regular manual processing. Officers always make the final decision on applications. The systems only make positive eligibility assessments and never refuse or recommend refusing applications. When applications are refused, an officer made the decision.
o Streamlined processing measures have led to processing efficiencies. Looking ahead, IRCC will continue to monitor and evaluate the effects of automated decision making on in-Canada spousal PR applications on overall processing times for clients.
• IRCC is using advanced processing tools to help accelerate the processing of TRV applications for those with permanent resident spousal applications in process, as well as to help increase approval rates for spouses, without compromising the safety and security of Canadians.

• IT tools triage more straightforward cases into quick processing so that clients see improved processing times and greater access to TRVs.

• On May 26, 2023, IRCC also announced a temporary public policy to issue open work permits (OWP) to spousal applicants and their dependent children. Under the public policy, applicants with valid temporary resident status can receive an OWP as soon as they submit a complete permanent residence application under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class or the Family Class programs. This temporary public policy will help sponsored family members who live with their sponsor and have valid temporary resident status, to support themselves and fill much-needed jobs in Canada.

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