How long does it take to immigrate to Canada as a family?
Are you considering moving to Canada with your family? And wondering how long it would take? That can depend on a few things: how eligible you are, which immigration program you are applying through, and how quickly you and your family members fulfill the required steps. In this blog, we break down the immigration process and provide a general estimate for families.
Step 1: Find Your Eligibility (1-3 months)
Before you can begin the immigration process, you will want to know if you are eligible for immigrating to Canada.
Checking your eligibility:
You can check your eligibility for the different immigration programs through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Collect any documents in advance:
You will want to collect all required documents at this point too (passports, birth certificates, language tests, etc.)
Step 2: Choose the Right Immigration Program (1-3 months)
And once you find out eligibility, you will have to choose the correct immigration program for your family.
Research immigration programs:
You will need to research some immigration programs (e.g. Express Entry, Family Sponsorship, Provincial Nominee Programs, etc.).
Choose the program that fits your family:
In the end, you will need to select a program that you or your family are eligible too and fits your needs.
Step 3: Submit Your Application (3-12 months)
Once you have selected the most appropriate immigration program for you, you will be ready to submit your application.
1. Complete the application:
Fill out the application and prepare all documents that are required.
2. Submit the application: Submit the application and pay the required fees.
Step 4: Wait for Processing (6-24 months)
Once your application is submitted, then you will wait for the processing:
1. Processing times:
Processing times depend on the immigration program and how quickly everything is completed by you and your family members.
2. Medical exam and police certificate:
You and your family members may have to complete a medical exam and obtain a police certificate.
Step 5: Receive a Decision (1-3 months)
After processing, you will receive the final decision on your application:
1. Approved:
If your application is approved you will receive a confirmation of your permanent residence.
2. Denied:
If your application is denied you will receive a letter which indicates the reasons for the denial.
Timeline for Families
A family’s timeline to immigrate to Canada can vary, however this is a reasonable breakdown.
6 – 12 months: Determine eligibility and submit application.
6 – 24 months: Processing time.
1 – 3 months: Decision.
Total time: 12 – 36 months (1- 3 years).
Tips and Reminders
Here are a few tips and reminders:
Conduct thorough research:
Conduct exhaustive, thorough research around the immigration process and requirements for your particular case.
Ensure you have all of your documentation together:
Ensure you have all of your documentation ready for submission. The more documentation you have collected and checked before submission will decrease delays.
Seek assistance:
Seek a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant if you are not 100% clear on the immigration process.
Conclusion
As a final recap, the time to immigrate to Canada as a family can take anywhere from 12 – 36 months (1 – 3 year transport). If you know the immigration process and timing, you can better prepare you and your family for their transition.
