Family Sponsorship Update — October 12, 2026
Monday, October 12, 2026
Spousal sponsorship processing times for applicants living in Canada and settling in Quebec saw the most significant recent shifts as of October 4, 2025, according to IRCC's latest update.
Enhanced PNP (Express Entry-linked) spousal/family PR applications improved slightly to 7 months (down from 8 months), while base PNP streams remain at 19 months — well above the 11-month service standard.
Canadian Experience Class processing increased to 6 months (up from 5 months), while Federal Skilled Worker Program decreased to 5 months (down from 6 months) as of the October 2025 update.
What You Should Do
- Check current spousal sponsorship processing times at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html — select 'Family Sponsorship' and your province to see your specific timeline, especially if settling in Quebec.
- If your spouse or partner's PR application is in progress and they are outside Canada, apply for a visitor visa now so they can enter Canada and then apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) upon arrival — do not wait for PR approval.
- If your biometrics letter has arrived, book a biometric collection site appointment immediately — you have only 30 days from the date of the letter to complete this step or risk delays.
- If you are sponsoring a spouse or partner and need an undertaking from MIFI (Quebec), submit that application to MIFI as soon as possible — IRCC cannot approve your PR application until the undertaking is received.
Sources
Topics Covered
Spousal Sponsorship Processing Improvements: As of October 4, 2025, IRCC updated processing times show the most significant shifts in spousal sponsorship for Quebec-bound applicants and in-Canada dependent child sponsorship. Enhanced PNP family PR applications improved to 7 months from 8 months.
2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan: Family class admissions and sponsorship fees for 2026 are governed by the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, with family reunification remaining the second-largest component of Canada's immigration system after economic immigration.
More Family Sponsorship Updates
Family Sponsorship Update — October 8, 2026
Oct 8, 2026
Family Sponsorship Update — October 5, 2026
Oct 5, 2026
Family Sponsorship Update — September 17, 2026
Sep 17, 2026
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