Updated on December 9, 2025 by canadian immigration experts
IRCC Shortens Processing Time for Spousal TRVs to 30 Days
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented a game-changing policy, reducing the processing time for Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) for spousal applicants to an impressive 30 days, boasting a remarkable 90% approval rate. This latest measure specifically targets individuals who have already applied for permanent residency in Canada, allowing them to be in the country while their application undergoes processing, eliminating the need to remain in their home countries during this period.
Reuniting families faster than ever, this change offers a significant advantage for Canadian citizens or permanent residents with spouses and dependents living abroad, who can now reunite with their loved ones and begin building their lives together in their chosen communities. It’s essential to note, however, that while on a TRV, spouses and dependents are not eligible to work or study in Canada until they obtain approval for permanent residence or acquire a work or study permit.
IRCC’s Advanced Analytics: Boosting 90% TRV Approval Rate
IRCC’s impressive 90% approval rate is in part attributed to their proactive use of advanced analytics to pre-screen TRV applications, thereby enhancing the determination of eligibility for permanent residence. With applicants being categorized more accurately, IRCC officers can efficiently facilitate smoother approvals and expedite the overall process.
Additionally, the processing time for permanent residence applications through family class sponsorship currently stands at 12 months. Coupled with the newly-implemented 30-day processing for spousal Temporary Residence Visa and a service standard of 60 days for work permits, sponsored spouses, partners, or dependent children could potentially arrive in Canada and start working within three months (90 days), even while awaiting IRCC’s final decision on their permanent resident application.
IRCC’s Advanced Analytics: Boosting 90% TRV Approval Rate
Extended Opportunities: Open Work Permits for Spousal and Dependent Children
In a further bid to promote family reunification, IRCC has introduced additional measures. Spousal applicants and their dependent children residing with their sponsor in Canada and possessing temporary resident status are now eligible to apply for open work permits. This is a significant expansion of eligibility, as previously, only applicants seeking sponsorship from within Canada were entitled to open work permits.
Continuing with the focus on easing temporary workers’ and students’ family reunification, open work permit holders whose permits expire between August 1st and the end of 2023 can extend their permits for an additional 18 months through a facilitated process. This extension also extends to spouses and dependents of most temporary workers, spouses of international students, and permanent resident applicants.
IRCC’s Commitment to Applicants
IRCC’s recent measures mark a pivotal step towards fostering family reunification and streamlining immigration processes. The reduction in spousal TRV processing time empowers families to be together sooner, while the open work permit extension provides flexibility and support to those temporarily residing in Canada. These policies demonstrate IRCC’s commitment to strengthening family ties and enhancing the overall immigration experience for all applicants.
