Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration
- Is hiring an immigration lawyer necessary for family reunification and immigration to Canada and the USA?
If you seek additional assurance for your application, obtaining legal assistance might be a suitable choice. However, if you feel confident that your case is uncomplicated and can be submitted without triggering any legal concerns, the services of an immigration attorney may not be essential.
- What is the duration of the family reunification process in Canada?
The timeframe is set at 12 months. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada have established service standards of 12 months for applications submitted under the One-Year Window family reunification program for resettled refugees and for processing applications for dependents abroad of protected persons.
- How does the family reunification process operate in Canada?
Once the whereabouts of separated family members are identified, individuals can apply for their non-accompanying family members to join them after their arrival in Canada. It’s crucial that these family members have been declared on the refugee’s immigration forms.
- What is the processing time for family reunions in the U.S.?
The duration is relatively short, with approval to reside in the U.S. through family reunions taking as little as one to five years. Each case is individually assessed, and the timeline may vary, with some cases progressing more quickly than others.
- What is the processing time for sponsoring a family member to the USA?
For immediate relatives (spouse or unmarried child) of a U.S. green card holder residing abroad, the current processing time for Form I-130 ranges between 33 to 37 months. If the family member is already in the U.S., the processing time is currently estimated to be between 13.5 to 20.5 months.