Speeding up the immigration or visa process in Canada

Ayad, a Moroccan, applied for a work permit a few months ago. However, IRCC has not yet processed his application. Ayad is suffering emotionally and financially. He wonders if speeding up the immigration or visa process in Canada is an option.

The magic wand for speeding up the immigration or visa process in Canada

While I offer some solutions here, I have to emphasize that there is no magic wand to speed up the process. Regardless, you may consider a few steps to increase your application’s processing time. However, no matter what you do, you may still face significant delays.

The quality of your application makes a difference

When you apply, make sure to follow all the guidelines and submit a complete, neat package. Here are a few things you may consider to avoid delays because of the quality of your application.

• Read the IRCC guidelines and follow them carefully.
• Make sure the forms are complete and free from errors.
• Your forms and documents must not contradict your previous applications, or you could receive a procedural fairness letter (PFL).
• Do not submit low-resolution images or PDF files that are difficult to read.
• Properly sort the documents.
• Respond to the officer’s queries quickly and diligently.
• If material facts about your application change, inform the officer quickly with supporting documents (e.g., see my article about marrying while immigrating to Canada).

Ask the officers to speed up the processing of your application

You may directly ask an officer to speed up the processing of your immigration or visa application. However, consider the following:

• Only make such requests if the delays are significant.
• Include any supporting documents that could encourage the officer. For example,
  • Letter of support from a healthcare provider
  • Evidence of the humanitarian reasons for the request
  • Support letters from family, friends, businesses, or professionals

You may submit your request via the IRCC web form. Requesting the officer’s notes is not a tool to speed up the visa or immigration process. However, on rare occasions, it could trigger the system, or at least give you a better idea of your application’s status.

Can Members of Parliament (MPs) speed up the processing of immigration or visa applications?

The simple answer is no. However, some MPs have dedicated staff to follow up on the status of immigration cases. They may even communicate the humanitarian aspects of your request with the authorities. I have seen cases where an MP helped end an application’s deadlock.

Mandamus – unleashing the power of the Federal Court

The writ of mandamus /manˈdāməs/ or simply mandamus means the Federal Court orders the immigration officers to do their job. You may hire an immigration lawyer to file a writ of mandamus. However, consider the following matters:

• Only Canadian lawyers can help you with this matter. Do not hire a paralegal or an immigration consultant.
• Your case may go through only if the delays in processing your visa or immigration application are significant.
• Hiring a lawyer and going through this process costs money and takes time.

Let us help!

As I mentioned earlier, there is no magic wand to speed up immigration or visa processing. As an immigration consultant, I can’t help you file a writ of mandamus, but if you need help in other areas, please fill out the form below. Alternatively, you may book a consultation session with me or fill out our assessment form. Furthermore, I offer mentorship sessions for licensed practitioners.

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