How does marriage verification affect processing time?

Marriage verification is an important step for couples applying for spousal sponsorship as legally married spouses, and it directly influences how long IRCC takes to process the PR application. IRCC must confirm that the marriage is legally valid in the country where it took place and that the relationship meets the eligibility standards outlined on the Spousal Sponsorship Program Page. Officers typically review the marriage certificate along with supporting relationship evidence, which may include photos, joint records, and proof of ongoing contact before and after the wedding. This verification helps IRCC confirm that the marriage exists legally and that it was not entered into primarily for immigration purposes.

The time needed for marriage verification varies depending on the clarity and strength of the documents provided. Straightforward cases with clear, well-organized, and verifiable records generally move through this step with fewer delays. However, delays may occur if IRCC needs to verify marriage documents issued abroad, if the formatting or authenticity of documents is unclear, or if the couple provides limited evidence of a shared life. Applicants who want to understand how this step fits into the overall timeline can refer to the FAQ “What affects the official spouse sponsorship Canada processing time for new applicants?”, which explains why certain parts of the process take longer.

Additional time may be required when IRCC needs more information to confirm the genuineness of the relationship. This can happen when the wedding was very recent, when the couple has had limited time living together, when documentation is incomplete, or when the officer needs to clarify details in the application. In such cases, IRCC may request additional evidence or schedule a marriage interview. Some applicants consider applying for a Visitor Visa for Spouse during the wait, but holding a visitor visa does not speed up or change the marriage verification stage.

To minimize delays, you may consider seeking assistance with Canadian immigration, where an experienced professional can help ensure your marriage documents and relationship evidence meet IRCC’s expectations. You can learn more about service options on the Immigration Consultant Fees page or connect directly with a specialist through our Book Consultation page.