How long does a Canada Dependent Visa take?

A comprehensive guide by Amin Pardaz International

The Canada Dependent Visa is one of the most popular pathways for people who want to live alongside their family members in Canada.
Students, temporary workers, and even permanent residents in Canada can, under specific conditions, obtain dependent visas for their spouse and children under 22.

But the key question is: How long does the Canada Dependent Visa take?
In this article from Amin Pardaz International, we precisely examine processing times, influencing factors, and ways to speed up a case.

What is the Canada Dependent Visa?

A “Dependent Visa” is a type of temporary residence that allows the principal applicant’s immediate family members (student, worker, or permanent resident) to live, work, or study in Canada for a specific period.

Types of dependent visas:

Student’s dependents (Spouse Open Work Permit + Visitor Visa + Study Permit for children)
Worker’s dependents (Spouse Open Work Permit)
Family sponsorship for permanent residents or citizens (Family Sponsorship)

Processing times for Canada Dependent Visas

1) Student’s dependents

Based on the case history handled by Amin Pardaz International and IRCC’s official data:

The average processing time for student dependents from Iran is 8 to 14 weeks.
In some countries, this time is shorter (4 to 8 weeks) and becomes longer during peak seasons (such as September or January).
If the application includes both spouse and child at the same time, review may take up to 20 weeks.

Important note: If the dependent application is submitted together with the student’s study permit, in many cases the two files are reviewed simultaneously and the overall time decreases.

2) Worker’s dependents (Work Permit holder)

The average review time for a worker’s dependents in 2025 has been 6 to 12 weeks.
If dependents apply from the home country, the usual timeline is longer; but if the principal applicant is in Canada and the request is submitted from within Canada, it is typically reviewed in 4 to 8 weeks.

Amin Pardaz International’s experience:
Files with strong financial evidence, complete official translations, and a professional Letter of Intent are processed up to twice as fast compared with incomplete files.

3) Family sponsorship (permanent residence)

If the spouse or child applies for permanent residence through sponsorship, processing times are completely different:

Inland sponsorship: about 9 to 12 months
Outland sponsorship: about 10 to 14 months
If the file includes dependent children, it may take a few weeks longer.
This pathway is more complex and requires precise documents proving the marital relationship.

Factors affecting processing times for Canada Dependent Visas

Country of application
Countries like Iran, India, Pakistan, and Nigeria usually have longer processing due to high volumes.
Completeness of documents
Even a small deficiency (e.g., incomplete marriage certificate translation or insufficient funds) can pause review for several weeks.
Submitting with the principal applicant
Filing the dependent request together with the principal’s Study Permit or Work Permit can increase the chance of faster review.
Security check
For some countries, background security screening takes longer and is unpredictable.
Peak seasons
From May to September, IRCC volumes rise and processing may extend 2 to 4 weeks.

How to reduce the processing time?

Amin Pardaz International consultants recommend:

Prepare all financial and family documents fully from the start.
Definitely write a Purpose of Visit / Home Ties letter so the officer won’t suspect potential overstay.
Use official, signed translations with Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs stamps.
If possible, submit the dependent application together with the principal’s visa.
If delays occur, follow up via the IRCC web form or work with a licensed RCIC.

Key points from Amin Pardaz International experts

Separate or simultaneous submission?
Submitting simultaneously for the principal and dependents is usually beneficial, because the officer can review all family and financial ties at a glance.
Genuine financial capacity
For a family of three (student + spouse + child), it’s recommended to show at least CAD 45,000–55,000 in available funds to cover living and education costs.
Professional invitation and intent letters
Writing a precise and human Letter of Intent—without robotic tone—directly helps expedite the officer’s decision. Our team at Amin Pardaz International has extensive experience in drafting such letters using natural, non-repetitive language so the case appears fully human and persuasive.

Conclusion

The short answer to “How long does a Canada Dependent Visa take?” is: between 6 weeks and 14 months, depending on visa type, country of application, and the applicant’s situation.
The more professional answer is that with careful planning, complete documents, and guidance from Amin Pardaz International’s experienced experts, you can minimize this time and significantly increase your chance of success.

About Amin Pardaz International

Amin Pardaz International is one of the leading providers of immigration and study consulting services for Canada and the United States.
From drafting Letters of Intent and proof of funds to document preparation and liaising with educational institutions, we stand by Iranian applicants to make immigration, study, and family reunification easier and safer.

Important note: The information provided is based on available documents and case histories. To view the timelines announced by the embassy, please use the link below:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

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