December 2015
- 2 application kits, separate for in-Canada and overseas
- 180 pages of guides different for overseas and in-Canada, and for sponsors and applicants
- 14 guides and checklists
- 3 separate relationship questionnaires and 1 sponsorship evaluation form
- Upfront medical exams and police certificates
- Processing times: up to 26 months (for 80% of cases)
New improved process (December 15, 2016)
- 1 application kit for everyone
- 1 guide, 75 pages
- 1 checklist
- 1 relationship and sponsorship form
- Later in the process, medical and police certificates requested
- Processing times: 12 months for all applicants (for 80% of cases)
Source: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/sponsor/spouse/comparison.asp