There is a two-step process involved in family class applications: ; ?0 x8 j( v- j ; G& |: V$ C7 G& G
1. the assessment of the sponsorship application in Canada " b5 w- ?& f5 q$ @: p9 D6 D1 z * B3 n2 Y. U2 p# x: l; B; E' I
2. the assessment of the permanent residence application outside Canada by the visa office. 5 I5 k6 ]5 q! _! i4 p4 G 8 ?# x8 ?2 c. m/ s& r. o1 T. H
There are separate processing times for each of these two steps.