NateWagner

Hello! I'm a Canadian planning to go about the spousal visa route (my partner and our two kids are both British citizens). We'll be using the savings route once we sell our house - once that money is in our account we want to try and minimize any time separated while I need to stay back through the application process. I've noticed on the timelines thread that for some people there is a bit of a time lag between application submitted and biometrics appointment (sometimes a few weeks) - I'm wondering if that's because you sometimes have a wait for an available appointment, or if the wait is mainly due to personal circumstances (people aren't located close to Visa centre and need to travel, or need to arrange time off). I just want to try and best manage our expectations regarding how long this process could take - I'll be in a position that can potentially make it to a biometrics appointment at the Toronto centre the day after I submit the application (IF I don't need to wait for an available appointment).

BritInParis

It’ll be a bit of both. You’ll make an appointment when you submit your online application. Getting a next day appointment is not a likely probability.

NateWagner

Thanks - I figured next day would be pretty optimistic, but was hoping waiting weeks was not the norm.

BritInParis

It will vary depending on a range of factors including seasonal variations. As a general rule the lead up to Christmas and the summer holidays/start of the academic year tend to be the busiest periods.