A 2022 success story: an MBA applicant (University Canada West) applied for a study permit together with a spousal open work permit and study permits for two children — a combination often warned to be high-risk — and received PPR in under two months. Timeline: applied 26 May 2022, medical passed 30 May, biometrics 31 May, PPR request 20 July 2022.
What the thread offers beyond the timeline:
- SOP and finances are the two pillars. The applicant's own summary: for a family application, the SOP and the financial evidence carry the file. Weakness in either invites the "won't leave Canada" refusal.
- Show generous, clearly-sourced funds. In the comments the applicant detailed the funds strategy: roughly CAD $20k/year tuition × 2 years plus $10k/year living × 2 years — about CAD $60k shown in total, deliberately estimated at the high end "just to be safe". Funds were shown for both spouses.
- Savings and FDs both count. Asked whether funds must be savings in the applicant's own name or can be fixed deposits, the applicant confirmed showing a mix of savings and FDs across both spouses' names. (Members noted FDs of blood relatives are commonly discussed, but this file used the couple's own funds.)
- Complete medicals and biometrics immediately. Everything was done within five days of applying — a fully complete file early likely contributed to the fast decision.
- Strong home ties still matter. The applicant credited demonstrable return ties as the other half of the equation.
Historical note: 2022 processing times and approval patterns may differ from current ones; treat the timeline as one data point, not a benchmark.