The popular question these days is whether the Simplified Application Process “SAP” means shorter processing times? Well, I’m tempted to say that it is only wishful thinking (by applicants & immigration lawyers). I think, CIC has introduced the SAP because they realize that the long wait and constant requests (by CIC) for further and updated information & forms is torturous to applicants (and their lawyers). The SAP further reinforces a widely held belief that processing times will NOT go down anytime soon. Hence, once the SAP is submitted (with the correct fees) the visa posts will issue a file number which ensures an applicant has secured a place in the long queue.
The Visa Office will request ssupporting documents when an officer is REALLY going to work on final determination of the file. This new scheme, however, will help alleviate some problems that incidentally also contribute to lengthening the processing time. Applicants won’t have to keep sending updates throughout the waiting time (the waiting time that was always mistaken for processing time - by CIC & Applicants). Applicants won’t have to worry about changes in their circumstances (e.g. getting married or having an additional child, changing jobs, completying another diploma/degree). There will be a huge reduction in CAIPS requests and other Access to Information requests. These add to the numerous administrative tasks at the visa posts. Hence, we may see slight insignificant reductions in processing times.
By the way, this does not mean that people who don’t quite qualify can apply while they expect to meet the requirements by the time the embassy requests the ‘final’ supporting documentation. Applicants have to qualify at the time of submitting the SAP.

Finally, for those who were expecting the SAP to have a drastic effect on processing times, I’m sorry. The reality is, there is a finite number of visas for every embassy per year and the number of eligible applicants have increased many-folds. Hence, some people will continue to get their visas quite fast while others have to wait in line for their turn because once the annual quota is exhausted, CIC does not come forth and tell applicants the truth about the long wait … for the next year to kick in. This adds to the frustration, is disheartening and sometimes causes disillusion …

I think the wording of ‘Simplified Application Process’ is misleading. It does not simplify anything. It is a simplified form that should have been called ‘Preliminary Form’.