Belgium – Increased Processing Time for Family Reunification Applications by Third Country Family Members
Effective July 8, 2016, processing times for family reunification applications by third country (non-European Union, non-European Economic Area, and non-Swiss) family members of third country nationals has been extended. The maximum processing time of 12 months (the current 6 months + two possible 3-month extensions for complex files) is now a maximum processing time of 15 months (9 months + two possible 3-month extensions for complex files).
The new processing time is effective immediately and also applies to pending applications that were filed before July 8th. The increased processing time is due to the increasing workload of the federal immigration office. It will not, however, have a huge effect on family reunification applications by family members of work permit holders. These applications are in principle prioritized.