IRCC's current processing times contrasted against those of July 2024.

Immigration Processing Times: Latest Updates from IRCC

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released updates on processing times for various applications. Here's a breakdown of the current situation:

Work Permits

IRCC's service standard for initial work permit applications submitted from within Canada is 120 days, although current processing times have increased to 182 days. Work permit applications from within Canada have seen an increase of more than 10 weeks. For applications from outside Canada, the service standard is 60 days, and current processing times vary by country. For instance, work permit applications from Pakistan take 5 weeks, while those from the United States take 4 weeks. However, processing times for work permit applications from the Philippines have remained at 6 weeks, and from Nigeria at 12 weeks. The current processing time for work permit applications from India is 7 weeks.

Study Permits

The service standard for initial study permit applications submitted within Canada is 120 days. Processing times for study permit applications from within Canada have slightly increased compared to approximately one year ago. The service standard for study permit applications submitted outside Canada is 60 days, and current processing times vary by country. For example, study permit applications from Nigeria take 28 days, while those from India take 21 days.

Citizenship

IRCC's service standard for citizenship grants is 12 months, but processing times have increased by three months compared to approximately one year ago, resulting in a current processing time of 10 months. Citizenship certificates are issued 5 months for those living in Canada or the US. However, IRCC does not publish service standards or processing times for citizenship certificates.

Family Sponsorship

IRCC's service standard for Family Class overseas (priority) is 12 months. Processing times for family sponsorship applications through the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (SLCPC), intending to reside outside Quebec, is 11 months. However, the most notable surge was for SCLPC applicants intending to reside outside Quebec, where wait times grew by 23 months from July 2024 to present. The current processing time for spousal sponsorship applications through the Family Class, intending to reside in Quebec, is 37 months. The processing time for spousal sponsorship applications through the Family Class, intending to reside outside Quebec, is 34 months.

Express Entry

Express Entry applications have been the least affected by processing time fluctuations compared to other temporary and permanent residence applications over the past year. The current processing time for Canadian Experience Class applications under Express Entry is 5 months. The current processing time for Federal Skilled Worker Program applications under Express Entry is 6 months. Enhanced (Express Entry-aligned) PNP applicants continue to benefit from faster processing, with a service standard of 180 days.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Processing times for PR applications submitted through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) have increased. IRCC does not publish service standards specific to PNP applications, but current processing time for PNP applications not submitted through Express Entry is 19 months.

Other Applications

AIP applicants can obtain special work permits, issued for up to two years, enabling them to begin working while their applications are being processed. IRCC does not publish service standards specific to in-Canada TRV applications. The majority of visitor visas are issued to foreign nationals applying from abroad, but you can apply for a visitor visa from within Canada as well. Visitor record applications can only be submitted from within Canada, and applications must be submitted online-except for those needing accommodation. A visitor record is a document that allows you to extend or change your status while in Canada. You must apply for proof of citizenship as it is not automatically issued upon gaining Canadian citizenship. A citizenship certificate is a government-issued document that validates an individual's Canadian citizenship. IRCC does not publish service standards for SCLPC applications or citizenship certificates. The current processing time for visitor visa applications from within Canada is 18 days, while from the United States it is 21 days. Out of all these countries, Nigeria had the biggest drop in TRV processing time, with current processing time for visitor visas applications from Nigeria at 56 days. Processing time for study permit extensions has more than tripled over the past year, with current processing time at 180 days. IRCC's service standard for work permit extensions submitted from within Canada is not specified, and the service standard for work permit extensions submitted from outside Canada is not provided either. Current processing time for visitor records is 193 days. IRCC service standards for base PNP applications submitted online are 11 months, and for enhanced PNP applications submitted electronically are 180 days.

These processing times are subject to change based on application volume and operational capacity. For the most up-to-date information, visit the IRCC website or contact an immigration representative.