Express Entry Processing Times

According to the latest data from IRCC, it currently takes about 6-7 months to process Express Entry applications. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applications are being processed in about 7 months, while Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) applications are being processed in about 6 months.

IRCC does not provide average processing times for Federal Skilled Trades (FST) applications, likely due to the extremely low number of recently submitted applications.

IRCC updates their Express Entry processing times data every month at which point the Moving2Canada tracker is also updated. Our last update was made on May 5, 2026.

Accuracy Check: Comparing IRCC’s Data to Immitracker

To fact-check IRCC’s data, Moving2Canada collaborates with Immitracker – a leading website for processing times data based on real processing times submitted by people going through the immigration process.

According to Immitracker, if you submitted your Express Entry PR application on May 5, 2026, these are the possibilities for how long it could take to receive your passport request or PPR (one of the near-final stages):

• Best Case Scenario: Receive PPR by August 16, 2026
• Average Scenario: Receive PPR by December 17, 2026
• Worst Case Scenario: Receive PPR by April 19, 2027

Immitracker’s data is more or less in line with IRCC’s stated Express Entry processing times (6-7 months).

How do Express Entry Processing Times Work

IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within six months after receiving a complete permanent residence application. More specifically, IRCC’s service standard is to finalize 80 percent of Express Entry applications within six months.

However, this does not mean every application will be processed in exactly six months. Some applications move much faster, while others take longer depending on the complexity of the file.

Several factors can affect Express Entry processing times. For example, applications involving multiple countries of residence, extensive travel history, accompanying family members, or complicated work and education histories may require additional time. Background and security screening can also affect timelines. Applicants who have lived in multiple countries may experience longer processing times while IRCC completes these checks.

One important detail that many newcomers miss: Express Entry processing times only begin after you submit your final permanent residence application (eAPR). The processing time only starts after:

1. creating your Express Entry profile,
2. entering the pool,
3. receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA),
4. and submitting your complete PR application (eAPR).

Depending on your CRS score and draw trends, the wait for an ITA can sometimes take much longer than the final PR processing itself. This is why it’s important to think about Express Entry as a multi-stage process, more than just a six-month timeline.

Finally, one of the best ways to avoid delays is to submit a complete and accurate application. Missing documents, incomplete forms, or unclear information can all slow down processing significantly. In many cases, an incomplete application will result in application refusal, forcing you to return to the Express Entry pool and begin the process all over again.

What Affects Express Entry Processing Times

Several different factors can affect how quickly an Express Entry application is processed.

Some of these factors are outside your control. For example, IRCC’s processing capacity, staffing resources, application backlogs, and Canadian immigration priorities can all influence overall timelines. Major global events can also affect processing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, IRCC significantly shifted its operational priorities, leading to delays across many immigration programs.

Other factors are directly related to your individual application. Common factors that can affect Express Entry processing times include:

• The completeness of your application
• Medical exam results and any required follow-up testing
• Requests for additional documents or clarification
• Background and security screening complexity
• Countries where you have lived or travelled
• The number of accompanying family members included in your application

Applications that are complete, well-organized, and easy for officers to review generally move more smoothly through the system. That being said, even if you submit a complete, well-organized application – yours may end up taking longer than others, and IRCC will not proactively reach out to let you know why or how long it will take.

How to Avoid Express Entry Processing Delays

The single most important thing you can do is submit a complete application that clearly shows you meet all program requirements – this is the key! Many Express Entry delays happen because documents are missing, unclear, expired, or inconsistent with the information provided elsewhere in the application.

There are also a few practical steps that can help reduce the risk of delays:

• Obtain police certificates early when possible. Some countries take weeks or even months to issue them.
• Complete your medical exam soon after receiving your ITA. Medical results are generally valid for 12 months.
• Check your IRCC account regularly in case additional documents are requested.
• Respond quickly to any IRCC requests.
• Keep your contact information up to date throughout the process.

Most importantly, avoid rushing your application. A carefully prepared application is almost always better than a fast but incomplete one. Double-check and triple-check your application before submitting. And – when in doubt – book a consultation with an immigration consultant to review your application. If you’re only going to speak to a consultant once during the immigration process: this is the moment.

Express Entry Processing Times FAQ

How long does it take to get PR through Express Entry?

Your final Express Entry PR application may be processed in just a few months. However, the entire Express Entry PR process is more complex than this. This is because Express Entry is a complicated process with several important stages, each of which can take differing amounts of time.

The Express Entry Stages:

1. Profile Prep: 2-4+ months
2. Wait for ITA: Weeks to several months (or potentially never, if not competitive)
3. Submission of PR application: Up to 60 days after ITA
4. Waiting for final decision / eCOPR: ~6-8 months (potentially shorter or longer)
5. PR Card Mailed & Delivered: An additional 4-6 weeks after eCOPR

We have a complete guide on the Express Entry timeline that you can consult to determine the realistic timeline for your process.

What is the wait time for Express Entry?

The wait time for Express Entry varies from person to person for each stage of the application. As stated in the question above, Express Entry takes place over five stages.

Each of these stages differs in length depending on the person, their ability to gather documents and prepare applications, their competitiveness in the pool, and the complexity of their final PR application.

What’s the fastest way to get Canadian PR?

Express Entry is one of the fastest ways to get Canadian PR, but only if you’re qualified and competitive. Many Canadian immigration hopefuls do not meet the criteria needed to get an ITA through Express Entry. In this case, the fastest option for Canadian PR may be whichever option for which you qualify.

With more than 100 different immigration pathways, it’s impossible to know the answer to that question without analyzing your profile and eligibility. For some candidates the fastest option may be a PNP, while others might be better suited to come first as an international student.

You can get a general sense of your eligibility by taking our Canadian immigration quiz. If you’d like a professional, we recommend booking a consultation with our in-house Canadian immigration consultant.

IRCC Processing Times Overview

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Check the latest processing times for all programs.