IRCC Processing Times for Canadian Immigration

IRCC processing times change regularly and can vary significantly depending on the type of application and where you apply from. We review and update these processing times each month using the latest information published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Analysis of the latest update

Over the past month, IRCC processing times for most programs have remained stable.

The most notable change is for those applying for proof of citizenship (also called a citizenship certificate). Processing times increased from an average of 19 months in July up to 25 months. The demand for citizenship certificates has surged since the passage of Bill C-3 which suddenly granted citizenship to hundreds of thousands of people with Canadian ancestors.

Processing times for Express Entry’s CEC and FSW are both sitting at a 6 month average (FSW was at 7 months in July). Provincial nominees applying through Express Entry are being processed in an average of seven months (no change from July), while non-Express Entry PNPs are now being processed slower – in an average of 13 months (up from 12 months in July).

Spousal sponsorship processing times held steady at their lengthy rates. Inland applications take an average of 27 months while outland applications take an average of 17 months.

For temporary residents – students, workers, and visitors – the range of processing times remains stable month-over-month.

How Canadian Immigration Processing Times Work

IRCC’s processing times can be confusing at first glance. Some applications are processed in just a few weeks, while others can take many months.

Part of the reason is that IRCC uses different methods to calculate processing times depending on the type of application.

Some processing times are based on historical data. In other words, IRCC looks at how long it took to process most recent applications of that type. Other processing times are estimates based on IRCC’s current workload, immigration targets, and expected admissions.

This means that the processing time you see online is not a guarantee. It’s an estimate based on the information IRCC currently has available.

IRCC also updates processing times at different intervals depending on the program. Some are updated weekly, while others are updated monthly.

For newcomers, one of the most important things to understand is this: your individual application may move faster or slower than the posted processing time. Even two very similar applications can end up with different timelines.

If you want to better understand how IRCC calculates processing times, you can also review IRCC’s official explanation here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Processing Times

How long will it take to process my application?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to know exactly how long your individual application will take.

IRCC processing times are estimates based on recent processing trends and current application inventories. While these estimates are often useful, your own timeline may differ depending on factors like:

• The completeness of your application
• Your country of residence
• Security and background checks
• Medical exams
• Overall application volumes
• Changes in IRCC priorities

The best way to estimate your timeline is to compare your application against IRCC’s current posted processing times.

How are processing times calculated?

IRCC uses two main types of processing times: historical processing times (backward-looking) and forward-looking processing times.

Historical processing times are based on how long it took IRCC to process 80 percent of recent complete applications. Forward-looking processing times are estimates based on:

• The number of applications currently in IRCC’s inventory
• How many applications IRCC expects to process each month
• Canada’s immigration levels plan and admissions targets

Different immigration programs use different calculation methods.

When does my processing time start?

Your processing time usually begins when IRCC receives your complete application.

If you apply online: Processing typically begins when you successfully submit your application.

If you apply by mail: Processing usually begins when the application arrives at IRCC’s mailroom.

The processing time ends once IRCC makes a final decision on your application.

How accurate are IRCC’s processing times?

IRCC’s processing times are generally reliable within the conditions IRCC describes.

For example, historical processing times reflect how long it took to process most recent applications. Meanwhile, estimated processing times are based on current inventories and projected admissions.

However, immigration processing is not perfectly predictable. Your individual application may be one of the rare ones that doesn’t fit within normal processing times: taking much less time or much more time than expected.

In addition, unexpected events can affect processing times significantly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, many immigration applications experienced major delays. Similarly, humanitarian crises and changes to immigration priorities can affect how quickly applications move through the system.

This is why processing times should be viewed as estimates rather than guarantees.

How often does IRCC update its processing times?

IRCC updates different processing times at different intervals. Many permanent residence processing times are updated monthly. Some temporary residence applications, including work permits, study permits, and visitor visas, may be updated more frequently.

Moving2Canada reviews and updates our processing times trackers regularly using the latest information available from IRCC.

Why do some processing times change while others stay the same?

Application volumes can affect processing times significantly. Some immigration programs receive a fairly consistent number of applications throughout the year. Their processing times may stay relatively stable.

Other programs experience seasonal spikes or sudden increases in demand. In these situations, processing times may fluctuate more often. IRCC priorities and immigration targets can also influence processing times.

Can I speed up the processing of my immigration application?

In most situations, there is no reliable way to speed up the processing of your application after submission.

The best thing you can do is submit a complete and accurate application from the beginning. Missing documents, incomplete forms, or unclear information can all create delays. For more details,

If IRCC requests additional documents or information, respond as quickly as possible. In limited situations involving emergencies or urgent humanitarian circumstances, IRCC may consider urgent processing requests.

What’s the difference between processing times and service standards?

Processing times are estimates based on real application processing data or projected workloads.

Service standards are IRCC’s internal goals for how quickly applications should normally be processed.

For example, IRCC’s service standard states that they aim to process 80 percent of Express Entry applications within 6 months or less. However, the processing times data often shows that IRCC takes an average of 7 months to process 80 percent of applications.

IRCC doesn’t give a service standard to all immigration programs. Even when service standards exist, actual processing times may vary depending on application volumes and operational priorities.

How do I check the status of my application?

The process for checking your application status depends on the type of application you submitted. Many applicants can track their applications online by checking their IRCC secure account.

Paper applications may use different tracking methods.

If you’re not sure how to check your IRCC application status, use this IRCC tool to get detailed instructions.

What can I do if my application is taking longer than the posted processing time?

If your application has gone significantly beyond the posted processing time, you may be able to:

• Submit an IRCC webform request
• Request GCMS notes
• Speak with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) about your case

That said, it’s important to understand that delays alone do not necessarily mean something is wrong with your application. IRCC processes hundreds of thousands of applications each year, and timelines can shift for many reasons.

If you’re concerned about your situation, a licensed immigration professional may be able to help you better understand what to expect – book a consultation with our in-house immigration consultant to ask about your application.