CSIS Security Screenings Cause Major Delays for Citizenship and Asylum Applicants

In 2024, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) received more than 500,000 requests for security screening assessments for immigration applications—a steep increase from previous years. Unfortunately, delays are expected to persist.

What is a CSIS security assessment?

When processing an immigration application, officers from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as well as those from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) can refer applications to CSIS for security screening assessments. According to their recent report, CSIS aims to “identify and mitigate threats before they enter” by serving as a line of defence “against those who could threaten Canada’s national security.”

This means that if your application is selected by CSIS, it will go through additional screening. The exact procedure and timeline for this additional screening will vary from applicant to applicant.

Who is being screened by CSIS?

In 2024, CSIS received 538,100 requests for security screening assessments through the immigration and citizenship screening program. This is an increase from 2023 when 493,000 requests were received and from the previous five years when CSIS received approximately 300,000 requests annually.

In 2024, these requests were for the following applicants:

In 2024, 87.5% of all CSIS security clearance assessments were for citizenship applicants or asylum claimants. While it is possible for a CSIS screening to delay applications for temporary and permanent residence, it is much less likely.

An immigration lawyer, Will Tao, who was interviewed by the Toronto Star, indicated that he saw calls from foreign nationals whose citizenship or residence had some sort of “geopolitical proximity to a concern of Canada” including some applicants from Middle Eastern countries, along with Ukraine, Russia, China, Iran, and India.

What is causing the increase in CSIS security screening assessments?

There are multiple factors impacting the increase in CSIS security screening assessments.

First, the increase in Canada’s immigration levels over recent years has augmented the number of overall applications. Prior to 2025, Canada had been steadily increasing its immigration targets to historic highs. In the most recent Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027 these targets were reduced, but a substantial backlog of applications continues to cause delays.

Second, the number of asylum claimants has risen in recent years. CSIS undertakes security screening for all asylum claimants, putting additional strain on CSIS resources.

Finally, geopolitical conflicts around the world have increased the need for intensive security screening for certain applicants. For example, through 2023 and 2024, Canada committed to provide temporary residence to 5,000 individuals fleeing the conflict in Gaza. CSIS notes that these applicants require a high level of resources “in light of the security risk presented by a territory that is governed by a listed terrorist entity.”

How long are the delays caused by CSIS?

Delays vary from applicant to applicant. One refugee interviewed by the Toronto Star has been waiting for his security screening assessment since May 2024 after submitting his application in July 2023—meaning his application has already been in processing for more than two years.

Will the delays in CSIS security screenings improve?

In the CSIS Public Report 2024, the agency indicates that “while there are high volumes of applications awaiting security screening, CSIS continues to take the time required to carefully screen applications to ensure the safety of Canadians and Canada.”

Although Canada has lowered its immigration targets for 2025-2027, this is unlikely to have a significant impact on CSIS processing times. In part, this is due to the existing backlog of applications, but also due to the type of applicants receiving CSIS security screening assessments. Citizenship applicants, for example, are not counted in Canada’s Immigration Levels Plans, as most citizens are already living in Canada and are simply transitioning to a new form of status.

Furthermore, the number of asylum claimants has risen in recent years. It is difficult for the government to mitigate the number of asylum claimants as foreign nationals fleeing persecution have the legal right to claim asylum.

Immigration applicants are frustrated, resulting in a 200% increase in the number of complaints filed against CSIS regarding their activities in 2024. However, the agency appears unmoved by the complaints, stating that “application processing is not expedited in response to complaints.”

What can you do to reduce delays on your immigration application?

While immigration applicants have little control over whether they are selected for a CSIS security screening assessment, you can still be proactive by preparing and submitting a complete and accurate immigration application. Ensure that you include all necessary documents and information — especially police certificates, travel history, and biometric information.

If in doubt, it may be worthwhile to hire an immigration consultant to review your application prior to submission. A consultant may be able to catch mistakes and address them before you submit, saving you from major delays.

Finally, if you have a criminal record, this could result in your application being rejected for criminal inadmissibility. In the event of a criminal record, it may be worthwhile to speak with an immigration lawyer prior to applying to get a better sense of how your record may impact your application.