Staying informed is crucial when you’re applying to immigrate, work, or study in Canada. That’s why Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regularly updates its processing times—to reflect how long it typically takes to handle applications under regular conditions.

Some processing times are updated weekly, others monthly, depending on the application type.

Various factors can affect these timelines, including:

• Application volume and backlogs

• Staffing levels

• Changes to policies or procedures

Once your application is received, IRCC begins processing it—immediately upon online submission, or when your paper application arrives in their mailroom.

Let’s take a look at how IRCC’s processing times have evolved over the past year across different application types:

🏠 Permanent Residence Applications

Express Entry

Foreign nationals who meet eligibility requirements may obtain permanent residence through Express Entry which includes:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

📊 Processing Time Comparison

Note: IRCC hasn’t updated FSTP’s current wait time.

✅ IRCC Service Standard: 6 months for all Express Entry streams.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

You can gain PR through either:

• Enhanced PNP (aligned with Express Entry), or

• Base PNP (non-Express Entry)

📊 Processing Time Comparison

Key Insight: Processing times nearly doubled for base PNP applications.

✅ Service Standards:

• Base PNP (online): 11 months

• Enhanced PNP (Express Entry): 180 days

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

AIP lets skilled workers settle in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces with a job offer from a designated employer.

📊 Processing Time Comparison

Bonus: You can apply for a two-year, employer-specific temporary work permit while awaiting PR.

Spousal Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and PRs can sponsor spouses/partners through either:

• Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (SCLPC)

• Family Class (outside Canada)

📊 Processing Time Comparison

🚨 Significant Delay: SCLPC (outside Quebec) increased by nearly 20 months.

✅ Service Standard: 12 months for Family Class overseas. No published standard for SCLPC.

✈️ Temporary Residence Applications

Visitor Visas (TRV)

Required by foreign nationals who aren’t visa-exempt. Applications can be made from inside or outside Canada.

📍From Inside Canada

📍From Outside Canada
(Top 5 source countries)

🔻 Trend: Processing times improved in most countries—especially Nigeria.

✅ Service Standard: 14 days for outside-Canada TRV applications.

Visitor Records

Used to extend your stay in Canada. Only for applicants already inside the country.

🕓 Note: Processing times nearly doubled.

Work Permits

Required unless you’re exempt. Application time varies by country and whether you’re inside or outside Canada.

📍Inside Canada

📍Outside Canada
(Top 5 source countries)

✅ Service Standards:

• Outside Canada: 60 days

• Inside Canada: 120 days

Study Permits

Needed for most international students.

📍Inside Canada

📍Outside Canada
(Top 5 source countries)

📍Study Permit Extensions

✅ Service Standards:

• Initial (inside): 120 days

• Initial (outside): 60 days

🇨🇦 Citizenship & Proof of Citizenship

Citizenship Grants

Only eligible permanent residents can apply.

✅ Service Standard: 12 months

Citizenship Certificates (Proof)

Relevant for those born outside Canada but who acquired citizenship by descent.

📌 Note: If you’re outside Canada or the U.S., add 3–4 months to the wait.

Final Thoughts

IRCC processing times have fluctuated significantly over the past year. While some categories—like visitor visas and study permits—saw notable improvements, others—like spousal sponsorship or in-Canada work permits—faced delays.

Before applying, always check the most recent IRCC processing times to set the right expectations.

Want help navigating your application process or understanding what these timelines mean for you? Let’s talk!