How Do IRCC’s Current Processing Times Compare to July 2024?

Canada's immigration application processing times have changed significantly over the past year. This blog compares the latest processing times published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with those from July 2024 for various application types, including permanent residence, temporary residence, and citizenship.

Permanent Residence (PR) Applications

1. Express Entry

Processing times under Express Entry have stayed mostly consistent.

IRCC Service Standard: 6 months (180 days)

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Processing times have increased, especially for non-Express Entry streams.

IRCC Service Standards:

• Base PNP (online): 11 months
• Enhanced PNP (electronic): 180 days
  
  

3. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Note: No official service standard for AIP. However, applicants may be eligible for a two-year work permit during processing.

Family Sponsorship

Spousal Sponsorship Processing Times

The biggest increase was for in-Canada class applicants residing outside Quebec, with processing times rising by 23 months.

IRCC Service Standard: 12 months (Family Class, overseas only)

Temporary Residence Applications

29. Visitor Visas (TRVs)

Outside Canada

Inside Canada

IRCC Service Standard: 14 days (outside Canada only)

2. Visitor Record (Extension/Status Change)

Work Permit Applications

Outside Canada

Processing times have dropped across all five countries, with the most notable decreases in India, Pakistan, and the U.S.

Inside Canada

IRCC Service Standards:

• Outside Canada: 60 days
• Inside Canada (initial/extension): 120 days
  
  

Study Permit Applications

Outside Canada

Inside Canada

IRCC Service Standards:

• Inside Canada: 120 days
• Outside Canada: 60 days
  
  

Study Permit Extensions

Citizenship and Proof of Citizenship

7.     Citizenship Grant

Service Standard: 12 months

2. Citizenship Certificate (Proof of Citizenship)

Applicants outside Canada or the U.S. should expect 3–4 additional months. There is no official service standard for this process.

Understanding Processing Times vs. Service Standards

• Processing Time: This is the average amount of time IRCC takes to process an application from the day it is received to the day a decision is made. These estimates are based on past processing trends and may change based on application volumes or policy changes.
• Service Standard: This is IRCC’s target time to process 80% of applications within a specific period. It reflects internal benchmarks, not guaranteed timelines.
  
  

Final Thoughts

IRCC processing times have fluctuated significantly since July 2024. While some categories—such as Express Entry and visitor visas—have seen improvements, others, especially spousal sponsorship and study permit extensions, have experienced notable delays.