To help applicants stay informed, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regularly updates its processing times to reflect how long applications are typically expected to take under normal circumstances. These updates are published either weekly or monthly, depending on the application type.
Processing times can fluctuate due to a range of factors, such as the volume of applications, staffing changes, backlogs, and shifts in immigration policy. IRCC begins processing applications from the moment they are officially submitted—either online or upon arrival at their mailroom for paper applications.
In this article, we take a closer look at how processing times have changed across key immigration categories over approximately one year.
Permanent Residence Applications
Express Entry
Express Entry includes three programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Despite fluctuations across other immigration streams, Express Entry processing times have remained relatively stable. Express Entry – Parisa Erfani
| Application Type | Current Processing Time | As of June 25, 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| CEC | 5 months | 5 months |
| FSWP | 5 months | 5 months |
| FSTP | N/A | 6 months |
IRCC’s service standard for Express Entry: 180 days.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
PNP processing times differ significantly based on whether the application is aligned with Express Entry. Canada PNP Program – Parisa Erfani
| Application Type | Current Processing Time | As of June 25, 2024 |
| Express Entry-aligned | 5 months | 6 months |
| Non-Express Entry | 20 months | 11 months |
Service Standards: 180 days (Express Entry-aligned), 11 months (base stream).
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
| Current Processing Time | As of June 25, 2024 |
| 11 months | 7 months |
AIP applicants can also apply for a temporary work permit valid for two years while awaiting permanent residence. Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) – Parisa Erfani
Family Sponsorship
Spousal Sponsorship
Processing times depend on the application class and province of intended residence.
| Class & Destination | Current | June 25, 2024 |
| SCLPC (outside Quebec) | 29 mo. | 10 mo. |
| Family Class (outside Quebec) | 10 mo. | 10 mo. |
| SCLPC (within Quebec) | 26 mo. | 28 mo. |
| Family Class (within Quebec) | 36 mo. | 34 mo. |
IRCC service standard: 12 months (Family Class overseas). No set standard for SCLPC. Spouse or Common-Law Partner – Parisa Erfani
Temporary Residence Applications
Visitor Visas
Inside Canada
| Current | June 25, 2024 |
| 23 days | 20 days |
Outside Canada
| Country | Current | June 25, 2024 |
| India | 19 days | 44 days |
| Nigeria | 100 days | 177 days |
| USA | 19 days | 27 days |
| Pakistan | 27 days | 110 days |
| Philippines | 29 days | 21 days |
IRCC service standard: 14 days (outside Canada). Visitor Visa – Parisa Erfani
Visitor Records (Inside Canada only)
| Current | June 25, 2024 |
| 161 days | 88 days |
Work Permits
Inside Canada
| Current | June 25, 2024 |
| 238 days | 101 days |
Outside Canada
| Country | Current | June 25, 2024 |
| India | 15 wks | 19 wks |
| Nigeria | 12 wks | 21 wks |
| USA | 9 wks | 15 wks |
| Pakistan | 6 wks | 31 wks |
| Philippines | 6 wks | 28 wks |
Service Standards: 60 days (outside Canada), 120 days (inside Canada). Work in Canada – Parisa Erfani
Study Permits
Inside Canada
| Current | June 25, 2024 |
| 5 weeks | 14 weeks |
Outside Canada
| Country | Current Processing Time |
| India | 10 weeks |
| Nigeria | 5 weeks |
| USA | 5 weeks |
| Pakistan | 17 weeks |
| Philippines | 17 weeks |
Extensions
| Current | June 25, 2024 |
| 55 days | 236 days |
Service Standards: 60 days (outside Canada), 120 days (inside Canada). Study in Canada – Parisa Erfani
Citizenship Applications
Citizenship Grants
| Current | June 25, 2024 |
| 10 mo. | 8 mo. |
Service standard: 12 months.
Citizenship Certificates (Proof)
| Current | June 25, 2024 |
| 4 mo. | 3 mo. |
Applicants outside Canada/US should add 3–4 months; minors or those applying through CPC-Sydney should allow 6–8 months.
Processing Times vs. Service Standards
Processing Times are IRCC’s estimates based on current and historical data, showing how long it takes most applications to be finalized.
Service Standards are IRCC’s targets for processing 80% of a particular application type within a given time frame. They are not guarantees but internal benchmarks.
Always consult with a licensed immigration representative for up-to-date guidance and support through the application process.
How have IRCC’s processing times changed over the past year? | CIC News
