Over the past year, processing times for various application types handled by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have shifted significantly. This article compares current IRCC processing times to those from July 2024, with a focus on permanent and temporary residence, citizenship, and other immigration pathways.
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Permanent Residence Applications
Express Entry
Among permanent and temporary residence programs, Express Entry has seen the least fluctuation in processing times.
| Application Type | Current Processing Time | July 24, 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 5 months | 5 months |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | 6 months | 5 months |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) | N/A* | N/A* |
*IRCC reports insufficient data for current and July 2024 FSTP applications.
IRCC service standard: 180 days
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Processing times have increased, particularly for base (non-Express Entry-aligned) applications.
| Application Type | Current Processing Time | July 24, 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry-linked PNP | 8 months | 6 months |
| Non-Express Entry (base) PNP | 19 months | 11 months |
IRCC service standards:
- Base PNP (online): 11 months
- Enhanced (Express Entry): 180 days
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Processing times have increased by five months year-over-year.
| Current Processing Time | July 24, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 12 months | 7 months |
AIP applicants may qualify for temporary work permits (valid up to 2 years) while awaiting PR decisions.
Spousal Sponsorship
Processing times vary by application stream and intended province of residence.
| Class & Destination | Current Time | July 24, 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| SCLPC – Outside Quebec | 34 months | 11 months |
| Family Class – Outside Quebec | 11 months | 10 months |
| SCLPC – In Quebec | 38 months | 28 months |
| Family Class – In Quebec | 37 months | 32 months |
The most dramatic increase affected SCLPC applicants outside Quebec, whose wait times rose by 23 months.
IRCC service standard: 12 months (Family Class, overseas)
Note: No published standard for SCLPC.
Temporary Residence Applications
Visitor Visas – Outside Canada
Processing times vary by country of application. All listed countries except the Philippines saw decreases.
| Country | Current Time | July 24, 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| India | 28 days | 51 days |
| Pakistan | 36 days | 47 days |
| Nigeria | 56 days | 182 days |
| Philippines | 33 days | 27 days |
| United States | 21 days | 29 days |
IRCC service standard: 14 days (outside Canada)
Visitor Visas – Inside Canada
| Current Processing Time | July 24, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 18 days | 25 days |
No official service standard is currently published for in-Canada TRV applications.
Visitor Records
Used to extend or modify status within Canada. Processing times have increased significantly.
| Current Processing Time | July 24, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 193 days | 108 days |
Applications must be submitted online unless accommodation is required.
Work Permits
Outside Canada
Processing times are country-specific. All countries listed have seen reductions.
| Country | Current Time | July 24, 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| India | 7 weeks | 19 weeks |
| Pakistan | 5 weeks | 24 weeks |
| Nigeria | 12 weeks | 14 weeks |
| Philippines | 6 weeks | 9 weeks |
| United States | 4 weeks | 18 weeks |
Inside Canada
Processing times have increased by over 10 weeks year-over-year.
| Current Time | July 24, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 182 days | 109 days |
IRCC service standards:
- Outside Canada (initial): 60 days
- Inside Canada (initial and extensions): 120 days
Study Permits
Outside Canada
Processing times vary by location.
| Country | Current Time | July 24, 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| India | 3 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Pakistan | 11 weeks | 9 weeks |
| Nigeria | 5 weeks | 5 weeks |
| Philippines | 10 weeks | 8 weeks |
| United States | 7 weeks | 9 weeks |
Service standard: 60 days
Inside Canada
| Current Time | July 24, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 12 weeks | 10 weeks |
Service standard: 120 days
Study Permit Extensions
| Current Time | July 24, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 180 days | 58 days |
Extensions have tripled in processing time over the past year.
Citizenship
Citizenship Grants
| Current Time | July 24, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 10 months | 7 months |
Applies to both in-Canada and overseas applications.
Service standard: 12 months
Citizenship Certificates (Proof of Citizenship)
| Current Time | July 24, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 5 months | 3 months |
For applicants outside Canada or the U.S., IRCC recommends adding 3–4 months to processing estimates.
IRCC does not publish a formal service standard for this application type.
Processing Times vs. Service Standards
Processing Times:
Reflect the average time IRCC takes to finalize an application, measured from the date of receipt to decision. These are updated regularly based on current inventory and historical data, and may vary based on volume, policy changes, or other factors.
Service Standards:
Internal targets set by IRCC for completing most applications (usually 80% of cases) within a specific timeframe. Not all applications meet these benchmarks, especially those with complexities.
