August 20, 2018

Changes in Application Processing Times

Until recently, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided information on application processing times using historical data, using the average time it took to process 80% of applications in the past year. It has now began using a purportedly improved method, by projecting the processing times based on how long it would take to process most applications under normal circumstances if submitted on the date that the processing times tool is accessed. It is unclear exactly how this projection is made but it considers certain factors, such as the number of applications currently in queue and the increasing volume of admissions allowed each year under the present immigration plan. This sharing of information and the attempt to make it as accurate as possible reflects a key step to modernize IRCC in the digital age and improve services for its clients. Accurate processing times become especially helpful in helping individuals organize their lives in their home country before making the move to Canada, if their applications are approved.

Note that these projected processing times are not yet available for every class of application. Starting 31 July 2018, the following application types will have projected processing times information available:

• Sponsoring a family member
  • Parents and Grandparents
• Economic Class
  • Provincial Nominees (non-express entry)
  • Skilled Workers (Quebec)
  • Start-Up Visa
• Humanitarian and compassionate cases

Please note that withdrawing an already submitted application and re-applying will not result in faster processing times.

For more information, please click here.

For application processing times, click here.