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The process can seem daunting when applying for a Canadian visa, especially considering all the possible waiting times.
When applying for a Canadian visa, you should be aware of the IRCC processing times for your application. This is the average time it takes for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process your application. Every type of visa or permit has a different processing time, which can vary depending on the type of application when you submit it, and other factors.
The IRCC processing times can range from a few days to several months. Knowing the estimated Canada visa processing time for your application can help you plan your move to Canada and provide some peace of mind that your application is being processed.
These IRCC processing times are only estimates, and there are no guarantees that IRCC will process your application within that time frame. Many factors can affect the processing speed. These factors include the number of applications received and the complexity of your application, but the most significant factor is your chosen immigration program.
To help give you a good idea of how long you will need to wait to start your Canadian journey, this article will provide an in-depth look at IRCC processing times and what to expect after you apply for various visas and permits. By the end, you should have a better understanding of how long it will take for your application to be processed and any factors that could affect the speed of processing.
Express Entry
The Express Entry program is a system used to manage Canadian applications for permanent residence. It is a points-based system, and applicants are assessed according to age, language skills, work experience, and other factors.
But what makes the Express Entry system so popular? It is the fact that this pathway yields quick, fast results, enabling individuals to immigrate to Canada sooner rather than later. This is the main objective - speeding up the application process.
Find out more about the Express Entry system and how to apply here.
What is the Express Entry Processing Time?
The average Canada visa processing time for an Express Entry application is six months. This is the time it takes for the IRCC to review and assess your application. However, the actual processing time may vary depending on which Express entry program you've chosen, the complexity of your application, and the number of applications received.
One of the major aspects that can massively affect your score is how well you rank on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Find out how you score on the CRS with our CRS calculator tool.
There are three Express Entry programs, each with different processing times. They are as follows.
| Express Entry Program | IRCC Canada Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP) | 30 months |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) | 63 months |
| Canada Experience Class (CEC) | 20 months |
What to Expect After Your Application is Submitted
Once your application is approved, you will receive the following:
- A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- A permanent resident visa (if necessary)
Your COPR will be an electronic document which you will keep temporarily so you can enter Canada while IRCC processes your official Canadian Permanent Residence card. You must submit a passport-sized photograph for this card.
Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence.
Find out more about Canada's different PNPs and how to apply here.
What is the PNP Processing Time?
Each province and territory has their criteria for selecting applicants. As a result, the processing time for a PNP application varies depending on the province or territory, but here are the general processing times for a PNP.
| Immigration Program | IRCC Canada Processing Time |
|---|---|
| PNP via Express Entry | 12 months |
| non-Express Entry PNP | 21 months |
What to Expect After Your Application is Submitted
For those applying for PNP through the Express Entry system:
Once your application is approved, you will receive an ITA from the province or territory. You will then have 60 days to submit the required documents and complete the application process.
For those applying for PNP directly to the province:
Once you've submitted your application, documentation and biometrics, IRCC will check if you've:
- Filled out your application forms correctly
- Paid all of your processing fees
- Met all the eligibility requirements, and
- Included all required documentation
If you pass all the checks, IRCC will contact you to confirm your application is complete and instruct you on what to do next.
Family Sponsorship
The Family Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor family members for permanent residence.
Find out more about Canada's Family Sponsorship programs here.
What are the Family Sponsorship Processing Times?
The Family Sponsorship processing time depends on your relationship with your sponsor and your proximity to Canada. They are as follows:
| Family Sponsorship | IRCC Canada Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Spouse or Common-law partner (inside Canada) | 13 months |
| Spouse or Common-law partner (outside Canada) | 17 months |
| Parents or Grandparents | 38 months |
However, there are some cases where the processing time can be longer, such as if the application is complex or if there is a backlog of applications.
What to Expect After Your Application is Submitted
While IRCC processes your application, they will send you your application number and receipt acknowledgment. They will then assess your and your sponsor's eligibility.
If you're both approved, you must submit your passport or copies of your passports (if applicable), two passport-sized photographs and proof of payment for your right of permanent residence fee.
If you're applying from outside Canada, you will receive the following:
- A COPR
- A permanent resident visa (if necessary)
If you're applying from within Canada, you must meet with an immigration officer to receive your confirmation of permanent residence.
Study Permit
The Study Permit allows international students to study in Canada for a limited period.
Find out how to apply for a Canada Study permit here
What is the Study Permit Processing Time?
The Canadian Study Permit processing time is usually nine weeks. However, you can get a study permit in as little as 20 calendar days if you're from a nation that qualifies for the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
Find out if you're eligible for the SDS here.
What to Expect After Your Application is Submitted
Once you have submitted your application, paid your fees, uploaded your documents, and completed your biometrics, IRCC will process your application.
You may need to sit an interview with Canadian immigration officials and provide further information like a medical exam or police certificate, or any missing information.
If your application is approved, you will receive your study permit at your port of entry when you arrive in Canada or by mail if you are already in Canada.
Work Permit
A Canadian Work Permit allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a limited period.
Find out how to take your career to the next level in Canada.
What is the Work Permit Processing Time?
The Canadian Work Permit processing time is usually between 5 and 62 weeks, depending on your country of origin.
IRCC will check your application to ensure it's complete. They will not process an incomplete application. During this process, IRCC will check the validity of your employer and if you fulfill the Work permit eligibility criteria.
What to Expect After Your Application is Submitted
You may have to sit an interview with Canadian immigration officials, take a medical exam or send further documentation, depending on your circumstances.
If your work permit is approved, you will receive an approval letter, which you must present at your port of entry to Canada. Once you present your approval letter, you will receive your Canadian work permit.
Tourist Visa
The Tourist Visa program allows foreign nationals to travel to Canada for a limited period.
Find out how you can ensure you can travel to Canada without a hitch here.
What is the Tourist Visa Processing Time?
The processing time for Canada's visitor visa ranges from 21 - 484 days. These times can vary depending on the country you're applying from.
However, the final decision around your visiting period will depend on the border services officer's decision. This decision could come in less or more than six months, and the expiry date of your visitor visa will be stated on your passport.
What to Expect After Your Application is Submitted
Once you've complied with all instructions and successfully submitted your information, your application will be assessed to ensure you have all the necessary documents. Your application will be returned without being processed if it's incomplete. As a result, this can cause further delays in IRCC processing times.
IEC Working Holiday Visa
An International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday allows young people between 18 and 35 from designated countries to travel and work in Canada for up to two years and change jobs anytime.
Find out if you're eligible for a Working Holiday in Canada and how to apply here.
What is the IEC Working Holiday Visa Processing Time?
The IEC Working Holiday Visa processing time is seven weeks. However, this changes annually, so checking up on the IEC Website is vital.
What to Expect After Your Application is Submitted
While IRCC processes your application, they may ask you to submit further documents or information and sit for an interview with a Canadian immigration officer. If your application is approved, IRCC will send you a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction on your online account.
You must present this letter at your port of entry to Canada to receive your IEC work permit. You must do this before the expiration date on your Port of Entry Letter of Introduction.
Electronic Travel Authorization
The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for a limited period.
Find out how you can get your ETA here.
What is the eTA Processing Time?
The processing time for an eTA application is usually seven days.
What to Expect After Your Application is Submitted
If IRCC approves your application, you will receive a confirmation letter. This confirmation will provide further instructions on finishing the application process.
Citizenship
The Citizenship application process allows foreign nationals to become Canadian citizens. This allows you many rights as a Canadian, like voting in elections and holding public office.
Find out how to apply for Canadian citizenship here.
What is the Canadian Citizenship Application Processing Time?
A Canadian citizenship application has multiple processing times, including multiple elements that IRCC must process separately. The Canadian citizenship application processing times are as follows:
| Citizenship | IRCC Canada Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Citizenship Grant | 24 months |
| Proof of Citizenship certificate | 15 months |
| Resumption of Citizenship | 34 months |
| Adoption |
|
What to Expect After Your Application is Submitted
Once you have submitted your application, you will automatically get a confirmation email showing IRCC has received your application. If your application is complete, you or your representative (like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or RCIC) will receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR). This shows that IRCC is processing your application, and you or your representative can check your application status on the IRCC website.
You must sit the Canadian citizenship test and interview if your application is approved. If you pass those, you will attend your Canadian citizenship ceremony, where you will give your oath of citizenship. Once you have completed your citizenship ceremony, you will receive your citizenship certificate and can apply for your Canadian passport.
To ensure you get the shortest application time possible, you must ensure your application meets IRCC standards. One of the best ways to do this is to utilize the wealth of knowledge and years of experience of an RCIC. RCICs have helped hundreds of applicants get their Canadian visas or permanent residence. They can give you a full evaluation to ensure your eligibility, fill out your application forms and help you source your documentation, so your processing times are as short as possible.
Factors Affecting IRCC Processing Times
A few factors can affect the speed of processing for your application. These include
- The complexity of your application,
- The number of applications received, and
- The type of visa or permit you are applying for.
For example, the processing time may be longer if your application is complex or has a backlog of applications. Similarly, the processing time may be longer if you apply for a visa or permit requiring additional security checks.
While these may be out of your control, another huge factor affecting your processing time is the completeness and quality of the information in your application. If your application forms are incomplete or additional documentation needs to be validated, IRCC may ask you to submit further documentation. As a result, your application process will stall until IRCC receives the missing documentation.
Tips for Speeding Up Processing Times
You can do a few things to help speed up the processing time for your application.
Submit a Complete and Accurate Application
This will reduce the chances of your application being delayed or rejected due to errors or omissions.
Include all Documents and Forms
This will help reduce delays in processing your application. Third, ensure you are aware of any additional requirements or documents you may need to provide.
Follow up Regularly with IRCC
This will help ensure your application is processed on time.
Consult a Professional
No one knows how to get through the Canadian visa and immigration processes easier or faster than a Certified immigration expert like an RCIC. They can give you an accurate idea of how long your immigration process will take and how to ensure your application is complete, valid and up-to-date to avoid delays. They can also follow up with IRCC to ensure your application is processed promptly.
Find out more about how RCICs can help you here.
FAQs
How Long Does it Take to Get My Canadian Visa after Biometrics?
How long it takes to get a visa after biometrics depends on the type of application and other factors. Generally, the Canada visa processing time can range from a few days to several months.
Before submitting biometrics, you may have to answer questions about your situation. For instance, which country you're applying from and whether you've applied. There are different instructions for those attempting to submit biometrics outside Canada and those submitting inside. This can also affect your processing time.
Learn more about how long it takes to get visa after biometrics here.
How Can I Check my Processing Times?
You can check the processing times for various visas and permits on the IRCC website. The processing times are regularly updated and can help you plan your move to Canada.
You can also check the processing times for specific applications on the IRCC website. First, search for the kind of application you are interested in, and the site will display the processing times for that application.
What Are the Processing Fees for Canadian Immigration Programs?
Each program has different fees and has different application processes. Here's a full breakdown of the Canadian immigration and visa processing fees.
Find Your Fastest Route To Canada
Now that you have an idea of how long your program’s processing time is, it’s time to get started on your journey to Canada.
Navigating IRCC processes can be daunting, but understanding the process for your application can make all the difference in your move to Canada.
Make sure to be aware of any factors that could affect the speed of processing, such as the complexity of your application and the number of applications received. If you need help understanding the processing times for your application, talk to an RCIC today to find your fastest route to Canada.
An RCIC can provide you with all the information, advice and guidance you need to move to Canada smoothly.
