Here Are IRCC New Updated Online Processing Times

IRCC has updated the online processing tool to provide accurate information on processing times. This update was part of the effort to modernize the Canadian immigration system and was announced by immigration minister Sean Fraser on March 31, 2022. This article enlists latest processing times from IRCC as of April 12, 2022.

What Updates Does the Processing Time Include

In addition to accurate processing times, this tool is supposed to provide new weekly calculations from the previous six months’ data. Moreover, it will reflect the application volume with operational challenges to help future immigrants plan their journey better.

However, the earlier processing time tool only reflected service standards, IRCC’s commitment to process applications under normal circumstances. These service standards are not for all applications and are not regularly updated.

Calculating Processing Times

IRCC calculates processing time based on its time to process previous similar applications. The processing time begins when IRCC receives the application and ends when the immigration officer has decided on the application. Moreover, the processing time may vary on how the application was submitted on paper or online.

Current Processing Times

Current immigration data reveals about 1.84 million people are awaiting processing. However, some improvements in processing time are seen with express entry applicants. Still, IRCC is struggling to process applications due the impact on Covid-19 pandemic. Below are some of the current processing times.

Processing time for Express Entry under Economic Class

Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 8 months
Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP): 27 months
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): 37 months
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) through express entry: 22 months
Non-Express Entry PNP: 28 months
Quebec skilled worker: 31 months
Quebec business class: 64 months
Federal Self-employed: 41 months
Atlantic Immigration Program: 14 months
Start-up Visa: 31 months

Processing Time for Family Sponsorship

Spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada: 20 months
Spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada: 16 months
Parents or Grandparents: 32 months

Processing Time for Temporary Residence Application

Visitor visa outside Canada: Varies by country (India: 121 days)
Visitor visa inside Canada: 11 days online and 42 days by paper
Visitor extension: 213 days online and 212 days by paper
Parents or grandparents Super Visa: Varies by country (India: 122 days)
Study permit outside Canada: 13 weeks
Study permit inside Canada: 5 weeks
Study permit extension: 64 days online and 179 days by paper
Work permit outside Canada: Varies by country (India: 53 weeks)
Work permit inside Canada (initial application or extension): 133 days online and 205 days by paper
International Experience Canada: Current season – 3 weeks
Electronic Travel Authorization: 5 minutes