New IRCC Processing Times For January 2026

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January 2026 IRCC processing times: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published its latest processing time as of January 28, 2026, across the major application categories.

These estimates are based on the real timelines experienced by 80% of applicants, replacing the older target-based approach that often failed to reflect actual waits.

Permanent residency and citizenship categories are updated monthly, while temporary resident applications (visitor visas, work permits, study permits) and PR cards are updated weekly.

Processing times can still vary by case due to security screening, country of application, document completeness, background checks, and IRCC capacity.

Below is a complete, category-by-category breakdown of every processing time included in the January 2026 update, including items with no change.

Citizenship Processing Times (Updated monthly)

IRCC is currently issuing acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) for citizenship applications submitted around October 6, 2025.

Application type	People waiting (change)	Processing time (Jan 14, 2026)	Change Since December
Citizenship grant	~305,400 (+8,400)	13 months	No change
Citizenship certificate*	~42,400 (+2,000)	10 months	+1 month
Resumption of citizenship	Not available	Not available	No change
Renunciation of citizenship	Not available	11 months	No change
Search of citizenship records	Not available	13 months	No change

* Processing may take longer for applicants outside Canada or the United States.

What this means in practice:

Citizenship grants remain steady at 13 months.
Citizenship certificates lengthened to 10 months, which can matter for people needing proof of citizenship for passports, benefits, or travel.

Permanent Resident Card Processing Times (Updated weekly)

Application type	Processing time (Jan 21, 2026)	Processing time (Dec 31, 2025)	Change Since December 31
New PR card	62 days	55 days	+7 days
PR card renewal	31 days	33 days	-2 days

Key takeaway:

New PR cards got slightly slower, but renewals improved.

Family Sponsorship Processing Times (Updated monthly)

Category	People waiting (change)	Processing time (Jan 14, 2026)	Change Since December
Spouse/common-law outside Canada (non-Quebec)	~45,700 (+500)	14 months	No change
Spouse/common-law outside Canada (Quebec)	~19,300 (-100)	35 months	-1 month
Spouse/common-law inside Canada (non-Quebec)	~52,100 (+1,500)	21 months	+1 month
Spouse/common-law inside Canada (Quebec)	~12,000 (-200)	36 months	No change
Parents/grandparents (non-Quebec)	~50,300 (-1,300)	37 months	-3 months
Parents/grandparents (Quebec)	~12,400 (-200)	48 months	-1 month

Why Quebec is slower:

Quebec sponsorship files require an additional provincial approval layer, adding time on top of federal processing.

Humanitarian and Compassionate And Protected Persons (Updated monthly)

Category	People waiting (change)	Processing time (Jan 14, 2026)	Change Since December
H&C outside Quebec	~48,900 (+800)	More than 10 years	No change
H&C in Quebec	~17,800 (+200)	More than 10 years	No change
Protected persons outside Quebec	~95,900 (-49,700)	About 17 months	-86 months
Protected persons in Quebec	~36,300 (-19,600)	About 110 months	+2 months
Dependents of protected persons outside Quebec	54,100	About 35 months	-16 months
Dependents of protected persons in Quebec	About 20,400	About 118 months	Not available

Important context:

H&C remains among the longest waits in the entire system at “more than 10 years” (both in and outside Quebec).
Protected persons (outside Quebec) shows a dramatic improvement in the estimate (to about 17 months), while Quebec estimates remain exceptionally lengthy.

Canadian Passport Processing Times

Application type	Current processing time	Change Since December
New passport (in-person, Canada)	10 business days	No change
New passport (mail, Canada)	20 business days	No change
Urgent pick-up	Next business day	No change
Express pick-up	2–9 business days	No change
Passport mailed from outside Canada	20 business days	No change

Key takeaway:

Passport processing is stable and remains one of the most predictable services.

Permanent Residency Processing Times Under Economic Class (Updated monthly)

Category	People waiting (change)	Processing time (Jan 14, 2026)	Change Since December
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	~25,400 (+3,700)	6 months	-1 month
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)	~34,600 (+7,00)	7 months	+1 month
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)	Not available	Not enough data	No change
PNP (Express Entry)	~10,800 (+600)	7 months	+1 month
Non-Express Entry PNP	~102,600 (+4,100)	13 months	-3 months
Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW)	~26,700 (+500)	11 months	No change
Quebec Business Class	~4,000 (-100)	79 months	-5 months
Federal Self-Employed	~8,200 (-300)	More than 10 years	No change
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	~13,600 (+200)	33 months	-4 months
Start-Up Visa	~45,200 (+800)	More than 10 years	No change

Key takeaways:

CEC improved to 6 months.
FSWP and Express Entry PNP both increased to 7 months.
Non-Express Entry PNP improved to 13 months, but volumes remain high.
AIP remains heavily delayed at 33 months despite improvement.
Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed remain “more than 10 years.”

Temporary Visa Processing Times (Updated weekly)

Visitor Visas From Outside Canada

Country	Processing time (Jan 28, 2026)	Weekly Change	Change Since December 31
India	83 days	-5 days	+2 days
United States	25 days	-4 days	No change
Nigeria	40 days	+2 days	+9 days
Pakistan	56 days	+1 day	-19 days
Philippines	16 days	No change	-1 day

Additional visitor timelines:

Visitor visa inside Canada: 21 days (+7 days since Dec 31)
Visitor record extension: 161 days (+11 days since last week, but -12 days since Dec 31)

Super Visa Processing Times

Country	Processing time (Jan 28, 2026)	Weekly Change	Change Since December 31
India	214 days	+2 days	+17 days
United States	187 days	-3 days	+110 days
Nigeria	38 days	No change	No change
Pakistan	126 days	+4 days	-52 days
Philippines	109 days	-4 days	-8 days

Study Permit Processing Times

Country	Processing time (Jan 28, 2026)	Weekly Change	Change Since December 31
India	4 weeks	No change	+1 week
United States	7 weeks	+1 week	+1 week
Nigeria	7 weeks	No change	+2 weeks
Pakistan	5 weeks	No change	No change
Philippines	5 weeks	+1 week	+1 week

Additional study timelines:

Study permit inside Canada: 7 weeks (no change since Dec 31)
Study permit extension: 104 days (-5 days since last week and -15 days since Dec 31)

Work Permit Processing Times

Country	Processing time (Jan 28, 2026)	Weekly Change	Change Since December 31
India	8 weeks	No change	-1 week
United States	10 weeks	+2 weeks	+1 week
Nigeria	9 weeks	No change	No change
Pakistan	20 weeks	+4 weeks	+8 weeks
Philippines	6 weeks	No change	+1 week

Additional work timelines:

Work permits inside Canada: 241 days (+13 days since last week and +31 days since Dec 31)
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program: 7 days (-3 days since Dec 31)
International Experience Canada (IEC): 8 weeks (+2 weeks since Dec 31)
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): 5 minutes for most applicants; up to 72 hours for additional screening

Why These Processing Times Can Change Quickly In 2026

Even when the published estimates look stable, real-world timelines can shift due to:

surges in application volumes in specific streams or countries
staffing and resource reallocation inside IRCC
security screening intensity and verification workloads
policy-driven intake changes (caps, pauses, special measures)
application quality, including missing documents or unclear proof

The practical lesson for applicants is straightforward: treat processing times as planning guidance, not a promise.

How Applicants Can Reduce The Risk Of Delays

While no one can control IRCC workloads, applicants can reduce preventable slowdowns by:

submitting complete documentation from day one (including translations where required)
avoiding gaps in employment, travel history, or address history without explanation
double-checking forms for consistency across names, dates, and supporting evidence
preparing for additional document requests by keeping updated proof ready
monitoring updates weekly or monthly depending on the application type

The January 14, 2026 processing time update shows a system moving in different directions at once.

Some programs improved (CEC, Non-Express Entry PNP, AIP, parts of protected persons processing outside Quebec), while others lengthened (citizenship certificates, new PR cards, in-Canada work permits, several visitor and Super Visa timelines).

If your plans depend on a permit, visa, PR decision, PR card, or citizenship outcome in 2026, build buffers into your timeline, submit complete documentation, and track updates on the schedule that matches your category.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my application take longer than the posted IRCC processing time even if I applied earlier than someone else?

IRCC processing times are statistical estimates, not a queue order. Two files submitted on the same day can move very differently because one may trigger extra verification (employment history, travel history, relationship evidence, biometrics validity, medical review), while another clears those checks quickly. Officer workload distribution and where the file is processed can also create uneven pacing that is not visible to applicants.

Are IRCC processing times guaranteed?

No, these are estimates based on past cases, and actual timelines may vary depending on country of residence, screening requirements, completeness of documents, and IRCC workload.

What is the most common reason IRCC returns or refuses an application that people mistake as “processing delay”?

Incomplete or inconsistent submissions. Frequent issues include missing signatures, outdated forms, incorrect fee payments, missing translations, unclear document scans, mismatch in dates across forms, or weak supporting evidence for key claims (work experience, funds, relationship). Many applicants interpret the time lost from a return or document request as “slow processing,” when it is often an avoidable reset or pause.

What does it mean when my application status stops updating for weeks or months?

Silence usually means the file is in a stage that does not generate visible updates in the online tracker, or it is waiting in an internal queue (for review, security screening, or final decision). Status trackers are not real-time operational dashboards; they can lag behind actual file movement and may not show internal checks until they are completed.

How can I work in Canada as a foreigner?

To work in Canada, first determine your eligibility for a work permit, which depends on your nationality and job offer. There are two main types of permits: an employer-specific work permit, requiring a job offer and a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and an open work permit, which allows work for any employer. Search for job opportunities on platforms like Job Bank and LinkedIn, then apply for a work permit with the necessary documents. Upon approval, prepare for your arrival by planning accommodation and understanding local living costs. Consider permanent residency options like Express Entry if you enjoy your work experience.

What is a family visa for Canada?

A family visa in Canada allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible family members for immigration. To qualify, sponsors must demonstrate financial support and ensure the sponsored individual will not require social assistance. Eligible family members include spouses, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. The application process involves submitting a sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), along with the family member's application for permanent residence. Processing times vary, with spousal sponsorships typically taking around 14 months for applicants outside Canada and 21 months for those within Canada. For more details, visit the IRCC website.

What is the processing time for Group of Five refugee sponsorship?

Processing times for Group of Five privately sponsored refugee applications can vary significantly based on case complexity and application volume. Generally, applicants may experience wait times ranging from several months to a couple of years. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific application, it is advisable to check the official IRCC website or contact them directly.

What is the processing time for Group of Five applications?

The processing time for Group of Five sponsorship applications is not explicitly detailed in available resources. Generally, immigration processing times can vary based on several factors, including the completeness of the application and the current workload of immigration officials. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, applicants should refer to the official IRCC processing times page.

What are the processing times for resettlement and humanitarian applications outside Canada?

Currently, specific processing times for resettlement and humanitarian applications outside Canada are not clearly outlined. While general immigration processing times are available, detailed timelines for these specific categories are lacking. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you can visit the IRCC website or check the IRCC processing times page.

What are the processing times for privately sponsored refugees outside Canada?

Specific processing times for privately sponsored refugees outside Canada are not readily available. While general immigration processing times can be found on the official website, details for privately sponsored refugees are less clear. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is advisable to consult the IRCC website directly.

What are the processing times for non-Express Entry SINP applications?

Processing times for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) and other non-Express Entry categories can vary significantly. Factors influencing these times include the completeness of applications and the specific program under which the application is submitted. For the most accurate and updated information on processing times, visit the official Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program website. If you have a specific SINP category in mind, please provide details for more tailored assistance.

What is the processing time for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)?

The processing time for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) can vary based on several factors, including the specific category of application and the volume of applications being processed. Generally, applicants can expect processing times to range from a few months to over a year. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to visit the official Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program page on the Government of Saskatchewan's website.

What are the processing times for SINP non-express entry?

The processing times for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) non-express entry can vary based on several factors, including application volume and specific program requirements. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding processing times, it is recommended to visit the official Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program website or check the Government of Canada’s immigration page.

What are the best travel dates for Canada with a TRV?

The best travel dates to Canada with a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) depend on personal preferences and seasonal activities. Summer (June to August) offers warm weather and outdoor events but is peak tourist season. Fall (September to November) features mild temperatures and beautiful foliage, with fewer crowds. Winter (December to February) is ideal for winter sports and festivals, while spring (March to May) provides a chance to enjoy blooming nature with fewer tourists. Ensure you apply for your TRV well in advance by checking processing times on the IRCC website and stay updated on any travel restrictions.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.