Ontario PNP – Effect Of TEER System With New NOC Codes

OINP News - Ontario PNP

Last Updated On 17 November 2022, 9:24 AM EST (Toronto Time)


Ontario PNP known as Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) provided an update that e-filing system will be temporarily closed to new activity between November 16 and November 21, 2022. This is because of the implementation of new TEER system under NOC 2021. It will now be used among all the OINP streams.

Furthermore, they informed that expression of interest (EOI) profiles submitted before November 16, 2022 will need to re-submit their EOIs after November 21, 2022. Applications already submitted after receiving the EOI can still access their profile to check status, but will not be able to make any new changes.

New TEER system will affect scoring matrix as well as new codes will be assigned to occupations under In-Demand stream. Furthermore, new draw under Human Capital Priorities stream and Skilled Trades Stream will also be indicating New TEER codes in upcoming draws.



New NOC Codes For In-Demand Skills stream

Below is the list of occupations with new NOC codes under the TEER system for OINP In-Demand Skills stream.

The job position offered in any location in Ontario including Greater Toronto Area must be in one of the following occupations:

  • NOC 44101 – Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations
  • NOC 75110 – Construction trades helpers and labourers
  • NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
  • NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
  • NOC 85101 – Harvesting labourers
  • NOC 85103 – Nursery and greenhouse labourers
  • NOC 94141 – Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
  • NOC 65202 – Meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale

The job position offered outside the Greater Toronto Area (Toronto, Durham, Halton, York, and Peel regions) in one of the following occupations:

  • NOC 94100 – Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
  • NOC 94105 – Metalworking and forging machine operators
  • NOC 94106 – Machining tool operators
  • NOC 94107 – Machine operators of other metal products
  • NOC 94110 – Chemical plant machine operators
  • NOC 95102 – Labourers in chemical products processing and utilities
  • NOC 94111 – Plastics processing machine operators
  • NOC 94124 – Woodworking machine operators
  • NOC 94132 – Industrial sewing machine operators
  • NOC 94140 – Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing
  • NOC 94201 – Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers
  • NOC 94204 – Mechanical assemblers and inspectors
  • NOC 94213 – Industrial painters, coaters and metal finishing process operators
  • NOC 94219 – Other products assemblers, finishers and inspectors

Affect on OINP EOI Scoring

Job offer: NOC TEER
  • NOC TEER category 0 or 1 – 10 Points
  • NOC TEER category 2 or 3 – 8 Points
  • NOC TEER category 4 – 0 Points
  • NOC TEER category 5 – 0 Points
Job offer: broad occupational category
  • Occupational Category 0, 2, 3 – 10 points
  • Occupational Category 7 – 7 points
  • Occupational Category 1,9 – 5 points
  • Occupational Category 4,8 – 4 points
  • Occupational Category 5,6 – 3 points

Click here for Step-Wise Guide To Find Your New NOC code with TEER system.


  • International Nurses To Benefit From Easy Licensing In Nova Scotia

    The NSCN has announced a first-of-its-kind licensing procedure for registered nurses (RNs) moving Nova Scotia from other Canadian provinces as well as from 7 countries.

    These 7 countries include Philippines, India, Nigeria, USA, UK, Australia, or New Zealand.

    NSCN (Nova Scotia College of Nursing) is the the provincial regulatory authority responsible for licensure and maintaining professional standards.

    RNs from these countries with good standing and character will be eligible for registration and licensure in Nova Scotia immediately with no additional requirements in May 2023.

    RNs from the above listed 7 countries and other Canadian provinces will only have to pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination).

    As per the official press release, the new method for registration and licensing for nurses will help in achieving below:

    • Effective March 29, 2023 the total processing time for RNs who have valid licences from another Canadian province will reduce from five days to 24 hours.
    • Effective May 1, 2023 the duration of the whole application procedure for international RNs (who are in good standing) from the Philippines, India, Nigeria, USA, UK, Australia, and New Zealand will decrease from nearly a year to a few weeks.
      • RNs from these countries will be able to submit their applications directly to NSCN.

    These seven nations account for 87% of the current overseas applicants to NSCN.

    • Philippines – 42% 
    • India – 25% 
    • Nigeria – 10% 
    • USA – 6% 
    • UK – 4% 
    • 23 other countries – 13% 

    In 2022, the NSCN enrolled more foreign RNs than it did in any of the preceding three years combined.

    As a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, or nurse practitioner in 2022, the NSCN registered and licensed 282 foreign RNs.

    Please note this is NOT an immigration program, rather easing of licensure for internationally trained RNs planning on moving/immigrating to Nova Scotia.

    “I am pleased to share what is truly a first-in-the-country approach to licensing international and Canadian nurses in Nova Scotia. The new approach will significantly decrease licensing time; increase licensure of nurses; reduce administrative requirements; and is aligned with new initiatives of health care partners. It’s a safe and faster process for nurses who want to work in our province, which is a good news story for all Nova Scotians.” 

    Sue Smith, CEO and Registrar of the Nova Scotia College of Nursing

    Click here for more details on new registrant portal.


    Nova Scotia nurses
  • Canada Announces New Open Work Permit For Turkish & Syrian Nationals

    Today, immigration minister of Canada, the Honourable Sean Fraser announced new measures to support Turkish and Syrian temporary residents.

    Effective from March 29, 2023 nationals of Türkiye and Syria will benefit from below listed new measures:

    • extension of temporary status (study, work or visitor) within Canada free of charge.
    • priority processing of immigration applications submitted by earthquake victims
    • new open work permit of up to 3 years for temporary residents already in Canada.
    • easier transition between temporary residents statuses.
    • no requirement of passports and travel document requirements for the Canadian permanent residence applicants outside Canada.
    • For Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Turkey and Syria, there will be no costs for temporary passports, passports with restricted validity, emergency travel papers, Canadian citizenship certificates, or permanent resident travel documents.

    Applications for temporary residency from the impacted areas, both new and old, as well as applications for permanent residence, including applications for refugee resettlement, are all being processed on a priority basis.

    This includes requests for visiting visas for members of a person’s immediate family who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents so they can visit their loved ones.

    The purpose of these new immigration measures announced today is to assist Turkish and Syrian temporary residents who may not be able to leave Canada at this time owing to the devastation caused by the recent earthquakes in the area.

    Over 16,000 applicants have applications being processed in Turkey and Syria as of February 8, 2023.

    Among them, about 1,700 (750 permanent residents and 920 temporary residents) came from the earthquake-affected region.

    These new measures will stay in effect until September 25, 2023.

    As part of its resettlement programme, Canada is also collaborating with UN partners in the region to offer temporary housing to refugees who have been negatively affected while they wait for their applications to be reviewed.

    Further details on how to apply for these new measures will be accessible on the IRCC website in the upcoming weeks.


    Canad Immigration Minister March 18
  • IRCC backlog drops to 910,400 despite increase in new applications

    IRCC backlog drops by around 64,000 as per new official data updated by the Canadian immigration department on March 17.

    IRCC backlog now stands at 910,400 which is an all-time low number since the processing woes started in pandemic.

    This reduction in IRCC backlog has been registered along all the business lines including Citizenship(-7.2%), Permanent residency(-3.78%), and temporary residency(-8.28%).

    Furthermore, there has been increase of 82,300 in new immigration applications as of February 28, 2023.

    Canada immigration department was processing 1,052,200 files within IRCC service standards in the end of last month.

    In total, IRCC was processing 1,962,600 immigration/visa applications as of February 28.

    DateBacklogTotal Applications
    Under Processing
    February 28, 2023910,4001,962,600
    January 31, 2023974,6001,944,500
    December 31, 2022918,3001,973,800
    November 30, 20221,086,2002,111,400
    October 31, 20221,202,7902,239,700
    September 30, 20221,322,5002,610,700

    It is important to note that IRCC backlog data and service standard data are different as explained below.

    For example, if the typical processing period for spousal sponsorship is 12 months, an application that is being processed within 12 months is “NOT” a backlog. Instead, it will be treated as regular processing.

    But, if it surpasses the 12-month service threshold, then only it should be regarded a backlog.

    The IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within these service standards. Learn more about IRCC service standards.

    Application TypeOverall Processing InventoryBacklogWithin Service Standards
    Citizenship299,00077,000222,000
    Permanent Residence622,600335,400287,200
    Temporary Residence1,041,000498,000543,000
    Total1,962,600910,4001052,200

    IRCC Backlog Projections For 2023

    1. Backlog Projections For Federal High Skilled

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2289%
    Feb 2292%
    Mar 2298%
    Apr 2299%
    May 22100%
    Jun 22100%
    Jul 2299%
    Aug 2290%86%
    Sep 2268%72%
    Oct 2245%59%
    Nov 2231%46%
    Dec 2222%20%
    Jan 2320%20%
    Feb 2320%20%
    Mar 2320%
    Apr 2320%
    May 2320%

    2. Backlog Projections For Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2256%
    Feb 2255%
    Mar 2254%
    Apr 2251%
    May 2247%
    Jun 2245%
    Jul 2243%
    Aug 2242%39%
    Sep 2240%35%
    Oct 2242%31%
    Nov 2242%28%
    Dec 2241%20%
    Jan 2338%40%
    Feb 2332%39%
    Mar 2332%
    Apr 2330%
    May 2328%

    3. Backlog Projections for Spouses, Partners and children applications

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2234%
    Feb 2232%
    Mar 2230%
    Apr 2229%
    May 2227%
    Jun 2227%
    Jul 2226%
    Aug 2225%24%
    Sep 2225%23%
    Oct 2224%22%
    Nov 2224%20%
    Dec 2224%19%
    Jan 2324%24%
    Feb 2323%24%
    Mar 2324%
    Apr 2324%
    May 2324%

    4. Citizenship Backlog Projections

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2246%
    Feb 2245%
    Mar 2242%
    Apr 2240%
    May 2239%
    Jun 2237%
    Jul 2235%
    Aug 2230%30%
    Sep 2230%30%
    Oct 2228%28%
    Nov 2229%27%
    Dec 2228%26%
    Jan 2327%26%
    Feb 2326%25%
    Mar 2324%
    Apr 2324%
    May 2324%

    5. Study Permit Applications’ Backlog Projections

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2242%
    Feb 2234%
    Mar 2227%
    Apr 2232%
    May 2231%
    Jun 2230%
    Jul 2231%
    Aug 2238%39%
    Sep 2231%42%
    Oct 2226%33%
    Nov 2228%31%
    Dec 2232%33%
    Jan 2335%36%
    Feb 2329%34%
    Mar 2325%
    Apr 2322%
    May 2315%

    6. Work Permit Applications’ Backlog Projections

    **According to IRCC, about 73% of work visa applications originate from the Canada-Ukraine emergency travel permission.

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2248%
    Feb 2251%
    Mar 2229%
    Apr 2223%
    May 2226%
    Jun 2228%
    Jul 2228%
    Aug 2234%29%
    Sep 2227%35%
    Oct 2223%49%
    Nov 2224%55%
    Dec 2225%60%
    Jan 2326%26%
    Feb 2323%28%
    Mar 2328%
    Apr 2328%
    May 2328%

    7. Backlog Projections For Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Visitor Visa

    **The Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel accounts for 20% of temporary resident visa or visitor visa applications, according to IRCC.

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2270%
    Feb 2274%
    Mar 2255%
    Apr 2255%
    May 2256%
    Jun 2271%
    Jul 2267%
    Aug 2271%68%
    Sep 2274%71%
    Oct 2274%70%
    Nov 2270%67%
    Dec 2270%77%
    Jan 2368%68%
    Feb 2364%68%
    Mar 2365%
    Apr 2359%
    May 2350%

    New IRCC Backlog data 2023
  • IEC 2023 New Round Of Invitations Sent >1,500 Invites

    The 10th IEC 2023 (International Experience Canada) draw sent over 1,500 invites under 3 categories, for the week commencing March 17, 2023.

    Around 1,200 invitations were sent to the participants in pool for the IEC Working Holiday category from more than 30 different countries.

    Only 7 countries are now left with Excellent chance of receiving an invitation in next IEC 2023 Working Holiday category next week.

    These are Andorra, Croatia, Luxembourg, Norway, San Marino, Slovenia, and Sweden.

    Applicants from rest of the countries under Working Holiday category have a low chance of receiving an invite based on candidates in pool and available spots.

    This year, a total of 90,000 quota is allotted for IEC 2023, and around 65,000 invitations have already been distributed.

    Moving forward, the IEC 2023 Young Professionals category receives more than 234 invitations. Furthermore, 177 applicants in pool are competing for 3,403 spots.

    This week, 65 more spots have been added in the Young Professionals category for Taiwan.

    Last week, extra spots were added for Greece under Working Holiday and Young Professionals category.

    Similarly, IEC 2023 Working Holiday Quota for Korea and the United Kingdom was also raised in week ending February 24.

    In addition, 148 invitations are distributed under the International Co-op (internship) category.

    The current IEC season has a processing time of less than three weeks, according to the most recent IRCC processing report on March 7.

    The statistics for each nation, including the number of invites, candidates in the pool, and available seats, is provided below.

    IEC 2023 Working Holiday Category

    CountryInvitations Issued This WeekTotal Invitations Issued In 2023Candidates In PoolAvailable Spots
    Andorra010119
    Australia1503,556289Unlimited
    Austria0154190
    Belgium2767438282
    Croatia4781227
    Czech Republic1861636599
    Denmark1217818215
    Estonia578765
    France016,8853,6520
    Germany1012,4772032,740
    Greece822512160
    Hong Kong62371388
    Ireland1254,6263267,636
    Italy421,222851,008
    Japan1103,0812394,076
    Korea Republic1697,4561,0941,740
    Latvia67210
    Lithuania183043224
    Luxembourg119267
    Netherlands2766747342
    New Zealand501,203821,620
    Norway0461101
    Poland1247431356
    Portugal18517481,378
    San Marino04022
    Slovakia832519108
    Slovenia127168
    Spain251,169771,081
    Sweden2118114478
    United Kingdom2005,7544936,481
    Total1,16452,3156,88130,981

    IEC 2023 Young Professionals Category

    CountryInvitations Issued This WeekTotal Invitations Issued In 2023Candidates In PoolAvailable Spots
    Australia1642Unlimited
    Austria16160
    Chile2529016157
    Costa Rica312933
    Croatia06017
    Czech Republic7127667
    Estonia0308
    France1101,546721,281
    France via Volontariat international en entreprise (VIE)1119241372
    Germany2619110241
    Greece3922116
    Ireland2616141
    Italy31303151
    Latvia2606
    Lithuania015013
    Luxembourg00010
    Norway05010
    Poland533096
    Portugal2180191
    Slovakia230116
    Slovenia13114
    Spain7904110
    Spain via ICEX VivesNot applicableNot applicableNot applicable50
    Sweden316095
    Switzerland13145597
    Taiwan788481
    Total2343,2861773,403

    International Co-op (Internship)

    CountryInvitations issued this weekTotal Invitations Issued In 2023Candidates In PoolAvailable Spots
    France1422,556902402
    Ireland17244
    Germany3472136
    Luxembourg0309
    Switzerland019037
    Taiwan21119
    Total1482,643952,637

    Source: IEC 2023


  • PGWP Extension 2023: New Announcement By The IRCC Minister

    New announcement on PGWP Extension 2023: Today, Canadian minister of immigration the Honourable Sean Fraser makes an announcement to extend post-graduation work permits (PGWPs).

    IRCC extends Post Graduation Work Permits for 18 months that are expired or expiring in 2023.

    Those who were eligible for PGWP extension in 2022 will also qualify for this new extension.

    Beginning April 6, 2023, these changes will allow PGWP holders who want to remain longer to participate in a facilitative procedure to extend their work permit, allowing Canada to retain high-skilled personnel.

    PGWP holders who are eligible for the facilitative procedure will shortly get reminders about login onto their online IRCC Secure Account to opt in and amend critical personal information beginning April 6, 2023.

    For those who apply, will receive by an email, the interim work authorization, which they can affix to their expired PGWPs.

    This will enable them to continue work for 18 months in Canada and apply for permanent residency.

    Former international students with expired PGWPs will also be able to apply for this new open work permit.

    They will also be able to apply for restoration, even if they are beyond the time (90 days) required to apply for restoration.

    You can watch live PGWP Extension 2023 announcement in the video below.

    INC – Immigration News Canada reported on February 12, 2023 that IRCC Minister is working on solution of Expiring PGWPs and announcement could be made in March 2023.

    What is important about PGWP Extension announcement today?

    Usually, post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) are not allowed any extension and an international student can only have a PGWP once.

    However, IRCC implemented a temporary public policy in August 2022 that permitted PGWP holders with expiration status on or before December 31, 2022 to extend their stay for an extra 18 months.

    Reason behind this was absence of any CEC draw after September 2021, which is the major pathway for international students with 1 year of Canadian experience to apply for permanent residency (PR).

    This new policy permitted approximately 40,000 PGWP holders to continue working in Canada.

    But the drought of CEC draws continued in 2023 and PGWPs are already expiring and some will expire soon.

    As a result, IRCC Minister is expected to make another PGWP extension today.

    With Canada allowing PGWP extension 2023, it will at least allow PGWP holders to continue working and stay in Canada.

    Things to Watch Out For

    It will be an important announcement to see what is the range of dates that minister will include to allow PGWP extension.

    Moreover, the exact date on which the details on how to apply for the policy will be released.

    Will the PGWP holders have to apply for the extension OR it will be automatically granted or updated?

    Any hint on when the CEC only draws will resume or exact date of starting targeted Express Entry draws.

    Off topic, if minister acknowledges the issue of 700 international students being deported.


    PGWP Extension 2023 New Announcement
  • New Updated IRCC Processing Times As Of March 14

    This page lists the latest processing times reported by the IRCC as of March 14, 2023, as well as a comparison to the previous week’s processing timings.

    For more than a year, we have been recording and analyzing the processing times for our readers, which are officially updated weekly by the IRCC.

    Please read the following information carefully to properly understand what these processing durations represent.

    In early 2022, the IRCC modified its processing tool to offer accurate statistics on regular processing times rather than only service standard timeframes.

    These processing timelines are meant to provide potential immigrants and visa applicants to Canada an indication of how long it may take for a decision to be reached on their application.

    These times are based on information obtained over the last 6 months for 80% of previously processed applications and are meant to offer the most recent weekly processing timings.

    This does not imply that your application will be processed in the same amount of time.

    Because it is an average of the processing times for 80% of the applications, so processing of your application may take longer or shorter than displayed.

    Please note that the processing time begins when the application is received by IRCC and concludes when the immigration officer determines whether to accept or reject it.

    Citizenship & PR cards

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Citizenship grant23 monthsNo Change
    Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)*14 monthsNo Change
    Resumption of citizenship30 monthsNo Change
    Renunciation of Citizenship14 monthsNo Change
    Search of citizenship records16 monthsNo Change
    New PR card34 days– 2 Days
    PR card renewals67 days– 2 Days

    *Proof of citizenship (Citizenship certificate): Applications from countries other than Canada and the United States may take longer to process.

    The IRCC is presently distributing acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letters or emails to paper and online citizens who applied between January 30, 2023.

    Family Sponsorship

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada16 monthsNo Change
    Spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada13 monthsNo Change
    Parents or Grandparents PR39 monthsNo Change

    Canadian Passport 

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted in person at Service Canada Centre – Passport services)10 business daysNo Change
    In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted by mail to Service Canada Centre)20 business daysNo Change
    In-Canda Urgent pick-upBy the end of next business dayNo Change
    In-Canada Express pick-up2-9 business daysNo Change
    Regular passport application mailed from outside Canada20 business daysNo Change

    Economic Class Permanent Residency Processing Time

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Canadian Experience Class (CEC)12 monthsNo Change
    Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)30 monthsNo Change
    Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)70 months (not updated
    by IRCC since March 1)
    No Change
    Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry11 monthsNo Change
    Non-Express Entry PNP20 monthsNo Change
    Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW)20 monthsNo Change
    Quebec Business Class67 monthsNo Change
    Federal Self-Employed43 monthsNo Change
    Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)24 monthsNo Change
    Start-Up Visa33 monthsNo Change

    Temporary Residence Application 

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Visitor visa outside CanadaVaries by country
    India: 50 Days
    Nigeria: 359 Days
    United States: 21 Days
    Pakistan: 143 Days
    Philippines: 30 Days
    UAE: 320 Days
    Bangladesh: 162 Days
    Sri Lanka: 108 Days
    United Kingdom: 30 Days
    – 8 Days for India
    – 17 Days for Nigeria
    – 3 Days for United States
    – 23 Days for Pakistan
    – 1 Day for Philippines
    No change for UAE
    – 23 Day for Bangladesh
    – 27 Days for Sri Lanka
    No Change for UK
    Visitor visa inside CanadaOnline: 11 days
    Paper-Based: 33 days
    – 1 Day for online
    + 1 Day for paper-based
    Parents or Grandparents Super VisaVaries by country
    India: 129 Days
    Nigeria: 621 Days
    United States: 121 Days
    Pakistan: 420 Days
    Philippines: 231 Days
    UAE: 327 Days
    Bangladesh: 253 Days
    Sri Lanka: 306 Days
    United Kingdom: 175 Days
    – 4 Days for India
    + 225 Days for Nigeria
    No Change for United States
    – 2 Days for Pakistan
    + 5 Days for Philippines
    No Change for UAE
    No Change for Bangladesh
    + 2 Days for Sri Lanka
    + 6 Days for UK
    Study Permit Outside Canada10 WeeksNo Change
    Visitor Extension (Visitor Record)Online: 180 days
    Paper-Based: 87 days
    – 1 Day (Online)
    – 4 Days for Paper-Based
    Study Permit Inside Canada3 Weeks– Week
    Study Permit ExtensionOnline: 85 Days
    Paper-Based: 104 Days
    – 24 Days (Online)
    – 3 Days (Paper-Based)
    Work Permit Outside Canada*Varies by country
    India: 8 Weeks
    Nigeria: 25 Weeks
    United States: 14 Weeks
    Pakistan: 45 Weeks
    Philippines: 12 Weeks
    UAE: 39 Weeks
    Bangladesh: 30 Weeks
    Sri Lanka: 18 Weeks
    United Kingdom: 12 Weeks
    No Change for India
    – 2 Weeks for Nigeria
    – 1 Week for United States
    No Change for Pakistan
    No Change for Philippines
    – 3 Weeks for UAE
    No Change for Bangladesh
    – 3 Weeks for Sri Lanka
    + 1 Week for UK
    Work Permit Inside CanadaOnline: 154 Days
    Paper-Based: 29 Days
    – 2 Days (Online)
    – 24 Days for paper-based
    International Experience Canada (Current Season)3 WeeksNo Change
    Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP)24 Days+ 1 Day
    Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)5 minutesNo Change

    *Applications for critical occupations are being prioritized at this time. If you are not applying for a position in an essential occupation, your processing time may be longer than stated above.


  • Canada Spousal Sponsorship Refusal Reasons That You Must Avoid

    As per new Immigration levels plan 2023-2025, Canada is aiming to reunite more than 240,000 couples via spousal sponsorship.

    IRCC has service standard of processing 80% of the spousal sponsorship applications within 12 months.

    However, IRCC has not yet recovered from pandemic backlog completely. The current processing time for inland spousal sponsorship is 13 months and for outland it is still 16 months.

    Spousal sponsorship is designed to reunite couples allowing them to live together permanently in Canada.

    Furthermore, there is no education or language proficiency requirement for spouses.

    However, the application needs to be genuine and applicant must present all the documentation accurately to prove it so.

    Although, all the applicants proceed cautiously, but still many get refusal due to one reason or another.

    This article delves into 10 common refusal reasons that can be avoided to ensure that at least application is not rejected due to one of these.

    1. Inadmissibility

    Applicants who are found to be inadmissible due to criminal or medical reasons can have their sponsorship application refused.

    For e.g., if the spouse have had a DUI (Driving Under Influence) conviction in their home country, then they might be considered criminally inadmissible.

    You can read more on these here

    2. Lack of Genuine Relationship

    The application may be denied if the immigration officer feels that the connection between the sponsor and the sponsored spouse is not real or was entered into for immigration purposes.

    Ironically, many spousal sponsorship applications get rejected because their application fails to establish a genuine relationship.

    As a result, they have to then appeal the refusal which can take some time to get through. Long appeal durations have also taken toll onto the breakdown of relationship for many families.

    So, it is always advisable to submit your application upfront with full strength.

    3. Misrepresentation

    The application may be declined if the sponsor or sponsored spouse gives incorrect information or misrepresents oneself throughout the application procedure.

    Lying or sending false information or documents to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is a severe offence.

    Furthermore, some applicants unknowingly may provide incorrect date or just an estimated date. If IRCC finds out that it is incorrect, then that applicant falls under misrepresentation.

    Even if your unauthorized agent or consultant fills out incorrect information due to a clerical error, then also applicants are considered to be misrepresenting on their application.

    4. Insufficient supporting documents

    Failure to provide sufficient or suitable supporting documentation, such as marriage certificates, pictures, and shared financial records, might result in a denial.

    Additionally, even a slight doubt of forged document (even if they are original) due to inconsistencies can result in refusal of spousal sponsorship.

    Always remember, onus is on the applicants to prove that their relationship is genuine by providing strong paperwork which is consistent with each other.

    5. Unsatisfactory Financial support

    The sponsor must show that they have enough money to support their spouse once they arrive in Canada.

    If they do not give appropriate financial support proofs, the application may be denied.

    This can be in the form of pay stubs or balance in the saving account.

    Always remember sponsoring spouse has 3 years of financial obligation and immigration officer do assess the financial situation of the sponsor.

    6. Providing Inconsistent Answers in Interview

    Immigration officer may call some sponsored spouses for an interview to clear out the doubts in application or just to establish if relationship is genuine.

    This is a good chance for the sponsored spouse to satisfy the officer by provided correct and accurate answers.

    Remember lies are always caught based on the answers that you provide or may result in inconsistencies.

    In interviews, officer expects you to know almost all the details of your spouse including important dates and background.

    7. Not Declaring all the dependents

    It is important to declare all the dependents on the application. Furthermore, always declare your non-accompanying family members on family information form accurately.

    The application may be denied if the sponsor fails to declare all of their dependents in their application or if their financial assistance is judged insufficient for all dependents.

    8. Proof of Residency

    The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. Furthermore, they should be residing in Canada to submit a sponsorship application.

    If they are unable to show adequate proof of residency, their application could be refused.

    9. Previous Sponsorship Defaults

    If a sponsor has previously failed to fulfil a sponsorship commitment, they may be judged ineligible to sponsor again.

    Furthermore, the spouse is not be able to sponsor their partner, if previous sponsorship undertaking has not yet ended.

    10. Incomplete Application

    Always remember that an application can also be refused if the application form is incomplete or if the required fees are not paid, or if sufficient information is not provided.

    Immigration officer always have the discretion of refusing an application or they may ask for additional documents.

    So, submit your application with caution ensuring you are not leaving out any information.


  • IEC 2023 New Round of Invitations Sent >2,200 Invites

    IEC 2023 New Round of Invitations: The 9th International Experience Canada (IEC) 2023 draw sent out more than 2,200 invitations for the week ending March 10, 2023.

    More than 1,841 invites were extended to potential participants in the IEC Working Holiday category from more than 30 different countries.

    As of March 10, 2023 140 additional spots have been added to Working Holiday category and 160 to Young Professionals category for Greece.

    Previously, IEC Working Holiday Quota for Korea and the United Kingdom was also increased on February 24, 2023.

    Currently, there are around 31,757 available spots in Working Holiday category with more than 5,788 candidates in pool awaiting an invitation.

    223 invites are issued under Young Professionals category. Furthermore, 235 candidates are in pool competing for 3,460 available spots.

    Additionally, 166 invites are sent under the International Co-op (internship) category. Out of these, 163 invites are sent to citizens of France.

    There are 127 candidates in pool and 2,732 available spots in the International Co-op (internship) category.

    This year, a total of 90,000 quota is allotted for IEC 2023, and around 62,000 invitations have already been distributed.

    According to the most recent IRCC processing update on March 7, the current IEC season has a processing time of under 3 weeks.

    Below listed is the country-wise data on number of invitations, candidate in pool, and available spots under all the 3 categories.

    Working Holiday Category of IEC 2023

    CountryInvitations Issued
    This Week
    Total Invitations
    Issued In 2023
    Candidates
    In Pool
    Available
    Spots
    Andorra210018
    Australia2253,406249Unlimited
    Austria0154160
    Belgium2064731297
    Croatia3743229
    Czech Republic2559831612
    Denmark1216615223
    Estonia773768
    France016,8853,0540
    Germany1732,3761652,826
    Greece102178168
    Hong Kong9231992
    Ireland2754,5012547,718
    Italy751,180701,033
    Japan1992,9711824,183
    Korea Republic1957,2871,0371,919
    Latvia06660
    Lithuania242863034
    Luxembourg018067
    Netherlands5564044362
    New Zealand741,153591,653
    Norway9460102
    Poland3046220364
    Portugal31499301,388
    San Marino04022
    Slovakia1531713112
    Slovenia026169
    Spain761,144421,097
    Sweden1016021488
    United Kingdom2875,5543916,613
    Total1,84151,1515,78831,757

    IEC has already issued 2,292 invitations to Chile, 63 to Costa Rica, and 2,553 to Taiwan. We are not tracking data for these countries because chances of receiving an invite in next week’s draw are very low for these countries.

    Young Professionals Category of IEC 2023

    CountryInvitations Issued This WeekTotal Invitations Issued In 2023Candidates
    In Pool
    Available Spots
    Australia9632Unlimited
    Austria15159
    Chile2026524165
    Costa Rica612633
    Croatia06017
    Czech Republic8120672
    Estonia0308
    France1021,436981,338
    France via Volontariat international en entreprise (VIE)1518139382
    Germany1216519257
    Greece6894118
    Ireland3592140
    Italy91273152
    Latvia0427
    Lithuania015013
    Luxembourg00010
    Norway15011
    Poland028499
    Portugal0161193
    Slovakia328117
    Slovenia12114
    Spain7834113
    Spain via ICEX VivesNot applicableNot applicableNot applicable50
    Sweden213196
    Switzerland1013212106
    Taiwan881820
    Total2233,0522353,460

    International Co-op (Internship)

    CountryInvitations issued
    this week
    Total Invitations
    Issued In 2023
    Candidates
    In Pool
    Available
    Spots
    France1632,4141222,493
    Ireland06145
    Germany0442139
    Luxembourg0309
    Switzerland319037
    Taiwan0929
    Total1662,4951272,732

    Source: IEC 2023


  • Here Are New Updated IRCC Processing Times As Of March 7

    This page includes the latest processing times reported by the IRCC as of March 7, 2023, along with a comparison to the processing times from the previous week.

    To fully comprehend what these processing timeframes mean, please read the following details carefully.

    The IRCC changed its processing tool in the beginning of 2022 so that it now provides correct data on normal processing times rather than merely service standard times.

    These processing times are intended to provide prospective immigrants and visa seekers to Canada a rough idea of how long it could take for a decision to be made on their application.

    These durations are based on information gathered over the preceding 6 months for 80% of the applications that have already been approved and are intended to provide latest weekly processing timelines.

    This does not mean that it will take the same length of time to process your application.

    This processing of your application may take longer or less time than shown because it is an average of the processing timings for 80% of the applications.

    Remember that the application processing period starts when IRCC receives it and ends when the immigration officer decides whether to accept or reject it.

    For more than a year, we have been tracking and comparing the processing timeframes for our readers as updated by the IRCC on a weekly basis.

    Citizenship & PR cards

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Citizenship grant23 monthsNo Change
    Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)*14 monthsNo Change
    Resumption of citizenship30 months+ 6 months
    Renunciation of Citizenship14 months– 1 month
    Search of citizenship records16 monthsNo Change
    New PR card36 days– 3 Days
    PR card renewals69 days– 2 Days

    *Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship): Applications submitted outside of Canada and the United States may take longer.

    The IRCC is currently sending over acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) letters or emails to paper and online citizens who applied during the week of January 16, 2023.

    Family Sponsorship

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada16 monthsNo Change
    Spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada13 months– 1 month
    Parents or Grandparents PR39 monthsNo Change

    According to the most current IRCC figures, Canada’s immigration backlog has nearly hit one million people.

    Moreover, 969,900 applications were handled within the IRCC service standard timelines. IRCC was processing around 2 million applications as of January 31, 2023.

    Canadian Passport 

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted in person at Service Canada Centre – Passport services)10 business daysNo Change
    In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted by mail to Service Canada Centre)20 business daysNo Change
    In-Canda Urgent pick-upBy the end of next business dayNo Change
    In-Canada Express pick-up2-9 business daysNo Change
    Regular passport application mailed from outside Canada20 business daysNo Change

    Economic Class Permanent Residency Processing Time

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Canadian Experience Class (CEC)12 months– 4 months
    Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)30 months– 1 month
    Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)70 months (not updated
    this week)
    No Change
    Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry11 monthsNo Change
    Non-Express Entry PNP20 months– 1 month
    Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW)20 months+ 1 month
    Quebec Business Class67 monthsNo Change
    Federal Self-Employed43 months+ 1 month
    Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)24 months+ 1 month
    Start-Up Visa33 monthsNo Change

    Temporary Residence Application 

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Visitor visa outside CanadaVaries by country
    India: 58 Days
    Nigeria: 376 Days
    United States: 24 Days
    Pakistan: 166 Days
    Philippines: 31 Days
    UAE: 320 Days
    Bangladesh: 185 Days
    Sri Lanka: 135 Days
    United Kingdom: 30 Days
    – 12 Days for India
    + 46 Days for Nigeria
    No Change for United States
    – 17 Days for Pakistan
    – 2 Days for Philippines
    + 2 Days for UAE
    – 18 Day for Bangladesh
    + 3 Days for Sri Lanka
    – 5 Days for UK
    Visitor visa inside CanadaOnline: 12 days
    Paper-Based: 32 days
    – 1 Day for online
    No Change for paper-based
    Parents or Grandparents Super VisaVaries by country
    India: 133 Days
    Nigeria: 396 Days
    United States: 121 Days
    Pakistan: 422 Days
    Philippines: 226 Days
    UAE: 327 Days
    Bangladesh: 253 Days
    Sri Lanka: 304 Days
    United Kingdom: 169 Days
    – 1 Day for India
    No Change for Nigeria
    – 4 Days for United States
    + 6 Days for Pakistan
    – 2 Days for Philippines
    + 13 Days for UAE
    + 4 Days for Bangladesh
    + 24 Days for Sri Lanka
    + 1 Day for UK
    Study Permit Outside Canada10 WeeksNo Change
    Visitor Extension (Visitor Record)Online: 181 days
    Paper-Based: 91 days
    + 6 Days (Online)
    – 4 Days for Paper-Based
    Study Permit Inside Canada4 WeeksNo Change
    Study Permit ExtensionOnline: 109 Days
    Paper-Based: 107 Days
    – 9 Days (Online)
    – 6 Days (Paper-Based)
    Work Permit Outside Canada*Varies by country
    India: 8 Weeks
    Nigeria: 27 Weeks
    United States: 15 Weeks
    Pakistan: 45 Weeks
    Philippines: 12 Weeks
    UAE: 42 Weeks
    Bangladesh: 30 Weeks
    Sri Lanka: 21 Weeks
    United Kingdom: 11 Weeks
    No Change for India
    No Change for Nigeria
    – 1 Week for United States
    + 2 Weeks for Pakistan
    – 2 Weeks for Philippines
    + 6 Weeks for UAE
    – 1 Week for Bangladesh
    – 1 Weeks for Sri Lanka
    – 1 Week for UK
    Work Permit Inside CanadaOnline: 156 Days
    Paper-Based: 53 Days
    – 2 Days (Online)
    – 5 Days for paper-based
    International Experience Canada (Current Season)3 Weeks+ 1 Week
    Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP)25 Days+ 3 Days
    Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)5 minutesNo Change

    *Applications for the critical job positions are currently being prioritized. Your processing time can be longer than indicated above if you are not applying for a position in a critical occupation.


  • Victim Of Fraud; International Students In Canada Facing Removal Orders

    Several international students in Canada are facing removal orders from the Canadian immigration department.

    It is an unfortunate situation because most of these international students are actually victims of fraudulent agents.

    These agents, who without their knowledge, submitted forged documents including fake offer letters or GICs.

    Moreover, they are trapped by the outdated Canadian system since the immigration department is sending them removal order letters after 2-3 years of completion of their studies in Canada.

    The removal order letters are being sent since 2021 offering these students to appeal the removal orders.

    Some of these students are receiving letters now. According to one of the sources, the number of international students facing removal orders is in the multiple of 100s.

    Recently, in a similar case of Karamjeet Kaur, the federal court upheld the decision by Immigration Division (ID) ordering her to leave Canada.

    She now only has humanitarian and compassionate consideration of her case left.

    Ironically, she came to Canada on a study permit in 2018 and her agent in India used the fake letter to get her file processed, which she was unaware of.

    Karamjeet got a removal order in 2022 when she applied for her permanent residency (PR), 4 years after her entry to Canada.

    However, in February 2023 Federal court ruled that it was her responsibility to call the college and confirm whether the offer letter was genuine or not.

    Gaps In The Canadian Immigration System

    International students have been protesting against these removal orders and pointing out gaps in the Canadian immigration system.

    Offer letters or GICs or documents are not usually verified by students as they trust their consultants or agents back in India.

    As per students, if the offer letter or GIC or any document was fake in their study permit application, the immigration department should have pointed out it at the time of issuing a visa to Canada.

    IRCC offices in India, who are trained and experienced at catching forged documents in an applications were also deceived by the same fake documents.

    If such officials are unable detect fake documents, then how a teenager or naive young student would have caught such a scam?

    Rather, they themselves were victims of this fraud.

    Moreover, when they landed at a Canadian airport and an immigration check was done, no official were able to point out the forged documents.

    As in Karamjeet Kaur’s case, the agent told her after she landed in Canada, that he had some dispute with the college authorities, so she would have to change her college.

    Being new at such a young age in Canada, in such a situation, no one reaches out to college and confirms whether their offer letter is fake or original.

    Now that these scams are made public, definitely new students will be cautiously confirming all the documents are original or not. But at that time, nobody knew about these frauds.

    After completing their studies in Canada, international students apply to the immigration department for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).

    Even at that point, the immigration department didn’t point out any inconsistencies and issued them work permit to legally work in Canada.

    Most of these students are receiving removal orders after 3-4 years of coming to Canada at the time they applied for permanent residency (PR) under one or another program.

    What is a removal order in these cases?

    The common word used by most people is “deportation.” Deportation is the permanent ban from returning to Canada and people cannot return unless they apply for an  Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC).

    However, most of these international students are facing an “exclusion order” because of “misrepresentation.” This means that they are removed from Canada for 5 years.

    Misrepresentation is defined as intentional or unintentional misrepresentation or withholding substantial information on a relevant topic that causes or may cause an error in decision making.

    International students now have the option to appeal their removal orders and the court will decide their fate.

    Click here to know the basis of the Federal court’s decision in the Karamjeet Kaur Canada removal order case.


  • IEC 2023 Rounds Of Invitations Sent >2,076 New Invites

    IEC 2023 New Rounds Of Invitations: More than 2,076 invites are sent out for the week ending March 3, 2023, in the 8th International Experience Canada (IEC) 2023 draw.

    In the IEC Working Holiday category, more than 1,906 invitations were sent to the candidates from more than 30 nations.

    It is important to note that the IEC Working Holiday Quota for Korea has been raised by 2,500 to a total of 6,500, and for the United Kingdom it has been raised by 2,000 to a total of 10,000 on February 24, 2023.

    There are 2,400 applications vying for 35,029 available slots in the Working Holiday pool from the nations with the high chances of getting an invitation in next week’s round.

    The Young Professional category received only 17 invitations and all of them went to France under general category and through Volontariat international en entreprise (VIE).

    Furthermore, the International Co-op (internship) category received around 153 invitations. Out of these, 147 went to French citizens.

    There are 90,000 quota in total allocated for IEC 2023 this year, and more than 55,000 invites have already been sent so far.

    The current IEC season has a processing period of just two weeks, according to the most recent IRCC processing report on February 28.

    Countries with a good probability of receiving an invitation next week are shown in the table below. Additionally, the table also lists the number of invitations sent out this week, candidates in pool, and available spots.

    Working Holiday Category – IEC 2023

    CountryInvitations Issued This WeekTotal Invitations Issued In 2023Candidates In PoolAvailable Spots
    Andorra08220
    Australia2733,181181Unlimited
    Austria1515460
    Belgium3762721311
    Croatia5713230
    Czech Republic3857328628
    Denmark1615413233
    Estonia766572
    France016,88502,289
    Germany1652,2031572,956
    Greece6207938
    Hong Kong10222595
    Ireland3034,2262687,877
    Italy771,105741,067
    Japan2202,7721684,352
    Korea Republic937,0929032,126
    Latvia26620
    Lithuania152621246
    Luxembourg018067
    Netherlands258566399
    New Zealand731,079571,707
    Norway3379108
    Poland2643226383
    Portugal43468231,412
    San Marino04022
    Slovakia1730211118
    Slovenia226068
    Spain701,068571,141
    Sweden131505495
    United Kingdom3755,2672896,769
    Total1,90649,3102,40035,029

    Young Professionals – IEC 2023

    CountryInvitations Issued This WeekTotal Invitations Issued In 2023Candidates In PoolAvailable Spots
    Australia0547Unlimited
    Austria04159
    Chile024520169
    Costa Rica012066
    Croatia06017
    Czech Republic0112577
    Estonia0318
    France51,334881,390
    France via Volontariat international en entreprise (VIE)1216638396
    Germany015313262
    Greece08366
    Ireland0562139
    Italy01186156
    Latvia0407
    Lithuania015013
    Luxembourg00010
    Norway04112
    Poland028098
    Portugal0160193
    Slovakia025318
    Slovenia01115
    Spain0765115
    Spain via ICEX VivesNot applicableNot applicableNot applicable50
    Sweden011196
    Switzerland012211113
    Taiwan073422
    Total172,8292193,447

    International Co-op (Internship)

    CountryInvitations issued this weekTotal Invitations issued in 2023Candidates In PoolAvailable Spots
    France1472,2511312,601
    Ireland06045
    Germany3451138
    Luxembourg0309
    Switzerland316239
    Taiwan0909
    Total1532,3301342,841

  • Canada Opens New IRCC Operation Centre For Faster Processing

    Today, IRCC announced that Canada has opened a new application processing centre in Manila, Philippines.

    This new centre is aimed at supporting the Indo-Pacific strategy for Canada immigration and to speed up the processing of immigration applications both domestically and internationally.

    There are already more than 50 IRCC visa offices spread among Canadian high commissioners, consulates, and embassies across the world.

    And, this new centre will be supported by 37 new employees to boost global immigration processing capacity and support Indo-Pacific strategy.

    The new facility is housed inside the Canadian Embassy in Manila and will help to manage the large number of visa applications received from throughout the world.

    Additionally, it will support continuing initiatives of IRCC to enhance customer service and assist in achieving Canada’s future plans of record immigration numbers.

    Canada is aiming to welcome around 1.5 million immigrants, in accordance with immigration levels plan of 2023-2025.

    960,000 individuals of Philippine origina reside in Canada, according to the census of 2021. Furthermore, an increasing number of Filipino residents come to the country to visit friends and family.

    Moreover, Canada is also one of the top choice by Filipinos to study for higher education and eventually integrate into Canadian economy.

    What is Indo-Pacific Strategy in regards to Canada Immigration

    The Indo-Pacific region is the fastest-growing economic region in the world and a large source of new immigrants for Canada.

    India, China, and the Philippines were the top three source countries for permanent residents to Canada in 2022.

    The goal of Canada’s policy is to boost the capacity for processing applications locally and throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including New Delhi, Chandigarh, Islamabad, and Manila, with an initial expenditure of $74.6 million over five years.

    With such a huge investment specifically for Indo-Pacific strategy, it is clearly evident how important this region is for Canada immigration.

    These new resources will assist ongoing efforts to manage the huge amount of visa applications from the Indo-Pacific area, bringing more individuals to Canada—whether for visits, studies, employment, or permanent immigration—and doing so more promptly.

    Sean Fraser on new operations centre in Manila

  • New Updated IRCC Processing Times As Of February 28

    This page covers the most recent official IRCC processing times as of February 28, 2023, as well as a comparison to the prior week’s processing timings.

    Please read the following information carefully to understand what these processing times represent.

    In 2022, the IRCC modified their processing tool to provide precise information on typical processing times rather than just service standard times.

    The goal of these processing timeframes is to provide potential immigrants or visa applicants to Canada an indication of how long it may take for a decision to be reached on their application.

    These times are based on data collected over the previous 6 months for 80% of the applications that have previously been finalized and are designed to offer updated weekly processing timeframes.

    This does not indicate that your application will be processed in the same amount of time.

    Because this processing update represents an average of the processing times for 80% of the applications, it may take longer or shorter than the time shown.

    Keep in mind that the processing time begins when IRCC receives the application and ends when the immigration officer determines whether to accept or refuse the application.

    We have been monitoring and comparing the processing times that the IRCC officially publishes on a weekly basis for more than a year.

    IRCC Processing Times for Citizenship & PR cards

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Citizenship grant23 monthsNo Change
    Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)14 monthsNo Change
    Resumption of citizenship24 monthsNo Change
    Renunciation of Citizenship15 monthsNo Change
    Search of citizenship records16 monthsNo Change
    New PR card39 days– 1 Day
    PR card renewals71 daysNo Change

    The IRCC is now sending acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letters or emails to paper and online citizenship applicants who filed their applications during the week of January 12, 2023.

    IRCC Processing Time for Family Sponsorship

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada16 monthsNo Change
    Spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada14 monthsNo Change
    Parents or Grandparents PR39 monthsNo Change

    According to the most recent official IRCC statistics, the Canadian immigration backlog has nearly reached 1 million.

    Moreover, 969,900 applications were being handled in accordance with IRCC service standard timeframes. As of January 31, 2023, IRCC was processing approximately 2 million applications.

    Processing time for Canadian Passport 

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted in person at Service Canada Centre – Passport services)10 business daysNo Change
    In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted by mail to Service Canada Centre)20 business daysNo Change
    In-Canda Urgent pick-upBy the end of next business dayNo Change
    In-Canada Express pick-up2-9 business daysNo Change
    Regular passport application mailed from outside Canada20 business daysNo Change

    IRCC Processing time for Economic Class

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Canadian Experience Class (CEC)16 monthsNo Change
    Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)31 monthsNo Change
    Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)70 monthsNo Change
    Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry11 monthsNo Change
    Non-Express Entry PNP21 monthsNo Change
    Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW)19 monthsNo Change
    Quebec Business Class67 monthsNo Change
    Federal Self-Employed42 monthsNo Change
    Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)23 monthsNo Change
    Start-Up Visa33 monthsNo Change

    Processing Time for Temporary Residence Application 

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Visitor visa outside CanadaVaries by country
    India: 70 Days
    Nigeria: 330 Days
    United States: 24 Days
    Pakistan: 183 Days
    Philippines: 33 Days
    UAE: 318 Days
    Bangladesh: 203 Days
    Sri Lanka: 132 Days
    United Kingdom: 35 Days
    – 15 Days for India
    + 13 Days for Nigeria
    – 3 Days for United States
    – 3 Days for Pakistan
    – 5 Days for Philippines
    + 2 Days for UAE
    – 1 Day for Bangladesh
    + 22 Days for Sri Lanka
    – 174 Days for UK
    Visitor visa inside CanadaOnline: 13 days
    Paper-Based: 32 days
    – 1 Day for online
    + 5 Days for paper-based
    Parents or Grandparents Super VisaVaries by country
    India: 134 Days
    Nigeria: 396 Days
    United States: 125 Days
    Pakistan: 416 Days
    Philippines: 228 Days
    UAE: 314 Days
    Bangladesh: 249 Days
    Sri Lanka: 280 Days
    United Kingdom: 168 Days
    + 2 Days for India
    No Change for Nigeria
    – 139 Days for United States
    – 12 Days for Pakistan
    + 18 Days for Philippines
    + 28 Days for UAE
    + 4 Days for Bangladesh
    No Change for Sri Lanka
    + 5 Days for UK
    Study Permit Outside Canada10 WeeksNo Change
    Visitor Extension (Visitor Record)Online: 175 days
    Paper-Based: 95 days
    – 7 Days (Online)
    + 8 Days for Paper-Based
    Study Permit Inside Canada4 Weeks– 1 Week
    Study Permit ExtensionOnline: 118 Days
    Paper-Based: 113 Days
    – 16 Days (Online)
    + 2 Days (Paper-Based)
    Work Permit Outside Canada*Varies by country
    India: 8 Weeks
    Nigeria: 27 Weeks
    United States: 16 Weeks
    Pakistan: 43 Weeks
    Philippines: 14 Weeks
    UAE: 36 Weeks
    Bangladesh: 31 Weeks
    Sri Lanka: 22 Weeks
    United Kingdom: 12 Weeks
    No Change for India
    – 25 Weeks for Nigeria
    No Change for United States
    + 3 Weeks for Pakistan
    No Change for Philippines
    – 3 Weeks for UAE
    – 1 Week for Bangladesh
    – 2 Weeks for Sri Lanka
    + 1 Week for UK
    Work Permit Inside CanadaOnline: 158 Days
    Paper-Based: 58 Days
    – 1 Day (Online)
    – 2 Days for paper-based
    International Experience Canada (Current Season)2 WeeksNo Change
    Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP)22 DaysNo Change
    Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)5 minutesNo Change
    *Applications for the critical job positions are currently being prioritized. Your processing time can be longer than indicated above if you are not applying for a position in a critical occupation.
    Source: IRCC

  • Canada May Soon Introduce The New One-Click Citizenship Oath

    Beginning in as soon as June 2023, new citizens of Canada may be able to take the oath without the necessity for a citizenship judge.

    The Canada Gazette published on February 25, 2023 in regards to regulations amending the citizenship regulations (Oath of Citizenship).

    This amendment is now open for a 30-day consultation period until March 27, 2023 and can come into force around June 2023 after consultation process is completed.

    Critics believe that this will cheapen the processing of citizenship oath as swearing an oath has been a legal condition of becoming a citizen in this country since 1947.

    In this oath, citizenship candidates make a solemn promise to uphold Canadian laws and fulfil their responsibilities as citizens.

    As reported by Toronto Star, Daniel Bernhard (CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship) criticizes this move.

    He says it will be as easy as to just read and click the terms and conditions to take oath of citizenship, as it has been to create any social media accounts such as Facebook or TikTok.

    Latest statement by the immigration department says that new citizens would now be able to complete the requirements of citizenship by signing a written attestation online without a witness.

    However, applicants would still have the choice to do so in front of a citizenship judge.

    What Are The Exact Proposed Amendments?

    Below are simplified version of official amendments to citizenship regulations.

    • Any person (at least 14 years old) on the day they are given citizenship must, at the Minister’s invitation, take the oath of citizenship, whether in or outside of Canada,
      • through the means that the Minister makes accessible or specifies for that purpose; or
      • before the Minister, a person authorized in writing by the Minister to act on the Minister’s behalf, or a citizenship judge.
    • An individual shall be delivered the citizenship certificate after they have taken the oath of citizenship.
    • While taking the oath of citizenship as per the above listed regulation, the individual must sign the document provided by the Minister, verifying that they have taken the oath.
    • Any person who has been granted citizenship may take the oath of citizenship in front of
      • the Minister,
      • a person the Minister has authorized in writing to act on their behalf,
      • as well as a citizenship judge
    Canada Citizenship Ceremony February 2023

    February 14, 2023 Citizenship Oath Ceremony

    Why new changes?

    New statistics shows a 20-year decline in citizenship uptake, which could be the biggest reason for the proposed adjustment.

    Lesser permanent residents are now converting to Canadian citizens.

    Just 45.7% of permanent residents became citizens as per 2021 census, down from 60% in 2016 and 75.1% in 2001.

    Although, the number of citizenship applications granted yearly having increased dramatically over the previous 5 years from 113,000 to 243,000.

    But, the processing time for citizenship has doubled during the pandemic compared to the previous 12-month service standard.

    As per IRCC data dated January 31, 2023 – there were total of 303,000 citizenship applications under processing.

    Out of these, 83,000 applications were still being processed after exceeding the normal service standard. While 220,000 are still being processed under normal service standards.


  • IRCC Makes New Extension For Visitors to Work Permit Policy By 2 Years

    Today, IRCC announces new extension to temporary policy allowing visitor visa holders to apply for work permit within Canada, until 2025.

    This extension came in as previous temporary policy was due to expire today. This is a huge news for visitor visa holders.

    Canada implemented this policy during pandemic to fill in labour gaps with visitors in the country. Usually, foreign nationals holding a visitor visa cannot apply for work permit from within Canada.

    As per IRCC news release, foreign nationals who are visiting Canada and obtain a genuine employment offer will be able to apply for and acquire a work permit without leaving the country.

    Visitors applying under this public policy who have held a work permit within the past 12 months may also obtain temporary work permit to begin working for their new company.

    So, this public policy has now been extended by two years, until February 28, 2025. Aim of the this extension is give firms in Canada another choice, since many are suffering major labour shortages.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    An applicant seeking benefit from this temporary public policy must:

    • have a valid visitor status in Canada on the day they apply
    • have a job offer backed by a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment
    • submit an application for an employer-specific work permit before February 28, 2025, and
    • satisfy all other standard admissibility requirements

    Candidates with visitor status who already held a work permit in last 12 months under this temporary policy are also eligible, if they meet below listed criteria:

    • When you apply, you must be physically present in Canada.
      • You must remain in Canada while your application is being processed.
      • You will not be eligible for this public policy if you depart while your application is being processed.
    • While applying for a work permit, you must be a visitor with valid status.
      • If your visitor status has expired, you must restore it before applying for a work permit.
    • applied for an employer-specific work permit between August 24, 2020, and February 28, 2025
    • had a valid work permit in the 12 months before to applying for a new work permit

    Candidates with visitor status who have held a valid work permit in the last 12 months can follow specific guidelines to get interim work authorization.

    How To Get Interim Work Authorization:

    Reiterating, Interim Work Authorization is only available to visitor visa holders who held a valid work permit in the last 12 months under this temporary policy.

    After applying for work permit under this policy, applicants will need to fill out the IRCC Web form with message as specified by IRCC.

    Visitors to work permit policy

    After filling out the webform, you will need to wait for an email from IRCC informing you that you may begin working. This might take up to 30 days (6 weeks).


  • Know Your Canada Work Permit Options While On Study Permit

    Studying in Canada has several benefits as it provides a pathway to work and settle in Canada.

    We all know that after completing your studies, you may begin working in Canada on post graduate work permit (PGWP).

    This enables international students acquire Canadian experience to then apply to become a permanent resident. 

    However, changing your study permit to a full-time work permit before completion of your studies involves several factors.

    An important factor is where you are in your program. It will determine how to convert your study permit to a work permit.

    Working while studying 

    Those with a valid study permit can work up to 20 hours per week while studying. In some instances, you can work full-time as an international student, such as during a study break or the official internship or co-op term. 

    In addition, as a Canadian study permit holder, you do not need to apply for a separate work permit to work part-time while studying.

    However, your study permit should indicate that you are authorized to work in Canada. 

    There is also a temporary policy in place for international students allowing them to work unlimited hours.

    This is only applicable to students if they submitted their study permit application on or before October 7, 2022 and entered Canada before December 31, 2023.

    Nonetheless, you can apply for your study permit amendment if you are eligible to work in Canada, but your study permit does not indicate it. 

    Moreover, specific Canadian educational programs require you to complete an internship, coop or a work placement.

    Therefore, you might be qualified to work full-time while enrolled in school for a part of your studies if you meet the requirements for your program co-op or internship. 

    However, you will need a separate coop work permit for working full-time during your internship, coop, or work term. 

    Applying for closed work permit before completing studies 

    To change your existing study permit to a work permit, you will require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

    In addition, you would need a valid Canadian job offer from an employer willing to support your work permit application. 

    An LMIA establishes that the Canadian employer could not fill the position with a citizen or permanent resident. 

    Your employer will need to secure a positive LMIA to support you. If secured, you can then apply for your work permit with the secured LMIA.

    However, it is important to note that you will receive a closed work permit. 

     A closed LMIA work permit, as opposed to an open post-graduate work permit, is tied to a particular employer, position, and location.

    As a result, those with closed work permits have less mobility than those with open work permits. 

    It is crucial to remember that once you stop taking classes, your study permit will not be regarded as valid.

    Therefore, you must notify Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that you are ending your studies. 

    Then, if you do not have legal status in Canada as a result of terminating your studies, you must leave the country while waiting for your work permit application to be processed. 

    Applying for Open work permit before completing studies

    International students who are unable to sustain themselves financially may be granted an open work permit.

    Destitute means without the basic necessities of life.

    This program attempts to assist international students who are unable to cover the expense of their studies in Canada, whether for day-to-day necessities or tuition, owing to circumstances beyond their control.

    While academic institutions may offer some flexibility in terms of commitments such as tuition and residential costs, work permit may be the only option for students to subsist under these circumstances.

    Since, study permit holders must have adequate funds to pay their tuition and maintain themselves and any family members without working in Canada.

    So, the open work permit for destitute students would be given only in extraordinary cases where an overseas student could produce sufficient documentation.

    You can read our detailed article on requirements on open work permit for destitute international students.

    Applying for a work permit after studies

    Upon completing your studies at a designated learning institution (DLI), you may be eligible to apply for a post-graduate work permit.

    A post-graduate work permit allows international students to work for up to three years, depending on their study program duration. 

    A post-graduation work permit’s advantage is that it is not attached to any particular employer, profession, or place.

    It is also known as an open work permit that allows you to work in any position, anywhere in Canada. 

    After completing your studies, you have 180 days to apply for your post-graduate work permit (PGWP).

    You do not need a job offer to apply, but you require your graduation letter and transcripts.

    Additionally, you can apply for your PGWP from inside and outside Canada. 


    international students in canada
  • India Continues To Be Top Source Of Newcomers To Canada

    IRCC released new data in February 2023 regarding new landed permanent residents (PRs) in Canada and international students last year.

    This article enlists:

    Source of Permanent Residents and Destination Province

    Around 46% of newcomers landed in Canada in 2022 were from Asia as per new IRCC data unveiled February 2023.

    India continues to be the biggest source with more than 1/4th of newcomers to Canada. 118,095 Indians landed as permanent residents (PRs) in 2022.

    This is 6 times higher than the second source of new immigrants, China. 31,815 Chinese nationals landed in Canada as PRs in 2022.

    Below is the list of source countries for newcomers to Canada in 2022

    CountryTotal immigrants for 2022% age of immigrants in 2022
    India118,09527%
    China31,8157.2%
    Afghanistan23,7355.4%
    Nigeria22,0855.05%
    Philippines22,0705.04%
    France14,1453.2%
    Pakistan11,5852.6%
    Iran11,1052.5%
    United States of America10,4002.3%
    Syria8,5001.9%

    List of Destination Province for Permanent Residents in 2022

    Ontario continues to land highest proportion of permanent residents in 2022, but comparatively less (-6.7%) when compared to 2021.

    Ontario is followed by Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in landed immigrants.

    Quebec saw an increase of 3.4%, Saskatchewan 2.2%, and Alberta 1.4% as compared to 2021. However, British Columbia experienced -3.1% lesser immigration in contrast to 2021.

    ProvincePermanent Residents in 2022% of all PRs in 2022
    Ontario184,72542.2%
    Quebec68,68515.7%
    British Columbia61,21514%
    Alberta49,46011.3%
    Manitoba21,6454.9%
    Saskatchewan21,6354.9%
    Nova Scotia12,6502.8%
    New Brunswick10,2052.3%
    Newfoundland and Labrador3,4900.7%
    Prince Edward Island2,6650.6%
    Yukon4550.1%
    Northwest Territories2350.0%
    Nunavut450.0%
    Province not stated200.0%

    Source of International Students Landed and Already In Canada

    India again tops the list followed by China and Philippines for new international students landed in 2022.

    Indian students account for more than half the total of international students entering Canada last year.

    CountryNumber of Students
    Coming in 2022
    India226,450
    China52,165
    Philippines23,380
    France16,725
    Nigeria16,195
    Iran13,525
    Korea11,535
    Japan10,955
    Mexico10,405
    Brazil10,405

    Furthermore, there were 319,130 international students from India already living and studying in Canada as of December 2022.

    Number of Indian student is 3X the second leading source nation, China. There were almost 100K Chinese students studying in Canada.

    CountryNumber of students already
    living and studying in Canada
    India319,130
    China100,075
    Philippines32,455
    France27,135
    Nigeria21,660
    Iran21,115
    Korea16,505
    Vietnam16,140
    Mexico14,930
    United States of America14,485

    Ontario being the largest province, continues to accommodate more than 400,000 international students.

    This number is even higher when compared to the total of other Canadian provinces altogether. Moreover, this number is double from the second leading province, British Columbia.

    In total, 377,785 international students were attending the education institution in rest of the Canadian provinces in 2022.

    ProvinceNumber of Students
    Ontario411,000
    British Columbia164,000
    Quebec93,000
    Alberta43,000
    Manitoba22,000
    Nova Scotia20,850
    Saskatchewan13,135
    New Brunswick11,140
    Newfoundland and Labrador6,175
    Prince Edward Island4,485

  • IEC 2023 New Round Of Invitations Sent >5,000 Invitations

    February 24 – Seventh International Experience Canada – IEC 2023 draw issues more than 5,000 invitations for the week ending February 24, 2023.

    More than 4,500 invites were issued under the IEC Working Holiday category to the applicants from more than 30 countries.

    Furthermore, IEC Working Holiday quota has also been increased for Korea by 2,500 to total of 6,500 and for United Kingdom by 2,000 to total of 10,000.

    For countries with best chance of receiving an invite next week, the Working Holiday pool currently has 3,011 applicants and 33,244 available spots.

    Around 345 invitations were sent to the Young Professional category, while more than 150 invites were sent to the International Co-op (internship) category.

    The entire allotment for IEC 2023 this year is 90,000 individuals and more than 52,000 invitations have already been sent.

    According to the most recent IRCC processing update on February 23, the current IEC season has a processing time of only two weeks.

    Below table lists the major countries having a high chance of invite next week along with the number of invites issued this week.

    IEC 2023 Working Holiday Category

    CountryInvitations Issued This WeekTotal Invitations Issued In 2023Candidates In PoolAvailable Spots
    Andorra28020
    Australia2182,908167Unlimited
    Austria813994
    Belgium3459030336
    Croatia1663232
    Czech Republic3453525649
    Denmark113812246
    Estonia459475
    France2,29816,8861,2140
    Germany1392,038973,127
    Greece8201241
    Hong Kong11212790
    Ireland3013,9232038,036
    Italy641,028511,099
    Japan1732,5521334,531
    Korea Republic6476,9996082,105
    Latvia56420
    Lithuania92471150
    Luxembourg418069
    Netherlands52583224
    New Zealand641,006481,760
    Norway3343111
    Poland2340612395
    Portugal32425261,442
    San Marino04022
    Slovakia1328513127
    Slovenia124270
    Spain67998451,168
    Sweden1013712502
    United Kingdom3124,8922506,933
    Total4,53847,4053,01133,244

    IEC 2023 Young Professionals

    CountryInvitations Issued This WeekTotal Invitations Issued In 2023Candidates In PoolAvailable Spots
    Australia7543Unlimited
    Austria14058
    Chile2424515157
    Costa Rica512000
    Croatia06116
    Czech Republic9112574
    Estonia0318
    France851,329621,389
    France via
    Volontariat international en entreprise
    (VIE)
    15415429408
    Germany151548256
    Greece78300
    Ireland4562135
    Italy11183156
    Latvia1407
    Lithuania015013
    Luxembourg00010
    Norway04012
    Poland128198
    Portugal0162193
    Slovakia325117
    Slovenia01115
    Spain7766114
    Spain via ICEX VivesNot applicableNot applicableNot applicable50
    Sweden011095
    Switzerland141226115
    Taiwan773320
    Total3452,8131493,416

    International Co-op (Internship)

    CountryInvitations issued this weekTotal Invitations issued in 2023Candidates In PoolAvailable Spots
    France1292,104962,698
    Ireland06045
    Germany42421136
    Luxembourg0309
    Switzerland013240
    Taiwan2909
    Total1732,177992,937

  • Canada Failing To Utilize Skills of Immigrants: New RBC Report

    On February 22, 2023 RBC released a report with headline as we quote “Canada is failing to put immigrant skills to work.”

    The Royal Bank of Canada is a Canadian multinational financial services corporation and the country’s largest bank by market value.

    Report is focused that the main barrier to properly using immigrant expertise is because of the low recognition of foreign credentials.

    So, it will be essential to remove this barrier to ensure that the Canadian workforce is not just larger, but also more productive.

    The report emphasizes that, Canada attracts the most immigrants among the G7 countries, accounting for 90% of population increase today.

    Furthermore, it states that immigrants to Canada are better educated and younger than the domestic workforce.

    Yet, they are working in professions that requires significantly lower educational requirements as compared to their education and work history.

    Immigration Statistics

    In 2021, increased immigration accounted for over 90% of total population growth.

    By 2050, Statistics Canada projects that to be 100%.

    So, only immigration will be able to make up for population ageing and reduced birth rates.

    These immigrants are bringing critical talents in the face of ongoing labour shortages.

    In fact, more than half of the 1.5 million immigrants that the Canadian government plans to bring over the next 3 years will be under the skilled economic immigration.

    RBC anticipates that Canada’s Economy will grow faster than other advanced nations mostly due to these skilled immigrants and accompanying stronger workforce.

    Newcomers Are Young & Educated, Yet Not Able To Work In Their Field

    Also, newcomers to Canada are younger and often more educated.

    Compared to little over 1/5th of non-immigrants, more over 1/3rd of immigrants hold advanced degrees, meaning a bachelor’s degree or higher.

    More educated immigrants are also more likely to have majored in STEM-related subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math).

    However, immigrants typically do poorly when it comes to obtaining a suitable employment, despite being younger and having higher academic achievement.

    In simpler words, a greater proportion of individuals ends up working in jobs that demand less education than they already possess.

    This problem, which affects many industries, is especially difficult for those who have degrees in medical, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or optometry.

    According to RBC calculations, foreign-born workers are 6 times more likely to hold positions that don’t need for specialized training.

    As a result, as compared to non-immigrants with equivalent degrees, their abilities are “under-utilized.”

    Immigrants’ Skills Recognition Will Help

    As per RBC, higher levels of immigration will not solve long-term structural labour supply challenges, but they will help.

    They may be of much greater assistance if immigrant skill sets are well utilized to fill in the gap.

    New immigrants can fill unfilled positions, but they also enhance housing and consumer goods demand, which raises labour demand.

    They are also more likely to live in houses that are inadequate for the size or composition of their family.

    All of these stresses may be alleviated by making the economy more productive.

    Since last summer, the number of job openings in Canada has decreased. According to the Bank of Canada’s Business Outlook Survey, more Canadian firms foresee a poorer outlook in Q4 2022.

    Moreover, due to aggressive interest rate rises and increasing inflation, the economy is entering a modest slowdown.

    As a result, fears about inadequate consumer spending have grown substantially, while investment and hiring aspirations have declined.

    The greatest obstacle to properly using immigrant abilities is a lack of acknowledgment of foreign credentials properly.

    Looking forward, removing such hurdles will be important to guaranteeing Canada’s continued success in attracting immigrants.

    Effective integration of their abilities might help address worker shortages, contribute to a more productive labour force, and alleviate inflation and housing pressures.


  • New IRCC Policy For Iranian Temporary Residents In Canada

    On February 23, 2023 IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) announced new measures for Iranians on temporary status in Canada making it easier for them extend their stay.

    This new temporary policy announced by Canada will come in effect on March 1, 2023 and will be applicable until February 28, 2024.

    This temporary IRCC policy was signed by Canadian immigration minister, Sean Fraser on February 9, 2023.

    This new measure will allow Iranians to switch between temporary streams, allowing them to continue studying, working, or visiting relatives in Canada by simply applying for a new permit from within Canada.

    Furthermore, an open work permit will also be made available to Iranians who are currently in Canada. Moreover, applications from Iranians living in Canada will also be prioritized.

    Additionally, the Canadian government is eliminating processing fees (including biometrics) for Iranians applying for open work permit, study permits, and extension of temporary resident status in Canada.

    Canada will also waive fees for limited-validity Canadian passport, Canadian citizenship certificates, and permanent resident travel document (PRTD) for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who seek to leave Iran.

    Important: This new policy will not be applicable to applications already under processing. It will only apply to applications submitted on or after March 1, 2023.

    Details on how to apply will be made public by IRCC on March 1, 2023.

    Canada is also looking into reforms to other programs, such as the Human Rights Defenders stream. This is one of the few in the world with a dedicated, permanent immigration program for people who guard and promote human rights.

    For refugees who are outside their home country and unable to return, Canada has three resettlement options. The Government-Assisted Refugees Program, the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program, and the Blended Visa Office-Referred Program.

    Previously, the Government of Canada announced actions on October 7, 2022, including labelling the Iranian regime as one that participates in serious or systematic human rights violations and terrorism.

    As a result, this made top officials of that regime inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.


  • Check Out New IRCC Processing Times As Of February 23

    This article includes the most recent official IRCC processing times as of February 23, 2023, along with a comparison to the previous week’s processing times.

    Usually, processing times are updated by IRCC every week on Tuesday or Wednesday, but this week, IRCC provided the update later in the day today.

    Please read the below information carefully to understand what these processing times mean.

    In 2022, the IRCC processing tool was updated to offer exact information on typical processing times as opposed to only service standards.

    The purpose of these processing times is to offer potential immigrants or visa applicants to Canada a rough idea of how long it could take for a decision to be made on their application.

    Furthermore, potential applicants who desire to submit an application for a Canadian immigration or visa can learn more about the different categories timeline beforehand.

    These times are based on data gathered over the preceding 6 months for 80% of the applications already finalized and are intended to provide new weekly processing times.

    This does not imply that the processing of your application will necessarily take the same length of time.

    As this processing update is an average of the processing times for 80% of the applications, it may take longer or even less time than the time shown.

    Also keep in mind, the processing period starts when the application is received by IRCC and concludes when the immigration officer decides whether to approve or deny the application.

    Since more than a year ago, we have been recording and comparing the processing timeframes that the IRCC officially updates on a weekly basis.

    IRCC Processing Times for Citizenship & PR cards

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Citizenship grant23 monthsNo Change
    Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)14 monthsNo Change
    Resumption of citizenship24 monthsNo Change
    Renunciation of Citizenship15 monthsNo Change
    Search of citizenship records16 monthsNo Change
    New PR card40 days– 1 Day
    PR card renewals71 days+ 3 days

    IRCC is presently issuing acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letters or emails to paper and online citizenship applications submitted in the week of December 19, 2022.

    IRCC Processing Time for Family Sponsorship

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada16 monthsNo Change
    Spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada14 monthsNo Change
    Parents or Grandparents PR39 monthsNo Change

    According to the most recent official IRCC data updated yesterday, the Canadian immigration backlog increased nearly to 1 million.

    Furthermore, 969,900 applications were being processed according to the IRCC service standards. Overall, there were nearly 2 million applications under processing at IRCC as of January 31, 2023.

    Processing time for Canadian Passport 

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted in person at Service Canada Centre – Passport services)10 business daysNo Change
    In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted by mail to Service Canada Centre)20 business daysNo Change
    In-Canda Urgent pick-upBy the end of next business dayNo Change
    In-Canada Express pick-up2-9 business daysNo Change
    Regular passport application mailed from outside Canada20 business daysNo Change

    IRCC Processing time for Economic Class

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Canadian Experience Class (CEC)16 monthsNo Change
    Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)31 monthsNo Change
    Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)70 monthsNo Change
    Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry11 monthsNo Change
    Non-Express Entry PNP21 monthsNo Change
    Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW)19 monthsNo Change
    Quebec Business Class67 monthsNo Change
    Federal Self-Employed42 months– 1 month
    Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)23 monthsNo Change
    Start-Up Visa33 monthsNo Change

    Processing Time for Temporary Residence Application 

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Visitor visa outside CanadaVaries by country
    India: 85 Days
    Nigeria: 317 Days
    United States: 27 Days
    Pakistan: 186 Days
    Philippines: 38 Days
    UAE: 316 Days
    Bangladesh: 204 Days
    Sri Lanka: 110 Days
    United Kingdom: 209 Days
    – 14 Days for India
    – 8 Days for Nigeria
    – 6 Days for United States
    – 19 Days for Pakistan
    – 17 Days for Philippines
    No Change for UAE
    – 13 Days for Bangladesh
    – 41 Days for Sri Lanka
    – 7 Days for UK
    Visitor visa inside CanadaOnline: 14 days
    Paper-Based: 27 days
    – 2 Days for online
    + 2 Days for paper-based
    Parents or Grandparents Super VisaVaries by country
    India: 132 Days
    Nigeria: 396 Days
    United States: 264 Days
    Pakistan: 428 Days
    Philippines: 210 Days
    UAE: 286 Days
    Bangladesh: 245 Days
    Sri Lanka: 280 Days
    United Kingdom: 163 Days
    + 1 Day for India
    – 31 Days for Nigeria
    – 9 Days for United States
    + 6 Days for Pakistan
    + 1 Days for Philippines
    + 48 Days for UAE
    – 11 Days for Bangladesh
    + 25 Days for Sri Lanka
    + 4 Days for UK
    Study Permit Outside Canada10 WeeksNo Change
    Visitor Extension (Visitor Record)Online: 182 days
    Paper-Based: 87 days
    – 35 Days (Online)
    – 8 Days for Paper-Based
    Study Permit Inside Canada5 WeeksNo Change
    Study Permit ExtensionOnline: 134 Days
    Paper-Based: 111 Days
    – 3 Days (Online)
    – 6 Days (Paper-Based)
    Work Permit Outside Canada*Varies by country
    India: 8 Weeks
    Nigeria: 52 Weeks
    United States: 16 Weeks
    Pakistan: 40 Weeks
    Philippines: 14 Weeks
    UAE: 39 Weeks
    Bangladesh: 32 Weeks
    Sri Lanka: 20 Weeks
    United Kingdom: 12 Weeks
    No Change for India
    + 3 Weeks for Nigeria
    – 1 Week for United States
    – 27 Weeks for Pakistan
    + 3 Weeks for Philippines
    + 5 Weeks for UAE
    No Change for Bangladesh
    – 2 Weeks for Sri Lanka
    + 1 Week for UK
    Work Permit Inside CanadaOnline: 159 Days
    Paper-Based: 60 Days
    – 2 Days (Online)
    + 1 Day for paper-based
    International Experience Canada (Current Season)2 WeeksNo Change
    Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP)22 Days– 1 Day
    Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)5 minutesNo Change
    *Applications for the critical job positions are currently being prioritized. Your processing time can be longer than indicated above if you are not applying for a position in a critical occupation.
    Source: IRCC

  • IRCC Resumes Biometrics For New Temporary Residence Applicants In Canada

    Effective today (February 23, 2023) IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) resumes biometrics collection for temporary residence applicants in Canada.

    IRCC implemented a temporary policy on July 15, 2020 because of pandemic that exempted anyone applying for temporary residence inside Canada, from submitting biometrics.

    Temporary residence applications in Canada includes

    You must pay the biometrics fee at the time of submitting your application for temporary residence if your application falls under one of the above listed category.

    However, the biometrics exemption continues to apply for below categories (meaning they don’t need to provide biometrics):

    • Nationals from visa-exempt countries coming to Canada for visit only
    • Existing permanent residents, Canadian citizens, or citizenship applicants (including passport applicants)
    • Children less than the age of 14
    • Applicants above the 79 years of age (no upper age limit for asylum claimants)
    • Heads of government and heads of state
    • Applicants qualifying for or on an official or diplomatic visa
    • U.S. visa holders transiting through Canada
    • Refugee claimants or protected persons already given biometrics, but are applying for a work or study permit
    • Temporary resident applicants already given their biometrics to support their permanent resident application, which is still under processing.

    How to book biometrics appointment in Canada

    Applicants for temporary residence application can provide their biometrics at one of over 70 Service Canada Centre collecting sites across Canada.

    However, only applicants who receive BIL (biometrics instruction letter) can give their biometrics.

    Once the applicant receives BIL, then they can book their appointment online using the eService Canada Appointment Booking Tool.

    On the appointment date, you will need to take your biometric instruction letter and a valid passport or travel document.

    At Service Canada office, your photo will be taken as well as your fingerprints.

    For more information, please visit official biometrics collection page here.


  • Canada Immigration Backlog Increases By 6% – New IRCC Data

    Canada immigration backlog ends 4-month reduction streak as per latest IRCC data updated yesterday. IRCC backlog stood at 974,600.

    This is a 6% increase in backlog numbers as compared to the official IRCC data of December 2022.

    Immigration backlog was continuously reducing since September 2022. It came down from 1,322,500 to 918,300 as of December 31, 2022.

    Increase is backlog was only recorded among temporary residence applications (+15%), but permanent residence (-3.5%) and citizenship applications (-2.35%) actually saw a drop in backlog.

    Furthermore, 969,900 applications were still being processed within the IRCC service standards. This is a drop from 1.055 million applications in December.

    Overall, IRCC was processing total of 1,944,500 applications according to data noted on January 31.

    DateBacklogTotal Applications
    Under Processing
    January 31, 2023974,6001,944,500
    December 31, 2022918,3001,973,800
    November 30, 20221,086,2002,111,400
    October 31, 20221,202,7902,239,700
    September 30, 20221,322,5002,610,700

    IRCC minister has previously mentioned that backlog data and service standard data should be seen differently.

    For example, if spousal sponsorship has a 12-month standard processing period, an application that is handled within 12 months is “NOT” a backlog. It will instead be regarded as normal processing.

    But, if it exceeds the 12-month service standard, then only it should be considered a backlog.

    IRCC aims to finish 80% of applications within these service standards. Click here to know more about IRCC service standards.

    Application TypeOverall Processing InventoryBacklogWithin Service Standards
    Citizenship303,00083,000220,000
    Permanent Residence617,500348,600268,900
    Temporary Residence1,024,000543,000481,000
    Total1,944,500974,600969,900

    IRCC Projections On Canada Immigration Backlog For 2023

    1. Backlog Projections For Federal High Skilled

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2289%
    Feb 2292%
    Mar 2298%
    Apr 2299%
    May 22100%
    Jun 22100%
    Jul 2299%
    Aug 2290%86%
    Sep 2268%72%
    Oct 2245%59%
    Nov 2231%46%
    Dec 2222%20%
    Jan 2320%20%
    Feb 2320%
    Mar 2320%

    2. Backlog Projections For Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2256%
    Feb 2255%
    Mar 2254%
    Apr 2251%
    May 2247%
    Jun 2245%
    Jul 2243%
    Aug 2242%39%
    Sep 2240%35%
    Oct 2242%31%
    Nov 2242%28%
    Dec 2241%20%
    Jan 2338%40%
    Feb 2339%
    Mar 2338%

    3. Backlog Projections for Spouses, Partners and children applications

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2234%
    Feb 2232%
    Mar 2230%
    Apr 2229%
    May 2227%
    Jun 2227%
    Jul 2226%
    Aug 2225%24%
    Sep 2225%23%
    Oct 2224%22%
    Nov 2224%20%
    Dec 2224%19%
    Jan 2324%24%
    Feb 2324%
    Mar 2324%

    4. Citizenship Backlog Projections

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2246%
    Feb 2245%
    Mar 2242%
    Apr 2240%
    May 2239%
    Jun 2237%
    Jul 2235%
    Aug 2230%30%
    Sep 2230%30%
    Oct 2228%28%
    Nov 2229%27%
    Dec 2228%26%
    Jan 2327%26%
    Feb 2325%
    Mar 2324%

    5. Study Permit Applications’ Backlog Projections

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2242%
    Feb 2234%
    Mar 2227%
    Apr 2232%
    May 2231%
    Jun 2230%
    Jul 2231%
    Aug 2238%39%
    Sep 2231%42%
    Oct 2226%33%
    Nov 2228%31%
    Dec 2232%33%
    Jan 2335%36%
    Feb 2333%
    Mar 2323%

    6. Work Permit Applications’ Backlog Projections

    **According to IRCC, about 73% of work visa applications originate from the Canada-Ukraine emergency travel permission.

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2248%
    Feb 2251%
    Mar 2229%
    Apr 2223%
    May 2226%
    Jun 2228%
    Jul 2228%
    Aug 2234%29%
    Sep 2227%35%
    Oct 2223%49%
    Nov 2224%55%
    Dec 2225%60%
    Jan 2326%26%
    Feb 2328%
    Mar 2328%

    7. Backlog Projections For Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Visitor Visa

    **The Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel accounts for 20% of temporary resident visa or visitor visa applications, according to IRCC.

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2270%
    Feb 2274%
    Mar 2255%
    Apr 2255%
    May 2256%
    Jun 2271%
    Jul 2267%
    Aug 2271%68%
    Sep 2274%71%
    Oct 2274%70%
    Nov 2270%67%
    Dec 2270%77%
    Jan 2368%68%
    Feb 2368%
    Mar 2365%

About Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC 605 Articles
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.