Canada immigration processing times vary dramatically by pathway, application type, country of origin, and individual circumstances. This guide provides current estimates for each major pathway, explains why times fluctuate, and tells you how to check the status of your own application.
Important: Processing times published by IRCC represent the time for 80% of complete applications. Incomplete applications, security checks, criminal inadmissibility, or medical reviews can significantly extend processing. Times listed in this guide are general estimates — always check current times on the official IRCC processing times tool.
Processing Times by Pathway
Express Entry (PR Application)
~6 monthsIRCC's service standard is 6 months for 80% of complete applications. This clock starts after you submit your complete PR application following an ITA. Pool wait time (from profile creation to ITA) is separate and depends on your CRS score and draw activity.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
6–18 monthsTwo-stage process: provincial nomination (timeline varies by province, typically 3–9 months) followed by federal PR application (6 months for Enhanced PNP via Express Entry, 12–18 months for base PNP paper applications). Total can be 12–24+ months.
Spousal / Common-Law Sponsorship
~12 monthsInland applications (in-Canada) typically take 10–14 months but come with an open work permit while waiting. Outland applications (outside Canada) have been faster in some periods. Exact times depend heavily on country of origin and application completeness.
Study Permit
4–16 weeksProcessing time varies significantly by country of citizenship. SDS-eligible countries (historically) and countries with high refusal rates take longer. Canada study permit intake caps (PAL requirement since 2024) affect eligible applicants, not processing time per se.
Work Permit (Employer-Specific)
2–8 weeks (LMIA-exempt); 3–6 months (LMIA-required)LMIA-exempt work permits (CUSMA/USMCA, Global Talent Stream, intracompany transfers) are faster. LMIA-required permits require the employer to first obtain an LMIA (4–12 weeks for most streams, 2 weeks for Global Talent Stream), then the work permit application itself (several weeks). Total LMIA process: 3–6 months.
Open Work Permit (Spousal/PGWP)
1–4 monthsPost-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) and spousal open work permits processing times vary. Applicants who applied from inside Canada during the open work permit holder transition periods have had varying experiences. Check IRCC for current times.
Visitor Visa (TRV)
2–8 weeksVisitor visa processing times vary widely by country. Some nationalities experience much longer processing. eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) for visa-exempt countries processes within minutes to 72 hours in most cases.
What Causes Immigration Processing Delays?
Understanding what delays applications allows you to avoid the most common pitfalls:
Incomplete application
The most common delay cause. Missing forms, unsigned declarations, missing fees, or missing supporting documents cause IRCC to flag the application as incomplete. IRCC may return incomplete applications or request additional documents, adding weeks or months.
Criminal inadmissibility review
A disclosed criminal record triggers a security and inadmissibility review involving both IRCC and CBSA. This can add weeks to months depending on the complexity of the criminal history. Do not omit criminal history — misrepresentation creates a separate 5-year inadmissibility (IRPA s.40).
Security screening
All applicants undergo background checks. Applicants from certain countries or with certain name matches to watch lists require additional screening. This can add months without notification.
Medical inadmissibility
If an upfront immigration medical examination reveals a condition requiring further review (tuberculosis, conditions potentially triggering an excessive demand assessment), additional time is needed for panel physician review and IRCC assessment.
Country of residence or citizenship
Applications involving certain visa offices process more slowly due to staffing, volume, or diplomatic considerations. Country of citizenship affects which visa office handles your application and related security checks.
Biometrics not completed
If you receive a biometrics instruction letter and do not complete biometrics within the deadline, your application stops processing. Complete biometrics as quickly as possible after receiving instructions.
Additional document requests
IRCC may issue an additional document request (procedural fairness letter, medical form, additional identity documents). Applications halt until the request is fulfilled.
How to Check Your Application Status
- 1
Online application (IRCC portal)
Log in to your IRCC secure account. Your application status updates in real-time as IRCC processes your file. Status messages include: "Application Received," "In Progress," "Decision Made," and various document request notifications.
- 2
Web form enquiry
If your application is past its normal processing time and your IRCC account shows no activity, submit a web form enquiry through the IRCC website. Include your application number, UCI (Unique Client Identifier), and explain the delay concern.
- 3
Member of Parliament (MP) office
If your application is significantly delayed beyond published times, your federal Member of Parliament's office can make an inquiry to IRCC on your behalf. This is a last resort but can trigger a status update.
- 4
Processing times tool
Use IRCC's official processing times calculator to check if your application is still within the expected window before taking action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 6-month Express Entry processing time include time in the pool?+
No. The 6-month target refers to the PR application processing time after you receive an ITA and submit your complete application. Time spent waiting in the Express Entry pool for an ITA is separate and can range from weeks to years depending on your CRS score and draw activity.
Can I work in Canada while waiting for my PR to be processed?+
It depends on your application type. Inland spousal sponsorship applicants can receive an open work permit while their PR is processing. Express Entry applicants with existing work permits can continue working. If your work permit is expiring, you may be eligible for maintained status (implied status) while a renewal is pending.
What happens if I leave Canada while my PR application is processing?+
You can generally travel outside Canada while your PR application is processing, but you need valid temporary status to re-enter (work permit, study permit, or visitor visa). Ensure you maintain valid temporary status at all times. Inform IRCC of address changes through your online account.
My application is past the processing time. What should I do?+
Wait until your application is 30+ days past the published processing time before taking action. Then submit a web form enquiry through IRCC. If there is still no movement after another 30 days, contact your MP's office. In extreme delay cases, a judicial review application to the Federal Court may be appropriate — consult an immigration lawyer.
Find the right pathway for you
Use the Program Finder to compare pathways by eligibility, processing time, and your profile.
Important: This tool provides general information based on publicly available Canadian immigration law (IRPA). Results are not a determination of admissibility. Only a CBSA officer at a port of entry can make admissibility decisions. For complex legal situations, professional guidance may also be beneficial.