IRCC Processing Delays: Why It Takes So Long
IRCC lists four reasons a file can take longer than the posted time: it is incomplete, it is complex, it needs more security checks, or the program's cap for the year has been reached. IRCC says that if you haven't heard from it recently, it is still processing your application. Once your file passes IRCC's published processing time, submit a web form inquiry.
~5 weeks
Visitor visa online, middle of IRCC’s country figures
~7 months
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), after the ITA
~26 months
Spousal sponsorship inland, outside Quebec
IRCC's published figures, not guarantees. Temporary residence figures published November 4, 2026, permanent residence figures published October 9, 2026.
Why can a file take longer than the posted time?
- Security and background checks
- IRCC says it may need to check more things on an application for security reasons. Its examples of complex permanent residence files include background checks still in progress for you or your family members, and a criminal, security or other admissibility issue.
- Processing capacity
- IRCC says its processing capacity can change depending on operational needs, so the time left to wait generally goes down but can also go up.
- Volume and program caps
- IRCC says a processing time may vary with how many applications it gets, and an application can take longer when the cap for its program has been reached for the year. IRCC's projections do not account for sharp increases in received applications.
- Complex cases
- IRCC treats an application as complex or non-routine when parts of it need extra review. Its examples include verifying your information and documents, an interview, and the need to consult other offices in Canada or abroad.
- Incomplete or incorrect applications
- IRCC says an application may be delayed or returned if it is not complete. Its examples of slower files include unclear copies of documents, outdated contact information, and requested documents that were not sent on time or at all.
How long does IRCC say each application takes?
For some application types IRCC publishes a forward-looking estimate: a projection of how long an application submitted today should take, based on its inventory, the people it has processing that type of application, and the applications it expects. For others it publishes a historical figure, which is how long it recently took to finish 80% of applications of that kind.
Either way, the number is an estimate rather than a commitment. IRCC’s Check processing times (opens in a new tab) tool tells you which kind of figure you are looking at and when each line was last updated.
| Application | Published time |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (TRV), online | ~5 weeks at the middle of IRCC's country figures. From 1 day to 479 days, depending on country. |
| eTA | 5 minutes on IRCC's tool. Some take several days. |
| Work permit (employer-specific) | ~8 weeks from outside Canada (middle of the country figures). 16 weeks from inside Canada, plus the LMIA, if one is needed. |
| Study permit | ~6 weeks from outside Canada (middle of the country figures, varies by country). 8 weeks from inside Canada. |
| Spousal sponsorship (inland) | ~26 months (IRCC tool, non-Quebec). Outland ~18 months. |
| Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) | ~7 months once the complete application is in, after the ITA. |
| Canadian Experience Class | ~6 months once the complete application is in, after the ITA. |
| Permanent residence (other streams) | Varies widely, check IRCC. |
The rule
IRCC's published processing time is an estimate, not a promise about your file.
What happens to an application before IRCC decides?
Completeness check
IRCC first verifies that the application is complete: all required forms are present, fees are paid, and mandatory documents are included. Processing time starts the day IRCC receives your complete application, so a returned application starts over when you send it again complete.
IRPR R.10 and R.12
Biometrics
For applications requiring biometrics, the applicant receives a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) and has 30 days to give biometrics.
IRPR R.12.1 and R.12.2
Security screening
Under IRPA s.16, applicants have an obligation to answer truthfully and provide documents for examination.
IRPA s.16, s.34
Criminality check
A concern about criminal inadmissibility under IRPA s.36 can lead to a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) asking the applicant to respond before a final decision is made.
IRPA s.36, IRPR R.17 and R.18
Medical review, if applicable
All permanent residence applicants and their family members, even those not coming with them, need an immigration medical exam.
IRPA s.38, IRPR R.29 to R.34
Final decision
Once all checks are complete, an officer reviews the whole application and approves or refuses it. If an application is refused, IRCC sends a refusal letter explaining the general reason for the decision, and for some application types the officer's decision notes as well.
IRPA s.11, IRPR R.179
How do I check the status of my application?
If you applied online, the IRCC account you applied with shows the status of your application and any requests from IRCC. IRCC's application status tracker gives a timeline of events that may include more details than your main account, and needs a separate account, your unique client identifier (UCI) and your application number. For paper applications, IRCC offers its Client Application Status tool, updated daily.
In the tracker, updates show only after you get an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR). IRCC will contact you if it needs more information. The IRCC account and tracker guide covers each tool.
What can I do once my file passes the published time?
Submit a web form to IRCC
IRCC's web form lets you ask about your application once it is over the normal processing time. It is not a fast-track mechanism.
Contact your Member of Parliament (MP)
Your MP's constituency office can make an inquiry to IRCC on your behalf. An MP inquiry does not change the decision or the rules.
Judicial review, as a last resort
Judicial review in the Federal Court starts with an application for leave (IRPA s.72(1)). Where IRCC's delay is unreasonable, a lawyer can advise whether to ask the Court for an order compelling a decision (mandamus).
How do I get the notes on my IRCC file?
The notes on your IRCC file are often called GCMS notes. They may include the steps taken on the file, officer comments and the reasons for a decision.
Since July 29, 2025 IRCC sends the officer's decision note with refusals of most temporary resident applications (not eTAs or TRPs), and since May 26, 2026 with refusals of most permanent residence applications (not H&C).
Choose the right request type
If you want your own file, make a Privacy Act request, because you are asking for your own personal information.
Submit the request
You can submit online through the federal ATIP Online Request service at atip-aiprp.apps.gc.ca, or by mail. If someone else is requesting on your behalf, IRCC requires a consent form (IMM 5744) for each person on the file aged 16 or older.
IMM 5744
Wait for the response
Under the Privacy Act, IRCC has a statutory obligation to respond within 30 days. That deadline can be extended by up to a further 30 days where meeting it would unreasonably interfere with operations or consultations are required.
Which free tool checks your own case?
- Document ChecklistTypical documents by application type
- Admissibility ExplorerThe IRPA admissibility grounds, one question at a time
Free, with no account. What you enter in a tool stays in your browser.
What do people ask?
Why is IRCC taking so long?
IRCC lists four reasons a file can take longer than the posted time: the application may not be complete, it is complex, IRCC needs to check more things for security reasons, or the program's cap for the year has been reached. In the tracker, "In progress" means IRCC is still reviewing the file. Once you pass the published time, a web form inquiry is the next step. The Processing Times page shows IRCC's current figures.
How do I check IRCC processing times?
Use IRCC's Check processing times tool on canada.ca and pick your application type and country. IRCC updates some lines weekly and others monthly. For some types the figure is a forward-looking estimate, and for others it is how long IRCC took to finish 80% of past files. Your own file can finish faster or slower. The Processing Times page tracks the published figures.
What is the IRCC processing time for PR and spousal sponsorship?
IRCC's tool shows ~7 months for a Federal Skilled Worker application and ~6 months for the Canadian Experience Class, counted once the complete application is in after the ITA. Inland spousal sponsorship shows ~26 months and outland ~18 months, outside Quebec. These are IRCC's figures published October 9, 2026, and they change. The spousal sponsorship guide explains the inland and outland streams.
How long does IRCC take inside vs outside Canada?
For an employer-specific work permit, IRCC shows ~8 weeks from outside Canada, the middle of its country figures, and 16 weeks from inside Canada, plus any LMIA. For a study permit, it shows ~6 weeks from outside and 8 weeks from inside. These figures, published November 4, 2026, vary by country and change. The Work Permit Canada and Study Permit Canada pages explain each application.
How long does IRCC processing take after biometrics?
IRCC cannot finish a file that needs biometrics until they are given. The Biometric Instruction Letter gives you 30 days to give them, and if you can't, you can tell IRCC by web form why you need more time. Background checks, and a medical exam where one is needed, also have to finish before an officer decides. The biometrics guide explains who gives biometrics and how.
Does submitting a web form speed up my application?
No. IRCC says sending another web form won't speed things up, and it publishes no reply time. You get an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) for the form. Send one after your file passes the normal processing time. Your MP's constituency office can also make an inquiry to IRCC. The Contact IRCC guide explains the web form and phone options.
What is a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) and why did I receive one?
A Procedural Fairness Letter tells you an officer has a concern that could lead to a refusal, and gives you a chance to respond before the decision. Concerns can include criminal records, possible misrepresentation and medical concerns. The letter sets a deadline: for a medical concern, 90 days from the date of the letter, and you must contact IRCC to ask for an extension if you can't meet it. The Admissibility Explorer shows which IRPA grounds, such as s.36 or s.40, a concern can touch.
Is there a fee to get my GCMS notes from IRCC?
No, not for your own file. GCMS notes about your own application come through a Privacy Act request, and IRCC charges no fee for it. The $5 fee applies only to Access to Information Act requests for records that are not your own personal information. A third party that charges you is charging its own service fee. The Privacy Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21) sets IRCC's 30-day response duty.
Part of:Immigrating permanently
- How to Contact IRCC: Phone, Hours, Web Form
- How to Claim Refugee Status in Canada: 2026 Guide
- Humanitarian & Compassionate Applications: An Exceptional Measure
- Canada vs USA Immigration Systems
The textbook on this subject
Volume 2: Immigrating to Canada $79
The economic and family pathways to permanent residence, explained from the published criteria.
Follow on Facebook to hear when the library opens (opens in a new tab)Official sources
This page is based on law and policy published by the Government of Canada.