Canada & IRCC Processing Times
Approximate processing times based on official IRCC data for major immigration programs.
⚠️ Important Notice — Processing Times Change Constantly
The figures on this page are based on data from September 9, 2026. IRCC updates its statistics monthly and times can shift significantly within weeks. Some visa categories (such as visitor visas, work permits, and study permits) also have country-specific processing times — figures shown reflect commonly requested source countries.
👉 For the most accurate and up-to-date times, always check the official Government of Canada website directly: canada.ca/check-processing-times →
| Program | Previous UpdateSeptember 2, 2026 | Current UpdateSeptember 9, 2026 | Notes | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP) | 6 months | 7 months▲ | After ITA (Invitation to Apply) | Fast |
| Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 7 months | 6 months▼ | After ITA | Fast |
| Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST) | — | 6 months | After ITA; IRCC reports insufficient data due to rare FST-specific draws — service standard is 6 months same as other EE streams | Fast |
| PNP — Express Entry stream (enhanced) | 6 months | 7 months▲ | After provincial nomination | Fast |
| PNP — Base stream (non-Express Entry) | 12 months | 13 months▲ | ~101,500 in queue; varies by province | Medium |
| Family Sponsorship — Spouse/Partner (outside Canada, non-Quebec) | 17 months | 18 months▲ | ~62,600 in queue | Medium |
| Family Sponsorship — Spouse/Partner (inside Canada, non-Quebec) | 27 months | 26 months▼ | ~54,700 in queue | Slow |
| Family Sponsorship — Spouse/Partner (Quebec) | 31–32 months | 32–33 months▲ | Inside or outside Canada; ~33,400 in queue combined | Slow |
| Family Sponsorship — Parents & Grandparents (non-Quebec) | 29 months | 28 months▼ | ~37,500 in queue; subject to annual intake caps | Slow |
| Family Sponsorship — Parents & Grandparents (Quebec) | 64 months | 63 months▼ | ~10,300 in queue | Slow |
| Quebec Skilled Worker | — | 11 months | ~20,400 in queue | Medium |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | 38 months | 26 months▼ | ~11,800 in queue | Slow |
| Startup Visa | Closed | 10+ years▼ | Intake paused to zero since Jan 1, 2026 (Canada Gazette, Dec 20, 2025); a narrow 2025 commitment-certificate exception ended June 30, 2026. IRCC is not accepting new applications. | Slow |
How do IRCC processing times work?
The times on this page are pulled directly from IRCC's own published processing-time data — the same numbers IRCC itself shows on its official checker — refreshed monthly as IRCC updates its statistics. They represent typical, not guaranteed, timelines: two applicants in the same program can see very different results depending on file completeness, biometrics, medical results, and background checks.
If you already have an Express Entry invitation to apply, our step-by-step guide to what to file after your ITA walks through the documents you need within the 60-day window.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page shows general reference figures from IRCC's own published data, updated monthly. Your own case can move faster or slower depending on application completeness, whether biometrics or medical exams are outstanding, and current officer workload. For the number tied to your specific application, use IRCC's official processing time checker linked above, entering your exact application type and, where relevant, country of residence.
There is no difference — they are the same department. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) was renamed Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in November 2015. If you are searching for "CIC processing times," the current IRCC data on this page is what you are looking for; CIC no longer exists as a separate name.
Yes, for temporary resident applications — visitor visas, study permits, and work permits — processing time depends heavily on where you're applying from, since each visa office handles a different volume and mix of cases. The figures on the Temporary Visas tab above reflect commonly requested source countries; use IRCC's own tool for your specific country if it isn't shown.
IRCC publishes new processing time data monthly, and this page is refreshed automatically to match — you can see the exact data date at the top of the page. Processing times can shift meaningfully within a single month, so treat the figures here as a recent snapshot, not a guarantee, and always cross-check the official IRCC tool before making a decision that depends on timing.
- • IRCC Processing Times Tool — canada.ca
- • Express Entry Rounds of Invitations — canada.ca
- • Provincial Nominee Programs — canada.ca
- • LMIA Processing Times — Service Canada (ESDC)
ITC iLand accepts no responsibility for changes to processing times after the update date of this page. Always consult a licensed RCIC before making immigration decisions.
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