Immigration Processing Times
Approximate processing times based on official IRCC data for major immigration programs.
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Sign in / Sign up⚠️ Important Notice — Processing Times Change Constantly
The figures on this page are based on data from August 5, 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 UpdateJuly 28, 2026 | Current UpdateAugust 5, 2026 | Notes | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP) | — | 7 months | After ITA (Invitation to Apply); ~55,800 in queue | Fast |
| Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 7 months | 6 months▼ | After ITA; ~61,500 in queue | 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; ~12,100 in queue | Fast |
| PNP — Base stream (non-Express Entry) | 13 months | 12 months▼ | ~103,800 in queue; varies by province | Medium |
| Family Sponsorship — Spouse/Partner (outside Canada, non-Quebec) | 16 months | 17 months▲ | ~54,100 in queue | Medium |
| Family Sponsorship — Spouse/Partner (inside Canada, non-Quebec) | 26 months | 27 months▲ | ~56,900 in queue | Slow |
| Family Sponsorship — Spouse/Partner (Quebec) | 31–32 months | 32–33 months▲ | Inside or outside Canada; ~32,300 in queue combined | Slow |
| Family Sponsorship — Parents & Grandparents (non-Quebec) | 32 months | 30 months▼ | ~40,400 in queue; subject to annual intake caps | Slow |
| Family Sponsorship — Parents & Grandparents (Quebec) | 67 months | 65 months▼ | ~10,500 in queue | Slow |
| Quebec Skilled Worker | — | 11 months | ~22,200 in queue | Medium |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | 38 months | 26 months▼ | ~12,300 in queue | Slow |
| Startup Visa | — | 10+ years | ~47,500 in queue — significant backlog | Slow |
- • 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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