Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is making significant improvements to its online processing times tool to provide more accurate and up-to-date information to clients. This tool is designed to predict how long it will take to process complete applications, enabling clients to make informed travel and life plans.

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Forward-Looking Processing Times

IRCC has introduced forward-looking processing times, which estimate the wait time for applications submitted today. These estimates are updated monthly to ensure they remain realistic and current. The forward-looking processing times are now available for the following application types:

• Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)

• Provincial Nominees Program (Express Entry and non-Express Entry)

• Federal Skilled Workers (Express Entry)

• Quebec Skilled Workers

• Citizenship Grants

• Citizenship Certificates (Proof of Citizenship)

• Spouse or Common-Law Partner Living Inside Canada

• Spouse, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partner Living Outside Canada

• Parents or Grandparents

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Backward-Looking Processing Times

For other types of applications not listed above, IRCC continues to use backward-looking processing times. These times are based on historical data, specifically:

• For permanent residence programs: the time it took to process 80% of applications in the past six months.

• For temporary residence programs: the time it took to process applications in the past 8 or 16 weeks.

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Implications for Current Applicants

If you have already applied and are awaiting processing, the new forward-looking times might show shorter estimates than the duration you have been waiting. This discrepancy occurs because the forward-looking times reflect the expected wait time for new applications starting from the end of the current queue. Various factors can influence these projections, including seasonal variations and changes in application volumes.

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Benefits of the Updated Tool

The improved processing times tool aims to provide clients with:

• Enhanced Accuracy: Monthly updates ensure that the estimates remain relevant and accurate.

• Better Planning: Clients can make more informed decisions regarding their travel and life plans based on realistic timelines.

• Transparency: Clear information on how long the process is expected to take helps manage client expectations effectively.

By continuously updating and refining this tool, IRCC aims to enhance the overall efficiency and transparency of Canada's immigration system, making it more responsive to the needs of applicants.

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