Checking processing times

What are processing times?

Processing times tell you how long you can expect it will take us to process an application under normal circumstances.

A processing time starts the day we receive an application and ends when we make a decision. If you apply by mail, the time starts when your application arrives in our mailroom. If you apply online or in-person, it starts when you submit your application.

Various factors can affect the processing time including:

• the type of application submitted
• if the application is complete
• how quickly we process applications we’ve already received
• how easily we can verify your information
• how long you take to respond to any request or concerns
• other factors

We have an explanation below each processing time for how it’s calculated.

See, “how are processing times calculated?”

How long will it take to process my application?

We can’t tell you exactly how long it will take us to process your application. Each application is different and takes a different amount of time to process.

You can check the processing times to find out how long it takes us to process most applications.

Learn how to check your application status.

When does my processing time start?

Your processing time starts the day we receive your complete application and ends when we make a decision.

If you apply by mail, the processing time starts when your application arrives in our mailroom.

If you apply online or in-person, it starts when you submit your application.

Why do some application processing times change and others do not?

The number of applications we receive for each program can affect processing times.

Some programs get a similar number of applications each month. Their processing times don’t change often.

Other programs get a different number of applications throughout the year. For some of these programs, you can only apply during certain times of the year. This can cause processing times to change often.

What is the difference between processing times and service standards?

We have 2 kinds of processing times:

• historical processing times
• forward-looking processing times

Historical processing times tell you how long it took to process 80% of applications in the past. We update these weekly.

Forward-looking processing times tell you how long we expect it will take us to process an application if we receive it today. We update these monthly.

Service standards are our commitment to process your application in a certain amount of time under normal circumstances. They aren’t updated regularly. Not all programs have service standards.

We report annually on how our actual processing times compare to our service standards.

How are processing times calculated?

Most of our processing times are historical. This means we base them on how long it took to process 80% of applications in the past.

Your processing time starts the day we receive your complete application and ends when we make a decision on it.

Forward-looking processing times New

On May 1, 2024, some types of applications switched to forward-looking (expected) processing times. This means we calculate them using

• the total number of that application type we have to process
• the amount we expect to process every month

The application types showing forward-looking processing times are

• Canadian experience class (Express Entry)
• Provincial Nominees Program (Express Entry and non-Express Entry)
• federal skilled workers (Express Entry)
• Quebec skilled workers
• spouse or common law partner (living inside or outside Canada)
• parents or grandparents
• citizenship grants
• citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)

If you apply by mail

The processing time starts when your complete application arrives in our mail room.

If you apply online or in person

The processing time starts when you submit your application.

What is a complex permanent residence application?

If your application is complex, it may take us longer than normal processing times to process your application.

Your application may be more complex if:

• the contact information on file (address, telephone, email) is outdated and we can’t contact you or a family member
• we requested more documents and they weren’t submitted on time, or at all
• your dependant(s) turned 18 since you applied
• you added dependant(s) to your application since you applied
• your dependant(s) got married and/or had children of their own since you applied
• you provided legal documents to confirm a change to your marital status, or about child custody
• you or your family member were asked to resubmit a medical exam because one expired (exams for every person must all be valid at the same time)
• you or a family member were asked to appear for an interview
• you or a family member might not be eligible
• background checks are still in progress for you or your family members

What is a complete application package?

Your application package is complete once you:

• answer all the questions on the application form
• submit proof you paid the fees that apply to your application and
• submit all needed forms and documents

To find out what you need to include so your application is complete:

1. First
   • read the instruction guide and the application package that includes the application forms you need to fill out and shows the fees you need to pay, or
   • use the Come to Canada tool to
     • find out if you’re eligible to apply
     • get a personalized document checklist with a list of documents you need to submit, based on your specific situation
2. If what you’re applying for involves travel to Canada
   • check the COVID-19 travel restrictions and exemptions to find out about any other documents you may need to include

How can I avoid delays or refusals in processing my application?

To help avoid delays or a refusal, make sure that you:

• carefully read the application guide for your immigration category and follow the instructions;
• properly fill out, sign and date the application form(s);
• if required, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photos) as soon as possible within 30 days of receiving the request;
• include all the required documents as indicated on the application checklist;
• pay the right fee using the correct method of payment;
• include the payment with your application; and
• double-check your application before submitting it.

Things that can cause delays:

• Your medical and security screening takes longer than usual
• We need to interview you
• You communicate with us by mail instead of using an online account
• You don’t respond to our requests for information quickly
• High numbers of applications

How long will the adoption process take?

Adopting a child in another country takes time. Depending on the child’s country of origin, the process may take two years or longer.

Adoption cases are processed on a priority basis. That is true whether parents are applying for permanent residence or citizenship for their adopted child. There are no significant differences in processing times between the two processes. Find out more about processing times.

Long waits can seem unreasonable when you are anxious to welcome a new family member. However, to protect the child’s rights, international adoption must be a rigorous process. Both your provincial or territorial government in Canada, and the government of the country where the child lives, must approve the adoption.

To ensure the child’s rights are protected, visa officers must be satisfied that:

• adoptions are made in the best interests of child;
• adopted children have not been sold, trafficked or abducted from their parents; and
• documentation for the child is valid.

While not common, in countries where there is evidence of fraud or trafficking, investigations may be required. These investigations may take time.

See also Checking Processing Times questions.

Where can I find out the status of my citizenship application and the processing time?

To check the status of your application, you can:

• Step 1: Check the processing times.
• Step 2: Check the status of your application online through the Client Application Status service.
• Step 3: If normal processing time for your application has passed, you may contact the Call Centre to verify the status of your application.

Find out more about improvements to our processing times and reducing the backlog.