Understand Processing
Timelines for Different Pathways

Many aspiring immigrants are eager to know how long it will take to achieve their dream of obtaining permanent residence (PR) in Canada. This blog post will provide you with an overview of the processing timelines for different immigration pathways in 2024.

Understanding Service Standards:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) publishes service standards for processing various immigration applications. These standards offer potential applicants a general idea of the timeframe for receiving a decision on their application.

However, it’s important to remember that:

• Service standards are estimates and may vary depending on individual circumstances.
• They apply only to applications with complete and accurate information and supporting documents.
• IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within the service standards across all categories.

Processing Timelines for Different Pathways:

Economic Class Immigration:

• Express Entry:
• Federal Skilled Worker Program: 180 days (electronic applications)
• Canadian Experience Class: 180 days (electronic applications)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program: 180 days* (electronic applications)
• Note: This standard applies only to the federal level; provincial processing times may add to the overall timeline.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):
• Paper applications: 11 months*
• Electronic applications via Express Entry: 180 days*
• Note: Both timelines may be affected by provincial processing times.
• Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program:
• Paper applications: 11 months*

Family Class Sponsorship:

• Priority applications (spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, and dependent children of Canadian citizens and permanent residents): 12 months (electronic applications)

Receiving Your Permanent Resident Card:

Once your PR application is approved, you will receive a permanent resident card, which serves as both an identification and travel document. IRCC aims to process applications for initial permanent resident cards within 60 days from the completion of the PR form at a port of entry or IRCC inland office.

IRCC’s Performance Against Service Standards:

While IRCC strives to meet its service standards, their success rate varies across programs.

Here’s a glimpse into IRCC’s performance for the 2022-2023 fiscal year (April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023):

• Programs exceeding 80%:
• Express Entry – Canadian Experience Class
• Programs exceeding 60%:
• Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Family Class Sponsorship
• Programs below 60%:
• Provincial Nominee Programs (paper applications)
• Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program

Remember: These figures are historical data and do not guarantee future performance.

While service standards provide a general idea of processing timelines, it’s crucial to manage your expectations and understand that factors beyond IRCC’s control can impact actual processing times. We recommend staying updated on IRCC’s website for the latest information and guidance on specific immigration programs and timelines.

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