IRCC regularly updates processing times for all immigration applications. Here’s how wait times have changed over the past year and what you can expect when applying today.
Current Processing Times vs. 2024 Comparison
Permanent Residence Programs
Express Entry
| Program | Current | June 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| CEC | 5 months | 5 months |
| FSWP | 5 months | 5 months |
| FSTP | N/A | 6 months |
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
-
Express Entry-aligned: 5 months (was 6 months)
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Base streams: 20 months (was 11 months)
Atlantic Immigration Program
-
11 months (was 7 months)
Spousal Sponsorship
| Category | Current | June 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| In-Canada (outside QC) | 29 months | 10 months |
| Overseas (outside QC) | 10 months | 10 months |
| In-Canada (QC) | 26 months | 28 months |
| Overseas (QC) | 36 months | 34 months |
You can apply in just 60 seconds – Take the free online assessment test and find out the best immigration options for you.
Temporary Residence Programs
Visitor Visas
| Location | Current | June 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Canada | 23 days | 20 days |
| India | 19 days | 44 days |
| Nigeria | 100 days | 177 days |
| USA | 19 days | 27 days |
Work Permits
| Location | Current | June 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Canada | 238 days | 101 days |
| India | 15 weeks | 19 weeks |
| Nigeria | 12 weeks | 21 weeks |
Study Permits
| Location | Current | June 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Canada | 5 weeks | 14 weeks |
| India | 10 weeks | N/A |
| Nigeria | 5 weeks | N/A |
Citizenship Applications
-
Citizenship grants: 10 months (was 8 months)
-
Proof of citizenship: 4 months (was 3 months)
Key Trends to Watch
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Express Entry remains the fastest at 5 months processing
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PNP base streams nearly doubled from 11 to 20 months
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In-Canada spousal sponsorships saw a dramatic increase (10→29 months)
-
Work permit delays grew significantly within Canada
-
Study permits improved for in-Canada applicants
Understanding Processing Times vs. Service Standards
🕒 Processing Times
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Based on recent application data
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Updated weekly/monthly
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Estimates only – your case may vary
🎯 Service Standards
-
IRCC’s internal targets
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80% of cases should meet the standard
-
No guarantee for individual applications
You can apply in just 60 seconds – Take the free online assessment test and find out the best immigration options for you.
Pro Tips for Applicants
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Apply early – processing times fluctuate
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Submit complete applications to avoid delays
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Check weekly updates on the IRCC website
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Consider Express Entry for the fastest PR route
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Monitor your application status regularly
For the most current processing times, always check IRCC’s official website.
