How long does it take to process Canadian immigration application.

How long it takes for you to come to Canada might affect your decision under which program you want to apply.

by Legally Canadian

The processing time for a Canadian immigration application can vary depending on the type of application and the specific circumstances of the applicant. The processing time can be affected by factors such as the volume of applications received, the completeness of the application, the need for additional documentation or information, and any security or background checks that may be required.

Here are some estimated processing times for some of the most common Canadian immigration programs (in pre-Covid times):

  • Express Entry: The processing time for an Express Entry application is typically six or seven months from the date of submission (aka post ITA application). However, it’s important to note that this is an estimated processing time and may vary depending on individual circumstances. The applications under Canadian Experience Class, as a rule, are processed faster.
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): The processing time for PNPs varies depending on the specific program and province. Some programs may have shorter processing times of a few months, while others may take up to a year or longer.
  • Family sponsorship: The processing time for family sponsorship applications can vary depending on the type of sponsorship and the relationship between the sponsor and the applicant. For example, spousal sponsorships may be processed more quickly than applications to sponsor parents or grandparents. In general, uncomplicated spousal sponsorships are processed within 12 months.
  • Business Immigration: The processing time for business immigration applications can vary depending on the program and the complexity of the application.
  • Visas: The processing times for the visas applications depend on the country from which you are applying. Some visa offices can process your application within a few weeks, while others take months to finalize it.

It’s important to note that processing times are subject to change and can be affected by various factors. The processing times has significantly increased since the Covid-19 pandemic and the lengthy lockdowns. You can see the most current, up to date processing times on the IRCC tracker here.

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