Total Programs Tracked
14
Across all categories
Getting Faster
12
Programs with shorter times
Stable
2
No significant change
Fastest Program
2–4 weeks
Work Permit (LMIA-exempt)
Current Processing Times
Filter by category to find your program
Express Entry
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
4 months
FasterTypically faster than FSW due to Canadian experience verification.
Citizenship
Citizenship Grant
5–8 months
FasterIncludes processing, test/interview, and ceremony. Online applications process faster.
Express Entry
Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
6 months
StableExpress Entry
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
6 months
FasterIRCC service standard is 6 months. Most applications processed within this window.
Family Sponsorship
Parents & Grandparents
20–24 months
FasterLimited intake via annual lottery. Super Visa is a faster alternative for visits.
Provincial Nominee Program
PNP (Express Entry aligned)
6–8 months
FasterIncludes provincial processing time + federal EE processing.
Provincial Nominee Program
PNP (non-Express Entry / paper-based)
12–18 months
FasterPaper-based PNP streams take significantly longer than EE-aligned streams.
PR Card
PR Card Renewal
3–4 months
FasterUrgent processing available for those with confirmed travel within 3 months.
Family Sponsorship
Spouse / Partner (inland)
12 months
StableInland spousal sponsorship includes open work permit eligibility while waiting.
Family Sponsorship
Spouse / Partner (outland)
12 months
FasterOutland processing has improved. Varies by visa office location.
Study Permit
Study Permit
4–8 weeks
FasterVaries significantly by country of residence. Apply well before program start date.
Visitor Visa
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
2–8 weeks
FasterProcessing time varies widely by country. Apply early for travel plans.
Work Permit
Work Permit (LMIA-based)
2–4 months
FasterLMIA processing by ESDC adds 2–4 months before work permit application.
Work Permit
Work Permit (LMIA-exempt)
2–4 weeks
FasterIncludes IEC, intra-company transfers, CUSMA/CETA professionals.
Relative Processing Times
Visual comparison across all programs
Work Permit (LMIA-exempt)
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
Study Permit
Work Permit (LMIA-based)
PR Card Renewal
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Citizenship Grant
PNP (Express Entry aligned)
Spouse / Partner (inland)
Spouse / Partner (outland)
PNP (non-Express Entry / paper-based)
Parents & Grandparents
Detailed Comparison
Sortable table with current and previous processing times
| Category | Previous | Trend | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry | Express Entry & PNP | 4 months | 5 months | Faster |
Citizenship Grant Citizenship | Citizenship | 5–8 months | 8–12 months | Faster |
Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Express Entry | Express Entry & PNP | 6 months | 6 months | Stable |
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Express Entry | Express Entry & PNP | 6 months | 7 months | Faster |
Parents & Grandparents Family Sponsorship | Family Sponsorship | 20–24 months | 24–36 months | Faster |
PNP (Express Entry aligned) Provincial Nominee Program | Express Entry & PNP | 6–8 months | 8–10 months | Faster |
PNP (non-Express Entry / paper-based) Provincial Nominee Program | Other Programs | 12–18 months | 15–20 months | Faster |
PR Card Renewal PR Card | Other Programs | 3–4 months | 4–5 months | Faster |
Spouse / Partner (inland) Family Sponsorship | Family Sponsorship | 12 months | 12 months | Stable |
Spouse / Partner (outland) Family Sponsorship | Family Sponsorship | 12 months | 14 months | Faster |
Study Permit Study Permit | Temporary Residence | 4–8 weeks | 6–12 weeks | Faster |
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Visitor Visa | Temporary Residence | 2–8 weeks | 4–12 weeks | Faster |
Work Permit (LMIA-based) Work Permit | Temporary Residence | 2–4 months | 3–5 months | Faster |
Work Permit (LMIA-exempt) Work Permit | Temporary Residence | 2–4 weeks | 2–6 weeks | Faster |
Get Notified When Times Change
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A consultant can help expedite your application
Licensed immigration consultants know how to prepare error-free applications that avoid delays. Incomplete or incorrect submissions are the #1 cause of processing delays.
Find a ConsultantAbout Processing Times
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) publishes estimated processing times for all immigration programs. These times represent how long it takes from when a complete application is received to when a decision is made. Actual processing times can vary based on application volume, completeness of your submission, and your country of residence.
The times shown on this page are based on IRCC's published data and are updated regularly. They should be used as estimates only — your individual experience may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Express Entry take in 2026?
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) applications take approximately 6 months. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is faster at about 4 months. These times start from when IRCC receives your complete application after an ITA.
Why is my application taking longer than the posted time?
Processing times are estimates, not guarantees. Delays can occur due to incomplete applications, additional document requests, background checks, medical inadmissibility reviews, or high application volumes. Ensuring your application is complete and accurate is the best way to avoid delays.
Are processing times getting faster?
As of early 2026, the overall trend shows most programs processing faster than previous periods. IRCC has been investing in digital processing systems and working to reduce pandemic-era backlogs.
Can I check the status of my application?
Yes. You can check your application status online through your IRCC account. For Express Entry, updates appear in your profile. For other applications, use the IRCC application status tracker with your UCI number.
Does hiring a consultant speed up processing?
A consultant cannot directly speed up IRCC processing. However, they can help ensure your application is complete, accurate, and well-documented — which avoids the delays caused by incomplete submissions or requests for additional information.
Disclaimer
Processing times shown are estimates based on IRCC published data and are subject to change. Individual processing times may vary significantly based on your specific circumstances, country of origin, application completeness, and IRCC workload. Always check the official IRCC website for the most current processing times.