IRCC application delays rise across major immigration streams

IRCC application delays rise in November as new data shows slower processing across several key immigration programs. The latest update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals sharp wait-time increases for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and many visitor visa categories. These delays affect applicants across permanent residence, temporary residence, and family sponsorship programs.

To help readers understand the scope of the slowdowns, this report highlights the latest processing times, compares them to early October, and outlines how these changes impact applicants. IRCC application delays rise as growing inventories, verification demands, and program pressures reshape timelines across Canada’s system.

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Permanent Residence: Skilled Workers Face Longer Waits

IRCC updated processing times for all Express Entry programs. CEC applications now take seven months, up from six. The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) increased to six months from five. IRCC still provides no estimate for Federal Skilled Trades Program applicants due to limited data.

Meanwhile, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) wait times show mixed results. Enhanced PNP applications dropped to six months. Base PNP applications improved to 16 months from 19, but both remain above service standards.

Quebec and Atlantic Programs See Steep Increases

Processing times under Quebec’s PSTQ stream remain fixed at 11 months, despite rising application inventory. Quebec now has about 26,400 files awaiting review.

However, the sharpest spike appears in the Atlantic Immigration Program. AIP applications now require 37 months, a dramatic jump from 13 months on October 1. This surge marks the largest processing delay among all categories.

Family Sponsorship: Parents and Grandparents Face Major Delays

Family sponsorship also shows significant slowdowns. Inland spousal sponsorship remains at 20 months, while outland spousal files dropped slightly to 14 months.

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) saw the most alarming rise. Quebec-destined PGP applications increased to 50 months from 44. Outside Quebec, the wait grew to 42 months from 26. These delays create hardship for families seeking reunification.

Temporary Residence: Visa and Permit Waits Increasing

Visitor Visas

Processing times for visitor visas rose sharply in India and Pakistan. Wait times climbed to 103 days for India and 72 days for Pakistan. Applicants from the United States now face 35 days, up from 23.

Work Permits

IRCC also reports delays for work permits submitted inside Canada. These files now require 227 days, up from 196. Outside Canada, timelines vary. India increased to 10 weeks, while Pakistan improved to 6 weeks.

Study Permits

Study permits show mixed results. U.S. applications dropped sharply from 10 weeks to 4. Pakistan also improved. India and Nigeria remain stable at four and eight weeks.

Citizenship Applications Hold Steady

Most citizenship timelines remain unchanged. Citizenship grants require 13 months. Citizenship certificates increased to nine months from seven.

Understanding the Processing Shifts

IRCC explains that its posted timelines are estimates, not guarantees. They rely on historical data and current inventories. Complex applications, missing documents, or security checks can extend timelines. Forward-looking estimates apply to programs such as CEC, FSWP, PNP, PSTQ, spousal sponsorship, PGP, and citizenship.

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