One of the most potential questions asked by Canadian immigrants is regarding the Canada PR processing time. Different immigration programs have different processing times. So, here’s a guide for you to know the processing time as per the immigration programs you have applied for.

So, without further ado, let us begin!

Canada PR Processing Time: What You Need To Know! 

Candidates of any type of visa or permit to Canada must consider the average processing times when calculating how long it will take for them to hear back on their application. 

In Canada immigration, the processing time is how long it takes authorities with IRCC to process your application, from the day they receive it to the day they arrive at a decision. 

Note that the processing times do not include the time it might take to submit an expression of interest (EOI) and obtain an Invitation to Apply (ITA), to prepare necessary documents, to submit an application, or for the mailing of finalized permits, visas, status cards, etc. 

What Affects Canada PR Processing Times? 

There are some factors that will affect the processing time of your application & how long it takes to immigrate or come to Canada. 

• Nation Of Residence 

Some IRCC processing times vary depending on an individual’s country of residence. Before December 2015, processing times for different services would be displayed as per the visa office. This was because the nearest visa office processed applications for both permanent & temporary residence, permits, & visas.

Presently, applications move around the global network of visa offices to make processing as efficacious as possible. So, your application might not necessarily be processed at the visa office, which is best designed to process your application effectively. 

• Type Of Application 

The Canada PR processing time is different for different types of visas & permits. The kind of application, along with the number of applicants being processed in that specific category, can affect the processing time. Moreover, if a program obtains more applications than expected, then it might take longer to process. 

• Completeness 

If an application is incomplete, IRCC might refuse the candidate or request more information, thus resulting in processing delays. 

Average Processing Times For Different Immigration Programs 

Below are some of the most popular streams & their approximate processing times. 

In addition, one must note that the processing times depend upon whether the application was submitted electronically using an online procedure or in hard copy via a paper-based process.  

• Express Entry 

Express Entry includes Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, & some Provincial Nominee Programs. 

In 80% of cases, Express Entry processes an application within six months from the date of submission.

Moreover, it is important to note that the Canada PR processing time does not include the time period it takes to submit an Express Entry profile, obtain an Invitation to Apply, & prepare the final application for submission. 

• Study Permit 

Study permits vary significantly in processing time depending upon the applicant’s country of residence. 

The shortest processing time is approximately eight weeks. However, applicants applying from some nations can expect processing times close to 17 weeks. 

Moreover, study visa processing times also vary depending on the volume of applications obtained. Thus, if you are applying close to the beginning of Canada’s academic year, you might experience delays. 

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) 

This is the type of visa that falls under the work permit extension category. Application processing times for PGWP, i.e., Post-graduation work permits vary depending on which pathway you use to apply. 

In case you submit your application online or by mail, the processing time will be 134 days. 

• Permanent Resident Card 

A new permanent resident card takes around 36 days to process. However, renewing/ replacing an old PR card can take up to 70 days to process. 

• Sponsoring A Spouse For Permanent Residence 

Applications take around 12 months to process when sponsoring a spouse for permanent residence. 

Moreover, processing times used to differ depending on whether the spouse was residing inside/ outside of Canada. However, they have now been significantly standardized to within 12-16 months for every spousal sponsorship application for most of the provinces. 

In case you are applying to reside in Quebec, the processing time could take over 25 months. 

• Visitor Visa 

The PR processing times for a visitor visa depend on where an applicant is making the application from & how. 

If you apply from within Canada, the processing time for online or paper-based applications ranges from 10 to 27 days. But applications made from outside of Canada will differ depending on the applicant’s country of residence. 

Conclusion 

Navigating Canada’s PR processing time requires patience & understanding of numerous factors influencing timelines. While processing times can differ depending on the immigration programs, volume of applications, & individual circumstances, submission & diligent preparation of necessary documentation can expedite the procedure. 

In addition, factors like completeness of application, responsiveness to requests for additional information, & fluctuations in immigration policies can affect processing duration. Despite potential delays, the prospect of a promising future is what motivates the applicants to persevere. Thus, a Canada PR approval rewards patience with the opportunity for a fulfilling life in a welcoming & diverse nation.