IRCC introduces a new method for calculating processing times for some applicants using forward-looking processing times.  

Well, this is to help applicants predict the length of time it will take to process their applications. 

The updated processing times will be available for numerous high-volume immigration programs, such as: 

Changing how processing times are calculated was flagged as integral in a report by the office of Auditor General Last October. The report made numerous recommendations regarding how IRCC calculates application processing time and communicates this with clients. 

Particularly, the report stated that ‘online information on processing times must be provided for all PR applications, taking into consideration the volume and age of applications already in the inventory. 

This update on how processing times are calculated is one of IRCC’s first steps in addressing numerous report recommendations. Updated service standards can be expected by the end of this year. 

Service standards are the length of time that the IRCC deems reasonable for issuing a final decision on an application. The service standard varies depending on the application type. For instance, spousal sponsorship applications have a service standard of 12 months, while a permanent residence application through an Express Entry program should take no more than six months. 

How Do Forward-Looking Processing Times Work? 

IRCC introduces a new method for calculating processing times. The immigration department says that this method of estimating the time it will take to issue a final decision on an application is based on the total number of applications the department expects to process. 

It notes that it can vary depending on variables including admission spaces within the annual Immigration Levels Plan, processing capacity and seasonal changes on the types of applications received. 

Historically, IRCC has estimated processing times based on the amount of time previous applications have taken to complete or issue a final decision on. The department states that it bases backward processing times on how long it has taken to process 80% of applications in the last six months for permanent residence programs and 8-16 weeks for temporary residence programs. 

This method will still be applicable for temporary residence applications like study permit, work permit, visitor visas, etc. 

Should One Reapply? 

IRCC advises clients who have already applied to one of the programs using the new processing time method not to reapply. It says that in case the client has already applied, they are closer to the front of the queue. Moreover, applications will still be processed in the order in which IRCC receives them. Also, in most cases, one will wait no more than a new forward-looking processing time for a final decision.    

IRCC’s Present Backlog 

IRCC regularly updates the number of applications in inventory and distinguishes between those that are processed within service standards and those that are not. These applications are in the backlog.

IRCC strives to process 80% of applications across all business lines within service standards. 

The most recent data indicates that there are presently a total of 2,121,200 applications in the inventory. Of these, 1,320,000 are within service standard and the remaining 892,000 are in the backlog. 

The department further breaks it down by application type. For instance, there are 746,000 total applications in inventory for permanent residence. Of these, 440,000 are within service standards and 306,000 are in the backlog. 

Temporary residence data shows that over 538,600 applications were in the backlog and 665,400 were within service standards, adding up to 1,204,000 temporary residence applications in inventory. 

Of note, 46% of study permit applications are in the backlog. This is not unexpected due to recent changes in Canada’s international student program. IRCC now requires that all provinces issue Provincial Attestation Letters to all international student applicants accepted to a DLI. IRCC introduced this change in January and most provinces did not have a system in place for issuing PALs until March. 

Of the 262,000 citizenship applications in inventory, 214,000 were within service standards and the remaining 47,400 were in the backlog.