Immigration Canada provides updated processing timelines during COVID
Canada’s immigration department recently updated its processing timelines to reflect its operational capacity during the pandemic.
Permanent residence
IRCC says it is working at full capacity to process permanent residency applications. However, COVID-19 caused a backlog in applications, so you may experience some delays.
At the time of writing, IRCC said it was finalizing most of the Canadian Experience Class applications they received between May 24 and May 30, 2020, meaning decision-makers are working on applications that they received about 10 months ago.
PR Cards
New PR cards are currently being processed in about 125 days, and renewals are taking about 80 days.
However, we recommend you use the online status tool to see the exact status of your application.
If you cannot check the online tool, try IRCC’s webpage.
Family
Program |
Application type |
IRCC Status |
Spousal, common-law, dependent child sponsorship |
Inland |
Finalizing most applications received between Sept. 29 and Oct. 5, 2019. |
Spousal, common-law, dependent child sponsorship |
Outland |
Finalizing most applications received between May 26 and June 1, 2019. |
Parents and Grandparents |
Check online account. |
|
Adoptive child or other relative |
Check online account. |
|
|
|
|
Temporary workers
Work Permit Type |
Online or Paper |
Eligible for Global Skills Strategy |
IRCC Status |
Work Permit Outside Canada |
Online |
Yes |
Finalizing most applications received between September 20 and 26, 2020. |
Work Permit Outside Canada |
Online |
No |
Check online account. |
Work Permit Outside Canada |
Paper |
Can't give accurate processing time. |
|
Work permit inside Canada (initial, extensions and changes) |
Online |
Finalizing most applications received between December 13 and 19, 2020. |
|
Work permit inside Canada (initial, extensions and changes) |
Paper |
Finalizing most applications received between December 13 and 19, 2020. |
|
For asylum claimants |
Online |
Finalizing most applications received between December 6 and 12, 2020. |
|
For asylum claimants |
Paper |
Finalizing most applications received between December 6 and 12, 2020. |
Students
IRCC is currently finalizing most study permit applications received between December 13 and December 19, 2020. This includes applications for study permits, study permit extensions, and work permits for students. Complex applications may take longer to process.
Important reminder: under the current travel restrictions, study permit holders can only come to Canada if they are going to a Designated Learning Institution with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan, or if they had their study permit approved before March 18, 2020.
Visitors
Visitor visas (from inside Canada) are currently being processed in about 70 days. Processing time for visitor visa applications made outside of Canada varies based on the country of application.
More detailed information about processing times for different types of applications you can find here