The November 2024 processing time updates from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offer important new information for applicants in a number of immigration streams. In light of the fluctuating processing periods brought on by the IRCC’s workload, staffing, and policy changes, applicants should better manage expectations and make plans by being aware of these times.
Permanent Residency Processing Times
- Express Entry Programs: The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) each at an estimated 5-month processing time. While this is typical for Express Entry programs, it’s crucial for applicants to note these timelines may vary slightly depending on application specifics.
- Family Sponsorships: For spouses and common-law partners, outside Canada applications generally take about 10 months, and within Canada, processing has dropped to 12 months. This is slightly improved, signalling IRCC’s prioritization of family reunification.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Processing for non-Express Entry PNP streams remains at approximately 13 months, which reflects the complexity and provincial coordination required for these applications.
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): The AIP shows an 8-month processing time, slightly up from previous months, possibly due to increased interest in Atlantic Canada’s economic opportunities.
Temporary Residence Processing Times
- Visitor Visas: Processing for visitor visas varies significantly depending on the applicant’s country of residence. This means applicants should check country-specific times to accurately plan for travel.
- India: 113 days (reduced by 1 day since last update)
- United States: 26 days (no change since the last update)
- Nigeria: 175 days (no change since last update)
- Pakistan: 29 days (increased by 2 days since last update)
- Philippines: 18 days (reduced by 1 day since last update)
- Work Permits: The processing times for work permits vary based on the applicant’s country and specific program category. LMIA-required work permits, for example, can have different timelines compared to LMIA-exempt permits.
- India: 113 days (reduced by 1 day since last update)
- United States: 26 days (no change since last update)
- Nigeria: 175 days (no change since last update)
- Pakistan: 29 days (increased by 2 days since last update)
- Philippines: 18 days (reduced by 1 day since last update)
- Work Permit From Inside Canada: 166 days (increased by 12 days since last update)
- Study Permits: For study permit applications, timelines remain variable and largely dependent on the applicant’s country of origin, with some regions experiencing shorter waits than others. As November approaches, the demand for study permits may increase with upcoming intakes at Canadian institutions.
- India: 8 weeks (no change since last update)
- United States: 15 weeks (increased by 1 week since last update)
- Nigeria: 10 weeks (unchanged since last update)
- Pakistan: 13 weeks (increased by 1 week since last update)
- Philippines: 6 weeks (unchanged since last update)
- Study permit from inside Canada: 16 weeks (unchanged)
Citizenship Processing Times and PR Card Renewals
For those applying for Canadian citizenship, the current average processing time for citizenship grants is approximately seven months. To avoid delays, applicants should double-check that all required documents are included and complete at submission. This timeframe reflects IRCC’s streamlined approach to handling citizenship requests, allowing applicants to plan accordingly.
PR Card Renewals
Permanent residents seeking to renew their PR cards can expect processing times around 57 days, which is beneficial for those planning travel or needing an official ID within Canada.
Super Visa Processing Times (by Country)
Processing times for Canada’s Super Visa, which allows extended visits for parents and grandparents, vary significantly based on country of origin:
- India: 117 days (1-day reduction from the last update).
- United States: 121 days (shortened by 16 days).
- Nigeria: 49 days (a 2-day improvement).
- Pakistan: 136 days (an increase of 5 days).
- Philippines: 117 days (an increase of 7 days).
These updated timelines indicate the variations across countries and underscore IRCC’s
- Citizenship Grant Applications: The average processing time for citizenship grants is currently around 7 months. Applicants should ensure all required documentation is provided to avoid delays.
- PR Card Renewals: Those renewing PR cards can expect processing times around 57 days, which is favourable for PR cardholders needing the card for re-entry into Canada or for identification purposes within the country.
Factors Affecting Processing Times
Several factors can impact IRCC processing times:
- Volume of Applications: During peak periods, such as academic intake seasons or holiday travel peaks, IRCC experiences higher volumes, which can lead to extended processing times.
- Program-Specific Delays: Some programs, particularly those involving multiple provinces (like PNPs) or specific requirements (such as LMIAs for work permits), may require additional processing steps.
- Geopolitical and Regional Factors: Temporary residence applications, including visitor visas, are sometimes influenced by the applicant’s country of origin due to IRCC’s prioritisation and available resources per region.
Tips for Managing Processing Times
- Check Regular Updates: Processing times are updated weekly on the IRCC website, so applicants should monitor these to understand if any recent changes apply to their specific immigration category.
- Complete Documentation: Delays can often be avoided by ensuring that applications are complete with all required documentation.
- Consider Professional Advice: In complex cases, consulting with an immigration professional can help streamline the process, particularly for applications with specific regional requirements or nuances.
For applicants, the November 2024 IRCC processing times highlight current trends and set expectations for both permanent and temporary residency applications. By staying informed and well-prepared, applicants can navigate their processes with greater clarity and confidence.
