Processing Times Snapshot: How Long IRCC Takes Right Now

IRCC publishes processing time estimates for each immigration program. These numbers change frequently, and a difference of a few months can matter when you're planning a move. Here's where the major programs stand as of early 2026.

Express Entry programs

Express Entry covers three federal programs: Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST). Processing times are measured from when IRCC receives your complete application to when they make a decision.

Canadian Experience Class: 4 mo Federal Skilled Worker: 5 mo Federal Skilled Trades: 6 mo

CEC has consistently been the fastest Express Entry stream, with most applications processed within 4 months. FSW takes slightly longer at around 5 months, and FST runs about 6 months.

These are within IRCC's stated service standard of 6 months for Express Entry applications.

Provincial Nominee Programs

PNP processing has two stages: the provincial nomination itself (which varies by province) and the federal PR application. The federal stage after receiving a nomination:

Provincial Nominee (Federal): 7 mo

The federal processing time for PNP applications has been hovering around 7 months. This is on top of however long the province takes to process your nomination, which varies widely: Ontario's Human Capital Priorities stream can issue nominations in weeks, while some BC PNP streams take 3 to 4 months.

Family sponsorship

Family class sponsorship has its own processing streams:

Spouse/Partner (Inland): 12 mo Spouse/Partner (Outland): 10 mo Parents & Grandparents: 20 mo

Spousal sponsorship timelines depend on whether the sponsored person is already in Canada (inland) or applying from abroad (outland). Inland applications take longer but allow the applicant to live and work in Canada while waiting.

What's taking longer than usual

A few programs are running above their service standards:

• Parents & Grandparents Program: The 20-month average is well above typical targets. High demand and limited intake spots create a persistent backlog.
• Spousal sponsorship (inland): At 12 months, this is above the 12-month standard and has been climbing slightly over the past year.

What's running on time

• Express Entry (all three streams): Within the 6-month service standard.
• PNP federal stage: At 7 months, slightly above the 6-month target but within a reasonable range.
• Spousal sponsorship (outland): At 10 months, meeting the 12-month service standard.

How to check your specific program

The numbers above are averages across all applications. Your actual processing time depends on:

• Completeness of your application. Missing documents trigger requests that add weeks or months.
• Country of residence. Some visa offices have longer processing times.
• Background checks. Security and criminality checks can extend timelines unpredictably.

IRCC updates their processing times page regularly. You can check your specific program and country combination for the most current estimate.

Processing Times

Check current IRCC processing times by program

For Express Entry candidates, your processing time starts only after you submit your full application following an ITA. Time spent in the pool waiting for a draw does not count toward processing.

Express Entry Draws

Browse draw history with CRS cutoffs and ITA counts