“How long does the immigration process take?” is one of the most common questions I get from anyone considering applying for permanent residence in Canada. There are no hard and fast rules, just average processing times.
So this is what you can expect and this is what you should do to make sure your application is processed as fast as possible (don’t expect miracles, though!)
How do you define “processing time”?
“Processing time” should be understood as the period of time that starts when the Government of Canada receives your complete application to the day when a decision is made.
Remember that it takes time—a few weeks or even a few months—to gather supporting documents and prepare your application.
How long will it take for my permanent residence application to be processed?
First, it depends on the immigration category:
- In the Canadian Experience Class, the official processing time is 6 months.
- In the skilled workers (Quebec) category, processing time is 15-17 months, mostly because settling in Quebec adds an extra step—getting a CSQ.
- As for family sponsorship, processing time is 12 months for a spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada or outside Canada.
Keep in mind that the Government of Canada is “committed” to processing most applications within the given timeframe but there’s no guarantee it’s going to happen. Some applications are processed faster (four months for mine in 2005!) and some take years.
Check the processing time for your immigration category to know what to expect.
Why is it taking so long?
First, reviewing a permanent residence application is a long process. Supporting documents must be checked and applications must be assessed carefully. Fair enough. After all, a life-changing decision is being made.
Other factors may also affect average processing time:
How busy the local visa office is
Some regions of the world receive more applications. Not every country has a Canadian visa office and as a result, a central visa office may be responsible for several countries or regions. For example, the Paris visa office is responsible for processing applications from Algeria, Belgium, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Tunisia. The same goes for the London office, it handles applications from Denmark, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Yemen.
How complex your background check is
A background check is conducted on all permanent resident applicants to prevent individuals who pose a risk to Canada’s security from entering the country—this is why you have to provide police certificate(s). Military service, foreign trips, membership in political organizations, etc., can slow down the process. Some foreign countries also cooperate better with Canada than others.
What you can do to help speed up the process
Fill out your application properly
It sounds obvious, but a lot of people think “oh, I’m not sure what to say here… they will figure it out.” No, “they” won’t. Your application will be sent back and time will be wasted. It may take you a week or two months to gather all the documents and fill out your application, but trust me, it will make life easier in the long run.
Provided all required supporting documents
If, for some reason, you really can’t provide a document, send a letter explaining why. I did that for our marriage certificate after learning it would take at least six months to receive a copy. I sent my application and explained why I would add the certificate later—it was accepted.
Provide update if anything changes in your life
Applications can take years to be processed so don’t forget to contact your visa office if you move, get married, have a child, etc.
Choose your immigration category wisely
Make sure you have enough points to apply in the skilled worker category. If you apply in the sponsorship category, make sure you have enough proof that the relationship is genuine. Provide plenty of supporting documents.
If you can, choose your visa office
Some visa offices are busier than others. If you apply outside Canada, unfortunately, you must apply in the country you live in. But if you’re already in Canada, you can apply from within or from outside Canada. For instance, I had the choice between sending my application to Buffalo, NY or to Paris. At the time, Buffalo was extremely busy and I was advised to let Paris handle my application—it paid off, a decision was made only four months later.
Only contact your visa office when you are past the average processing time
The Government of Canada often lets you know how long a specific step will take—3 to 6 months, 5 to 7 months, etc. If you are past the average processing time, you can contact your visa office for updates. I did it twice, once in person at the Canadian embassy in Paris (for my permanent residence application) and once on the phone (for my citizenship application). Both times, my application status was checked and I received news shortly after.
However, wait patiently if you’re still within average processing times.
Keep in mind these two myths
Immigrating through the Quebec process is faster
The permanent residence process is a bit different if you’re going to settle in Quebec. Many French speakers think it’s faster and easier to apply through Quebec regardless of where they will end up living in Canada. It may have been true decades ago but nowadays, it adds an extra step (the CSQ application) and there’s quite a backlog.
An immigration lawyer can speed up the process
No, they can’t. A good, honest immigration representative will always tell you that they can’t speed up the process. The only thing they can do is make sure your application is properly and completely filled out.
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I guess many people don’t realize if they immigrate to Quebec they have to speak French. The agency sort of “tricked” my parents onto moving to Montreal because our condition was not enough for Toronto or Vancouver. I guess one needs more money to move to these big cities…anyway we only found out we have to speak French after we moved here.
But I’m glad we moved to MTL though ’cause I learned 2 languages at the same time and it’s truly a huge benefit. I got my Danish residency permit in just 2 months! Crazy!
Thanks for all this info. It helps take some thinks out my mind. I have done the Process here and they did call me in 6 months then sent of my paper to a local office. how long do you think that would take I am in the GTA? another 6 months or years maybe.
@Bluefish – It is still true that the “sufficient funds” asked are much lower in Quebec and in other province. It is stupid IMO since it tricks immigrants to think Quebec is cheaper… and it’s not necessarily!
@MARC – In which category here you? Which papers? Usually it is longer to apply from within Canada because you do get to stay in Canada during the process and will receive a temporary work visa.
Definitely it takes longer to apply within Canada wait times during my app were less than 3 months outside and a good 15 months inside.. AND I answered my phone number wrong as I was at work and seriously caught off guard with their phone call and they moved my case… GRRRRR how frustrating is that! Add an extra 6 months!
great blog.good collection of information
Dear
How can I find out before applying which visa office is bussy and which is not.Thanks
You should look at the CIC’s processing times for each visa office.
But most of time, you don’t have the choice: you have to apply where you live. I.e you can’t ask your file to be processed in Paris if you live in China.
hey i was contacted by a cic officer she asked me questions about my h&c application for fch and i responded and then she wrote me again and said that she would send the RESPONSE through mail. she will be sending it from canada to colombia.
any clue of how long it will take and if the responce is negative or positive????????????????????
Sorry, I have no idea, I’m not familiar with the refugee system if that,s what you are talking about. You should ask on a forum such as settlement.org.
Hi, actually i have been applied for immigration program (permanent resident) federal skilled worker class on 15 Feb 2007n from Pakistan, but i didn’t get visa still yet ? and i am just waiting for my visa ! So, will you please advise me the best trick for getting visa soon.
i already wait too much for my visa but i can’t wait anymore , and i dont have nay idea what should i do ? my visa application was submitted before 28 feb 2008 new policy ? So, kindly please tell me the best advise on this issue ?
please reply a.s.a.p
i shall be very thankful to you
This is a really long time. Have you contacted CIC? You should ask them what’s going on with your visa application. In my opinion, your waiting time is unusual.
You have been very helpful in explaining some of the seemimgly long and confusing process, however, I still have some issues I’ll like to know more about.
I applied for Canadian immigration in 2005 under the Federal Skilled Worker and my application is being processed at the Accra office in Ghana. My application is still being processed after almost 5 years!! I really wish to know what is involved in the process that takes about 5 years to sort out. Thank you.
It could be a number of factors. Most of time, it’s a combinations of the office being very busy and the background check taking a lot time. Have you traveled a lot? Did you work in “sensitive” fields such as energy etc.? It could explain your application being delayed.
You should contact the CIC office and ask them what is taking so long. You should have received a letter stating roughly how long the process was going to take. If it has been long than that, by all means, contact the CIC.
Hi Zhu, Happpy new year. Just a quick question, my girl friend recently applied for the Quebec selected worker programme and has been approved and permanent residency visa have been issued. However the only problem is that she has no acconmodation or place to stay in Quebec where the permanent residence card will be sent to as she plans to stay a couple of weeks at first due work commitment here in UK. Can she give an address in Toronto for the PR Card to be sent.
Thanks,
Emeka
Don’t worry, a lot of people have the same problem. You can have it sent to Toronto, I believe you can even wait to give your address.
Hi Zhu, i know that you are not an immigration officer but i thought i ask a question.I am qualified lawyer by profession in my home country and would like to apply for permanent residency. However, my occupation ( law) is not on thelist of 29 occupation but i do have one year experience as claims consultant solicitor in the law firm that i work representing clients. Can I be able to apply under this category : Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners
Thanks,
Chukks
HI
I AM SPONSORING MY HUSBAND. HIS APPLICATION IS CURRENTLY IN PROCESS at paris.
IT IS NOW 7 MONTHS AND I REALLY DONT KNOW WHY IT IS TAKING LONG. EVERYTIME WHEN I CHECK THE STATUS ON LINE IT INDICATE THAT IT IS IN PROCESS. DO YOU KNOW WHY IT IS TAKING 7 MONTHS.
Seven months is quite short actually, I believe the average is at least a year.
On the sponsorship application, the CIC usually mention the average processing time.
Good luck!
thank you for your answer it was really kind of you. the average time indicated on my letter from immigration is 6-12 months.i thought if it is past 6 months immigration would of made a decision by now. i was thinking of seeing the mayor in order to process my file faster but people are telling me not to do that because once the mayor gets involved immigration will delay the process. i been married for more than an year.
my moms friends son he sponsored his wife from india and they got married after me. his wife is now in canada. it only took her 6 months to arrive.
I know it’s not fun to hear that but I think it actually takes about a year for most people. Waiting is not fun, I know!
I don’t think you should get anyone involve as CIC is still within the deadline (i.e. 6 to 12 months). Better let them work on the case. That said, if after 12 months you don’t have any news from them, by all mean, contact them.
Best of luck!
hi Zhu
i usually visit my husband on my holiday breaks. is it OK to visit him
while i’am sponsoring him? would immigration give me any problems for leaving Canada?
First and foremost, thank you Zhu!
I have a bachelor degree and a teaching diploma from a university in my home country. However no work experience as a teacher, therefore i do not meet the requirements of a skilled worker.
Will it be a good investment to study teaching in Canada for 1-2 years before applying for permanent residency from within Canada? In other words, does studying there increase my chances of finding a job?
Or will it be better to get teaching experience outside of Canada and only then try my luck as a skilled worker?
Your adivice is MUCH appreciated!
Hi Greta,
Nice to meet you!
What is your country of citizenship and where did you get your teaching diploma?
I know that teaching requirements depend on the provinces. For instance, the University of Ottawa offers a quite intensive one-year teaching diploma to those who already have a university diploma in a related field. That could be a good option for you. Otherwise, you may be able to teach in private schools. It really comes down to 1) whether your current teaching diploma is recognized in Canada 2) the requirements of the province you will be settling in.
In your case, a Canadian teaching degree may increase your chances of getting a job but again, it depends on the provincial requirements. Don’t forget that being a foreign student in Canada can be expensive since you are charged the international fees.
Any work experience is good but again, you have to make sure it’s recognized. Would you be eligible for a work visa or a Working Holiday Visa by any chance?
I’m being a bit vague but teaching is a very specific field.
Hi how long does it take for my algerian husband to get english spouse visa? Thanks
It depends on many factors. No one can tell for sure. Did you read the article?
Hi,I am indian citizen settle in botswana, apply for my canadian pr in may 2006 via south africa visa office, why is taking such a long time and how long should it take?
No idea, you are not giving me any info! You just have a look at the CIC processing times: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/
i filed for my husband aug2011 its almost a year and the only thing my ecas says is app recived nov2011 and i have not heard from them i contacted my MP about 2 months ago and they told her they are still doin criminal checks im kinda goin crazy now it really takes that long for crimanl checks
There is no typical answer, it depends. I can’t give you an answer for your specific case.
Hi,
I need to apply for PR from canada under Experienced Class. I am already in Canada. I am Indian Citizen, Can you please tell me how can I find which is suitable VISA office for me to apply PR. How can I find if which VISA office is less busy. Please advice
You will find the various visa offices’ processing times here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/.
i have filed and application from indian for canada migration on skilled visa class almost 02 yes ago. from feb on wards my online status shows that it is on proces after the review. can any one will be able to tell me how long this scenario will go on.
No, I can’t tell. I have no details on your application and this is not a guessing game. Your local visa office will be able to give you more info.
Good luck!
Hi there, I am just applying for a visitor visa, and I have been waiting for 6 weeks (it should take 3!! )
I am getting really frustrated cause nobody can tell me why its taking so long…I try to call and they send me to an automated machine, :S I can not even go there in person cause they got my passport!!! Is there a way I can get some information about my visa application??? I need to fly next week….and at this point I’m not sure I can make it, :/
I’m sorry but I have no idea why the processing time is so long. I can’t really help, as I don’t even know where you are from and where is your visa office. Hopefully you will get the visa soon. The best way would be to call your visa office I guess.
Hello I am having some confusion with my application and maybe you can help. My wife is Canadian and she has been approved to sponsor me already. At the onset of the application I was living in Belize where I am a citizen and I work seasonally in Tourism then in the summers I live in america or for the last 4 years I have taken this free time to visit Toronto where friends host me. This is how my wife and I met. Through a mutual friend. So the immigration office sent my application to Guatemala to be processed as it was the closest location. After applying I moved to the US and we emailed to let them know that I would be in the U.S., 4 months later and Guatemalan office is still sending us an email requesting many of the documents which we already had sent (FBI background check, medical, fees). I talked to an immigration lawyer who is a friend of a friend and he said that the medical exam may have to be redone after 6 months but this doesn’t explain the FBI and others that they also requested. I’m in an odd limbo because my boss has sold his resort in Belize and now I have to either establish myself in the U.S. or Return to Belize and seek similar employment but for only the few months that are left. I decided to come to toronto on a visitor visa so that my wife and I could be together as it is very hard for us to be apart this long.
The question I have is who can I contact to make sure that they send my application to a U.S. office if they have not done so? Every contact my wife and I have tried leads to no one. They said that if I don’t present these documents that we already submitted in 30 days it would forfeit my application. If I have to get these all again from both countries it would take me traveling to both and it would take longer than 30 days. Is it possible that they lost my file in transit from guatemala to the U.S.? If so can I be held responsible for this?
Also, does coming in to Canada on a visitor visa to avoid being separated from my wife for so long present any problems or possible unwanted bias. I am not rich and really we just fell in love but this whole experience has been disorienting. At the moment my wife supports us both so that I can be here as opposed to us being apart, but this is not optimal and in two months I will have to either spend another 4-? months away from her or try to leave and come back on another visitor visa. which if it is going to jeopardize our future than I want to know.
Thank you for any advise you may have and any info can give me
Hi,
I’m sorry I can’t advise you on your application being transferred, that’s CIC’s business and I really wouldn’t know. The best advice I can give you is to follow up with both CIC’s offices, in Guate and in the U.S.
As for getting a visitor visa, be careful as a lot of applications are denied if you don’t show sufficient ties with your home country, as immigration services fear that you will overstay.
Sponsorship applications do take some time to be processed and while this is not great for a couple, there is no other way around. On the bright side, once it’s done, you forget how tough it was 😉
Good luck!
Hi I have a question about my parents and sibiling application. I have applied an application for my family since nov, 2009 and I just recieved a letter that my application was apporved. My question is how long is it going to take for my family to get their visa???????
If you had a positive “decision made” notice, it shouldn’t be much longer.
Yes it is a positive “decision made” Do you know how many months it is going to take until they got a visa interview????
I’m not too familiar with the family visa (outside the spousal one). Are their medical exams still valid? And I thought the interview was done before the visa was approved, so if the decision was made without an interview I doubt they will get one now.
No they haven’t had an interview yet. The letter I got was that I was approved as a sponser for my family and all the doucments they needed was completed. They haven’t done the medical exam also.
I’m really confused with the process timeline then. So the decision was made to approve you as a sponsor, that’s it?
Yes because they had asked for all the doucments like birth certificate, police record and my income and after submiting all these documents they send me a letter that they have recieved all my doucments and that my application was approved. I think the next step is to send my application to the embassy but how long is it going to take after they get my application it has been since 2009????
I see. So you “passed” the first step, being approved as a sponsor, but your family hasn’t been assessed yet. It will take a while. You can see the average timelines here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm-fc.asp. It depends on where the application is being processed.
Thank you so much for your help. I know that the processing time is between 33-55 months but my question is does it count from the day you send my application or from the day my application was approved????? Thank you
Normally it’s from the day you sent your application. However, the timelines are not always accurate from my experience, they just give you a rough idea. I’m sorry, I know it’s sooo long… 🙁
Thank you so much for your help and may god bless u and ur family 🙂
You’re welcome! Hopefully the process will be quicker than expected!
Hi Zhu, I have been applied for permanent resident as sponsorship (by my spouse) inside Canada since Feb 2011 (started processing on March 2011), I’ve also completed medical exam on April 2012. There’re two step on sponsorship of a spouse case: step1 for 6mnths and step2 for 8mnths, but I am actually confused about these timeline as it’s been taking more than 20 mnths now, and the most important thing is I am completely lost (my work permit and study permit are expired) except CSQ is valid until 2015. Do you think I passed the 1st step and is in the 2nd step as my status is still showed “in process”? and whether does CSQ mean I have the right to stay in Canada until 2015?? this make so confusing.. in ur experience what should I do next??!!
Thk advance for ur informations.
Applying for sponsorship from within Canada is notoriously slow, unfortunately. There is no way for me to tell you how much longer it will take. Was your sponsor approved? That’s the first step and it’s usually fairly quick. The second step is when they assess your application, i.e. whether the relationship is genuine. “In process” just means that…
ya, he was already approved as a sponsor, like you said it has been taking so long, but what do you think about CSQ (selection of Quebec certificate)?
What do you mean? I don’t know much about the Quebec process, I live in Ontario.
Ya, I see as I thought CSQ was a key for me to continue staying here while waiting for the decision from CIC but it was not, my papers are expired, maybe I’ll find out other way like apply for a new visa or come back my country. It’s hard for me now as I don’t want to be a illegal resident…
Thanks for informations Zhu.
Ah, I see! Sorry, I’m a bit out of touch with the Quebec immigration system since I immigrated to Ontario. Plus, things change all the time…
I have heard of something called “status implicite” for immigrants like you who are waiting for a decision. Basically, it would mean that you are legal in Canada as long as your application is being processed. I don’t want to give you info that’s wrong but you may want to look into that. I hope the process won’t be much longer for you, I know it’s tough!
Ya, this’s what I am looking for, it may save me :),
I took a look into that and YES, this would be considered as “implied status” with in-land spousal sponsorship. I may have peace of mind now 🙂
I also leave the link here (from Law Corp.) for those who want to refer to:
http://www.rogersonlaw.com/articles/Remaining-in-Canada-After-Your-Canadian-Visa-Expires.php
Thanks again Zhu. God bless u and ur family.
Yay! I’m glad there is an option for you! Thank you for following up and thank you for the useful link.
Hi Zhu,
Great article, just wondering how you found out that Buffalo was busy and that Paris would be faster? Is there a way I can find the best location to send my application to like you did?
Thanks for your help.
Bryan
Hi Bryan,
At the time, I check the processing time here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/. It’s not always accurate but it gives you an idea of what to expect. Good luck!
hello there !
your articles are very helpful. is there a place where there is a complete checklist of all documents needed for immigration to canada ? this will totally rule out the need to hire an agent and save loads of money.
thank you
All the application kits available on the official website (www.cic.gc.ca) have a checklist 🙂
Hey Zhu,
Let me say first of all thanks a lot for the great job on your blog and your spontaneous dedication to assist folks around the world with their immigration process.
Here is my situation, I have been working in the USA for one of the major banks in the east cost for almost one year right after my graduation -MBA financial management- and I am fluent in French, Arabic and English. I am also taking CFP exam-Certified Financial Planner- review classes in one the universities here in the US in order to pass the CFP exam by next summer.
I don’t want to sound like a retarded since you have been asked the same question so many times, and I definitely know that every case is pretty much particular and it also depends on the immigration office you send your application to, but do you think I could get my case approved within a year if I apply in July?
Another question, how does it work when it comes to looking for jobs in there? Any suggestions/tips?
I really appreciate your honest and quick answers.
Jim
Hi Jim,
For job-related questions, this series may interest you: https://correresmidestino.com/tag/how-to-find-a-job-in-canada/.
I’d say a year is a minimum when it comes to processing time for the permanent residence, but it really depends on how swamped your visa office is, and how complete your application is. Do you qualify as a skilled worker? If so, the process should be straightforward but it can be long.
Hi Zhu,
Thanks a lot, I thought you never replied! 🙂
Yes, I am actually applying under the skilled worker category. I’ll go across the link related to job search to get further insight regarding this matter.
Zhu, I am facing a little issue here regarding the assessment of my education -ECA-! I can easily request from my university here in the US to directly mail my official transcripts to one of the Canadian agencies for assessment -MBA degree- but I will face a hard time trying to do the same with my college back home! I graduated form that college 6 years ago and I am not optimistic they gonna be willing to do me this favor if I can get in touch with them! However I already have all my original certified transcripts! What Can I do in case my other college doesn’t respond in a favorable way?
Thanks again
Sorry, I don’t have a clue… I am not familar with the US education system. In France, we get our transcripts when we graduate, it is much less “official” and I don’t think I gave CIC anything but my own copies back then.
I guess things have changed a lot since your application has been processed! Now, CIC requests from candidates under skilled worker category to submit an educational credentials assessment form a third party that requests transcripts to be sent directly from your school! I do have all my transcripts and diplomas but it is requested to be mailed from school! Imagine that I also need to ask IAE de Lyon Universite Jean Moulin to mail those transcripts to University of Toronto! Its gonna be a little pain in the butt but hopefully things are gonna be straightened out!
Thanks anyways,
Yes, it did change a lot! It was easier “back then” I think, this is why I tend to send people to the CIC website because my info are not very up-to-date. I mean, the whole process was almost entirely overhauled, and times have changed too, the economy, all that. Getting transcripts is a huge pain, I know. I would have been stuck too, French universities don’t really cooperate well in this case. If you find an easiest way, please do share, I am sure it would help other people.
This question goes along with the post: how long are you willing to wait?
Before filing for application, based on my experience, you have to stretch your patience to its fullest extent. Then you’ll also need constant stock of patience. That’s the best thing you can do on your part other than submitting all the requirements.
The rest is up to the immigration officer and standard that changes over time.
Wise words!
hi zhu
ur information is so helpful,
my situation is that i have been applied for permanant residancy in live in caregiver catagory almost 1 year before but i dint get any response,i m still in canada .when ever i check the cic web they show 38 months. can u please tell me how long mostly this kind of cases take. thanx
Unfortunately, I have no idea. You can check the average processing time on http://www.cic.gc.ca.