“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.
Thanks for these useful posts! I am canadian and my husband is Mexican. We currently live in South Korea. Would we apply through the office here in South Korea or through the Mexican office? The time here is much faster than through the Mexican office and we are trying to figure out when we should apply as we want to live here for another 2 or 3 years before making the move to Canada.
Thanks for the help!
I’m not sure actually! I think it’s your country of residence…?
Hello,
I am a US citizen and married a Canadian. I sent off the application without my security check and medical exam which will be done in a couple of days. My question is What documents did you send to show your relationship is genuine. We face timed every day but I can’t show evidence as that doesn’t go on the phone bill. I sent pictures and plane tickets. Will that be enough?
It really depends on the relationship and on the file. Emails, pictures, plane tickets, etc. are all acceptable proofs but it depends on how strong the relationship looks to officials.
hello i would like to ask if my application is past the average processing time.i have been sponsored by my father last june 5,2012.Application for permanent residence received june 5,2011.. 2 years of waiting and no news yet. should i contact them?
You should check average processing times for your visa office.
hi
im done with 1st step of process with quebec, and recieved file num from MICC , quebec …. so they r telling tat it takes 5yrs is tat true …. we have filed it on 17th dec 2012
i got a mail from CIC on 8th August.20014 that my application for permanent residence under Quebec program is currently being processed.So, i want to find out how long it would take.
No idea… nobody can tell. Years, more likely.
I looked on the “processing times” cic website and it indicates 17 months for the visa office where our spousal sponsorship application is currently being processed (Mexico City). The Mexico city visa office sent us a letter asking for additional information back in August, the letter said “this office will take 6 months to process your application, if you do not hear anything in 6 months please contact our office.” I am confused, why is the website saying 17months?
I applied for Canada pr on September 26,2014.i haven’t get any mail from cic yet.still waiting for cic mail….my question is how do I know whether the cic is accepted or rejected my file?
HI,
Im an Indian staying in US as a non-immigrant. If I want to apply for a Canada Visa, through which office I need to apply, is it from India or from US ..Thanks
I believe you have to apply in India but it depends on your exact status in the US and I don’t know US immigration law.
Hi my question is im canadien citizin i rosponsbl my husband i did everthing is done and they send for me application to pay rprf and i paid.now i wonder how long is take to come in canada thankyou
The process is long, depends on your application and on the visa office. Months, years…?
Are appliction is done 6 months is finsh this two weeks ago they wants rprf money i al ready paid after that is going take month or year agin
I’m sorry, I don’t understand anything. Also, a “please” and “thank you” are always appreciated.
Kindly let me know the exact period of processing times if I apply for family sponsorship catagory. I am living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Waiting your urgent response repeat your urgent response.
.
Thanks and regards.
You can check this link for average processing time: http://www.cic.gc.ca/English/information/times/index.asp
pls we are in Ghana.we have a Canadian friends in Canada who want us to come there my husband my child n i.pls how long will take
Your friends cannot sponsor you, FYI. As for how long the process takes, it depends on the process, visa office, etc. Usually at least several months to several years.
Hi, i’am a filipina, my husband sponsor me in canada for permanent residence and i send my passport to the visa office 10 weeks from now. How long do i wait before i recieve my visa. Thanks and godbless.
This seems very long. You should contact the visa office.
My husband recieved an email from them says there that my application is currently being process. Why it takes very long?
No idea, I don’t even know which immigration category you applied in and where is your visa office!
Family class is the category we applied and our visa office is at embassy of canada makati city
My husband is already a PR In canada.
It’s impossible to say. Check our the average processing time: http://www.cic.gc.ca/English/information/times/index.asp
Hi, my husband who holds a PR in ottawa, canada has applied for my pr too post our wedding. I was informed that it would take 3 months before they even review my case. How long ll it take to process the case? Is there any way to speeden the process? Am I eligible for a tourist visa once the slot no is reveived? My applicatiom has been submitted on 14 sep 2015
I don’t know what your visa office is, so I don’t have an answer to your question.
why the canadian embassy in abu dhabi doesn’t acknowledge the documents they received? my husband had send his additional documents 2mos ago. thanks for your response..
I have no idea… how would I know? You need to contact them.
I applied for my permanent residence last year. When I check on-line it says that my application was received on September 30th 2014. Then it was updated saying we started processing your application on February 17th 2015. The average processing time that they post online is 13 months. Does that mean 13 months after September or 13 months after February?
I’m not sure, it depends on the category of the application too.
Hello Zhu, just wondering if the timetable is accurate on the CIC website? I’m currently in the US and my wife is sponsoring me (family class) as she is Canadian. I’m going through Ottawa and it states 16 months. Seems kind of long but it is what it is! My application went into process this past June…
If you have any info per the timeline I’d appreciate it.
Thank you,
Jeremy
I think it is a table of past processing time, to give applicants an idea of how long the process is/has been and how busy visa offices are. I’d say it’s fairly accurate, although in the family class, it depends on the application (some seem to be straightforward, no interview etc.)
Thank you Zhu! It is really nice of you to take time helping me, and so many people with their immigration questions.
All the best,
Jeremy
Can i fly directly to any visa office and apply personally if their processing time is 1or 2 months? Like the Visa office in Paris, France? Im Indian citizen but right now, the fastest time to process a work permit application is in Paris so if I fly there just to apply, will my application be processed there or forwarded back to India since I don’t reside in France?
No you can’t. You are assigned a visa office based on your country of residence, and it certainly takes longer than two months in Paris anyway.
thank you for the reply. In your blog post, you mention that you could have applied to Buffalo NY but picked Paris for faster processing time? How does that work? Processing time on the CIC website say 1 month for Paris at the moment cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/temp/workers.asp.
i am indian citizen but living in Finland for 1 year working contract. If I apply online then, which country’s visa office will be the one processes my work permit application? there is no visa office in Finland so would it be processed somewhere close by in Europe (current processing time estimated at most 2 months)? Or would it still be sent to India (estimated 2 to 4 months)? how do you determine processing time for online applications??
No, I chose to apply from outside Canada, and my application was processed by Paris since I’m French. If I had applied from within Canada, then it would have been processed by Buffalo which, at the time, was the visa office dealing with such applications.
Looks like London processes application for Finland: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/missions/london.asp
You didn’t mention what kind of visa you are applying for…?
Hi , am currently having TRV for 3 years , can I apply for PR from within Canada ? What is the best and fastest way to get the PR without the need to leave Canada ? Thx
Did you check whether you were eligible in one of the categories?
goo day!! I am thinking of looking for a job and then immigrating to Canada but I have no idea of which jobs are in high demand?
http://www.cic.gc.ca should be your starting point.
Wonderful post.. very informative! I am from India and want to settle in Canada, I have done my MBA in marketing and have a work ex of 6 month currently,
1.Should I apply now if I have to fly to Canada after six months for a permanent job?
2.How is the job market for people with my qualification?
3.Should I go through a consultant who will help me find a job there as well apart from applying on my behalf?
It usually takes many months or a few years to get permanent residence status, so you can get started to see if you are eligible. Really, at this stage, finding a job isn’t your main goal, you have to go through the permanent residence status process first. Of course, it’s a good idea to check out the market (I’m not in your field, I can’t comment on it) but realistically speaking, you won’t get a job offer until you have a work visa or PR status. Good luck!
Hi you post is very informative,I’m married and my spouse is sponsoring me,the things is he hasn’t receive his permanent status yet cause the lawyer decided that when we get married that she can send in both of us application together so if he’s granted residency I w I’ll get mine too,it’s 27 months now and we’ve get anything,when we call all they saying still in process..we do an inland sponsor,should it take this long
I… have no idea. I don’t even know where you are from and what visa office is dealing with your case!
hello,I m a Canadian citizen and going to sponsor my wife,what’s the average process time in Ankara(Turkey) visa office?
You should check online, on the CIC’s website.
Hello ZHU,
I’m a U.S. Citizen (retired military) who married a Canadian Citizen (Canadian military) in Quebec. We met through the military in 2013. We married in Quebec in March 2015. I have been residing in Quebec with my wife since December 2014 on a Visa. I’m currently on an extended visa. We submitted a Sponsorship application within Canada and it was received and processed in August 2015. Can you give me an estimite of how much time I would have to wait to receive my Residency? I’ve heard and read most of the terrible stories about people waiting 4 or more years for their Residency. Could this happen to me? I have a clean record with no offences. I was discharged honorably from the military. Also, my wife and I just bought a house together here in Quebec. This should help to show that I’m committed to my marrige and wish to stay in Canada right? So, why does the process take so long for a couple, who is married, doing the right things? Thank you for time and patience.
Hi Zhu,
I’m a naturalized Canadian citizen who recently married a Filipino citizen. He works and he has been living in US for 6 years with an expired status. He became a victim of human trafficking 5 years ago and was left with no other choice but to stay there and work. Since he entered US legally with a work visa, he had a SSN and he continued to be a good taxpayer. As a result of his non-resident or undocumented status, my sponsorship application for his permanent residence was processed in the Philippines. All necessary documents were submitted along with his medical exam confirmation and the payment receipt for C$1,040. As of now, we’re past the 16th month processing time (which includes my assessment for eligibility as a sponsor) and I understand that the current processing time for spouse in Manila, Philippines takes 17 months. I’m just really worried because they haven’t contacted us for my husband to send his passport from US to Manila. Our friend who had the same status in US as my husband applied months behind us but is now coming to Canada in 2 weeks..his application only took 13 months and it’s exactly for the same application! Why is it like that? Same application, same Visa office, same circumstances but different waiting period?
Thank you,
Lucy
Your case is way too complex for me to even voice my two cents, I have no idea. Based on what I saw, there is no pattern when it comes to application, some cases are processed faster than others, this is just how it is. If you are really worried, the best ides would be to contact CIC once you are past the average processing times.
Thank you for your quick response. I guess the only option for now is wait and hope for the best. I will really call them for follow up after the elapsed time.
Hi Zhu,
I am a citizen of India, wanting to apply for a Canadian PR Visa. I have some of the queries listed below.
1. We have several consultancy for the immigration process here in India and also I am in contact with a Indian person working in LAW firm in Canada. Is it safe or OK to apply through LAW firm? I have heard that LAW firm is better than consultancy. My problem is If I apply through a Canadian LAW firm situated in Canada, I will have to contact that person for all the processing details who stays in Canada. How safe is it?
2. What all could be the chances or rejection? apart from Form not completely filled.
3. After getting the PR visa, how do I apply for a job in Canada from India? Will I be able to apply from India or I will have to go there and then search.
4. If I happen to go there and search a JOB, wanted to ask you is what are the job requirements in Canada? Are PR immigrants considered or have a good value ?
Correction:
2. What all could be the reasons of rejection? apart from Form not completely filled.
1. Most prospective immigrants can do the paperwork alone, I usually don’t recommend going through a consultant as it is a waste of money.
2. Many! If you qualify in the first place, that’s a big step. Medical exams, background check issues could lead to rejection for instance.
3. In theory, you could apply for jobs from India, however your chances are much better if you are already in Canada and have your visa sorted out.
4. PR immigrants have the right to work in Canada, so employers have no issue with their status. There are certain jobs where PR status can be an issue, including government positions where Canadian citizens are preferred, or job that require a top-level security clearance. However, the most common issue immigrants face is the lack of references in Canada or work experience in Canada (a catch 101).
Hey Zhu,
I am an Indian citizen, I live in US on student visa. I want to apply for canadian PR. I want to start a retail business in canada. Is it possible?? Thankyou
Anything is possible, but you have to go step by step. And the first step is getting info and see if you are eligible. Do research!
I am going to apply for citizenship and among the time spend outside Canada such as follows:
(Absent) Country (Reason)
1 Feb 2012 to 2 august 2012 A1 Family visit and others.
in this period I have visited, stayed and work another country (B1) for 4 and half months but I didn’t went that country(B1) from Canada. I went there from country A1.
In this case do I have to show the time I spend in country B1.
Thanks
I’m not sure I understand. Time out of Canada is time out of the country, doesn’t really matter how you get there.
Hi.
I recently got through a online assessment form in canadim.com for Quebec immigration. and got a reply of being selected. After that I got a call from a law firmt from Canada about my further movement. I have to pay 950 usd for processing to start and 4000 usd till pr. I am confused about it. I am in regular content with the law firm. Further I have academic ielts score of 7 . is academic ielts considered in Quebec as the agent told me. and can I move any state from Quebec once I get a pr? Please do help me if I should continue or not?
I think the fee required are those the law firm charge but not the immigration fees. You are paying a lot of money for something you could do alone. I wouldn’t recommend using a law firm if your case is straightforward.
One you are a landed immigrant, you can live anywhere you want in Canada, you don’t have to stay in Quebec.
Hi,
I applied for permanent residence in Canada under Quebec Skilled Worker. I already got my CSQ last year(April 2015). My application was started to process under Federal stage last December 2015 and now waiting for our Medical schedule. Could you please give me some idea when we can receive the medical request from the immigration since it has been 5 months passed and yet we are still waiting. My application was processed here in Middle East. Thank you so much.
I have absolutely no idea, sorry.
Dear,
I have a sponsorship file in the Canadian embassy in Lebanon to Quebec the still being processed, although the missed my file then they made an interview with me about 2 hours on 1 June 2016 and after the officer did not give an obvious answer and told me that he will send me an application to fill after several weeks and i have 30 days to resend it, i asked him how much time exactly in order to know what to do, but he did not answer obviously, now please do you have any information about this case or do you know someone who was on the same situation like me ? thank you in advance
I’m not sure I understand your situation. So you were interviewed as part of the sponsorship process and the agent told you a decision would be made later?
The officer told me that he will send an application or something similar and i have 30 days to resend it to him, do you think this will be decision , shall i have to resend a decision, so from this point i have a doubt that the application he has to send is a not a decision, do you have any thoughts please?
I have zero thoughts, I don’t really understand and I’m not qualified to have insight on your case.
Thank you dear