Permanent Residence and Citizenship Applicants Empowered to Check Personalized Processing Times
Applicants seeking Canadian permanent residence (PR) and citizenship can now access personalized processing times for their applications. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has significantly updated its online tool, enhancing transparency and accessibility for applicants.
Key Changes to the IRCC Processing Tool
The updated processing tool now allows applicants to obtain specific details about their applications. This is a shift from the previous model, which only provided average processing times based on the application type.
New Features of the Processing Tool
Applicants can now answer two questions to get a clearer estimate of their application status:
- Have you already applied? – Select “Yes” or “No.”
- When did you apply? – Input the specific date of application.
Personalized Estimates for Submitted Applications
If applicants have submitted their application, they will receive:
- The estimated remaining time until a decision is made.
- The number of people ahead in the processing queue.
- The total number of individuals waiting for a decision.
For instance, consider Sally, who submitted her application under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in May 2025. By inputting her details, she discovers:
- Estimated time left: 26 months
- People ahead: Approximately 9,500
- Total waiting: Approximately 13,100
- Processing time for new applicants: About 37 months
Estimates for New Applicants
If applicants answer “No” to having submitted an application, they will see:
- The estimated processing time for submitting an application today.
- The total number of individuals currently awaiting a decision.
For example, Rachel, Sally’s friend, who has not yet applied, finds that the processing time is approximately 37 months with about 13,100 people waiting for a decision.
Application Types Affected by the Update
This new tool provides tailored estimates for several application categories:
- Economic immigration
- Family class sponsorship
- Citizenship applications
- Humanitarian and compassionate cases
- Refugees and protected persons
However, it is worth noting that the updates do not cover all applications. For instance, sponsorship for dependent children and certain relatives are excluded from this enhanced visibility.
Conclusion
The updated IRCC processing tool enhances the experience of PR and citizenship applicants in Canada. With personalized processing times, applicants can plan better and stay informed throughout their application journey.
