Lawyers and Families Shocked by 50-Year Immigration Wait as IRCC Confirms It’s Accurate
Recent revelations regarding processing times for Canadian permanent residency applications have astonished both applicants and immigration lawyers. Under some programs, these timelines have reached up to 50 years, raising significant concerns over the viability of Canada’s immigration system.
Unprecedented Wait Times for Immigration Applications
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently confirmed extraordinary processing times. For instance, families applying under the humanitarian and compassionate stream are facing waits ranging from 12 months to as much as 600 months. This shocking data was highlighted in the immigration minister’s May 2025 “transition binder.”
- Humanitarian stream: 12 to 600 months
- Caregiver pathway: up to 108 months (9 years)
- Agri-food stream: up to 228 months (19 years)
- Startup visa stream: up to 420 months (35 years)
“We were shocked,” shared Olha Kushko, a recent immigrant from Ukraine. Her family, who arrived in Ottawa under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), had originally anticipated a processing time of approximately two years. The reality, as indicated on the IRCC website, is now over ten years for new applications.
Families in Limbo
The Kushko family’s journey highlights the uncertainty many families are experiencing. With their work permits expiring next spring, they face the distressing prospect of potentially returning to war-torn Ukraine. Olha expressed her fear, stating, “I don’t want to lose my son. I want to keep him alive and happy.”
Others under similar circumstances share their frustrations. A representative from the Hong Kong Pathway Alliance reflected on the negative impact these lengthy waits are having on applicants. Some face financial hardship, while others risk separation from their families.
Concerns Raised by Legal Experts
Immigration lawyers are demanding clarity regarding these processing times. Claire Houkayem, an Ottawa immigration lawyer, voiced her concerns, stating, “If this is true, it’s shocking.” She noted that her clients are panicking over potentially spending decades in limbo. “It makes no sense, and how did it get to this point?” questioned Steven Meurrens, another immigration lawyer, highlighting the unprecedented nature of these delays.
Lawyers are apprehensive that the situation may worsen. Should the Liberal government enact new border security legislation, there are fears that mass cancellations of applications could occur, reminiscent of similar actions taken in previous years.
Government Response
In response to the growing concerns, Laura Blondeau, a communications director for Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, asserted that the reported processing times were accurate. She emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and restoring balance to the immigration system.
The IRCC explained that processing times are calculated based on the volume of applications and available resources relative to admission targets, which have seen a significant decrease recently.
As the situation evolves, applicants and their families remain in a state of uncertainty. The implications of the lengthy wait times are profound, influencing not only individual lives but also Canada’s reputation as a destination for humanitarian immigration.
