The latest visa processing timelines in Canada are here!

The Canada immigration department updated its timelines for processing visa applications recently. This move is a reflection of the country’s operational capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

IRCC has stated that individuals may experience delays in processing during their attempts to access immigration services. The COVID-19 pandemic is to blame for such delays. The immigration department has put those with exemption from travel restrictions on priority.

Processing time for Canada PR

Currently, IRCC is finalizing most of the CEC applications filed with it between May 24, 2020, and May 30, 2020.  This indicates that IRCC is as of now clearing the applications it received 10 months before and is trying to clear out backlog first.

Canada PR Cards

In the case of PR cards in Canada, applicants had better check the status of their applications online. This is meant for first-time PR card applicants or for those who have applied for a renewal or replacement of the card.

IRCC has also urged applicants to confirm that all necessary documents have been gathered and identification numbers in order to be able to log in.

In case the applicant isn’t able to check their status on the online tool, they must try IRCC’s webpage. Fresh PR cards are processed in close to 125 days as of now. Renewals are done in about 80 days.

Processing of Citizenship applications

Document	Applicants	IRCC Status
Granting Citizenship	AOR letter received	Finalizing most applications filed from March 31 to April 6, 2019.
Granting Citizenship	AOR receipt awaited	Sending letters for applications filed in the week of January 21, 2021.
Proof of Citizenship		Check tool for client application status. Processing time is 5 months.

Processing of Family visa applications

Program	Application Type	IRCC Status
Sponsorship of common-law partner, spouse, and dependent child	Inland	Finalizing most applications filed from September 29 to October 5, 2019.
Sponsorship of common-law partner, spouse, and dependent child	Outland	Finalizing most applications filed from May 26 to June 1, 2019.
Grandparents and parents		Check account online.
Adoptive child or other types of relatives		Check account online.

Processing of visas for Temporary workers

Work Permit Type	Online or Paper	Eligible for Global Skills Strategy	IRCC Status
Work permits out of Canada	Online	Yes	Finalizing most applications filed from September 20 to September 26, 2020.
Work permits out of Canada	Online	No	Check online account.
Work permits out of Canada	Paper		Can't provide accurate time taken for processing.
Work permit within Canada (initial, extensions, and changes)	Online		Finalizing most applications filed from December 13 to December 19, 2020.
Work permit within Canada (initial, extensions, and changes)	Paper		Finalizing most applications filed from December 13 to December 19, 2020.
For claimants of asylum	Online		Finalizing most applications filed from December 6 to December 12, 2020.
For claimants of asylum	Paper		Finalizing most applications filed from December 6 to December 12, 2020.

Processing of visas for Students

As of now, IRCC is finalizing most applications for study permits received in the period from December 13, 2020, to December 19, 2020. These applications include the ones for study permit extensions and work permits for students. A longer time is expected for complex applications.

Currently, only those who can come to study in Canada holding student permits are going to a DLI with a COVID-19 readiness plan that’s approved. Students having a study permit that got approval before March 18, 2020, can also arrive in Canada to do their studies.

Processing of Visitors visa

An applicant can check his/her status online if he/she is applying for an ETA.

In case someone applied for a Visitor visa online, that applicant can check the application status after signing in to his/her account. If the application has been given on paper, the applicant can link his/her applications to an online account. There he/she can see the status of his/her application. IRCC will keep the applicant updated about the status through messages.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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Note:

PR – Permanent Residence/Permanent Resident

EOI – Expression of Interest

IRCC – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

DLI – Designated Learning Institutions

CEC – Canadian Experience Class

ETA – Electronic Travel Authorization