Processing times for a wide range of Canadian immigration applications have changed notably over the past year. As prospective immigrants and temporary residents plan their next steps, it’s crucial to know how do IRCC processing times compare to July 2024.
So, without further ado, let us begin!
Permanent Residence Applications
Express Entry
Among Canada’s many permanent residence streams, Express Entry applications have remained relatively steady, with only minimal changes in wait times over the past year.
| Application Type | Current Processing Time | Processing Time As Of July 24, 2024 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 5 months | 5 months |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | 6 months | 5 months |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | N/A | N/A |
Note: IRCC did not provide specific processing times for Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) applications either now or as of July 2024, stating there was ‘not enough data.’
IRCC Service Standard: 180 days for all Express Entry applications.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Processing times for Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) have generally increased, especially for those applying outside Express Entry streams.
| Application Type | Current Processing Time | Processing Time As Of July 24, 2024 |
| Through Express Entry | 8 months | 6 months |
| Not through Express Entry | 19 months | 11 months |
Enhanced PNP applicants—those applying through Express Entry—still benefit from faster timelines than base (non-Express Entry) PNP applicants.
IRCC Service Standards:
- 11 months for base PNP applications submitted online
- 180 days for enhanced PNP applications aligned with Express Entry
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Processing times for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) have grown since last year. The wait is now five months longer than in July 2024.
| Current Processing Time | Processing Time As Of July 24, 2024 | |
| 12 months | 7 months |
The AIP does not have an official IRCC service standard, but it’s worth noting that AIP applicants can apply for special work permits valid for up to two years, allowing them to start working while their PR application is being finalized.
Spousal Sponsorship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for PR. Processing times can vary based on whether you’re applying under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (SCLPC) or the Family Class, and whether you plan to reside inside or outside Quebec.
| Class And Destination | Current Processing Time | Processing Time As Of July 24, 2024 |
| SCLPC, outside Quebec | 34 months | 11 months |
| Family Class, outside Quebec | 11 months | 10 months |
| SCLPC, in Quebec | 38 months | 28 months |
| Family Class, in Quebec | 37 months | 32 months |
Processing times have grown sharply for the SCLPC outside Quebec category, which saw an increase of 23 months over the past year. It is a significant delay for many families hoping to reunite.
IRCC Service Standard: 12 months for Family Class overseas applications.
Note: There is no service standard for SCLPC cases.
Temporary Residence Applications
The next thing to know under how do IRCC processing times compare to July 2024 is about Temporary Residence applications.
Visitor Visas
People from certain countries must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada. Processing times vary by where you’re applying from and have shifted over the last year.
Outside Canada:
| Country | Current Processing Time | Processing Time As Of July 24, 2024 |
| India | 28 days | 51 days |
| Pakistan | 36 days | 47 days |
| Nigeria | 56 days | 182 days |
| Philippines | 33 days | 27 days |
| United States | 21 days | 29 days |
The biggest improvement is for Nigeria—where processing times dropped from 182 days to 56 days. Meanwhile, times for the Philippines rose slightly.
IRCC Service Standard: 14 days for TRV applications submitted outside Canada.
Inside Canada:
| Current Processing Time | Processing Time As Of July 24, 2024 | |
| 18 days | 25 days |
Most visitor visas are issued abroad, but applications from within Canada remain an option for some people.
Visitor Records
A visitor record lets you extend or change your visitor status while you’re in Canada. This process has slowed compared to last year.
| Current Processing Time | Processing Time As Of July 24, 2024 | |
| 193 days | 108 days |
This nearly three-month increase means it’s crucial to apply well before your current status expires.
Work Permits
Processing times for work permits depend on whether you apply inside or outside Canada, and your country of application.
Outside Canada:
| Country | Current Processing Time | Processing Time As Of July 24, 2024 |
| India | 7 weeks | 19 weeks |
| Pakistan | 5 weeks | 24 weeks |
| Nigeria | 12 weeks | 14 weeks |
| Philippines | 6 weeks | 9 weeks |
| United States | 4 weeks | 18 weeks |
Times have improved for all countries compared to last year—especially for India, Pakistan, and the US.
Inside Canada:
| Current Processing Time | Processing Time As Of July 24, 2024 | |
| 182 days | 109 days |
The in-Canada processing time has risen by more than 10 weeks since July 2024.
IRCC Service Standards:
- 60 days for initial applications from outside Canada
- 120 days for initial work permits or extensions from inside Canada
Study Permits
Your study permit’s processing time depends on whether you apply from within or outside Canada—and your country of residence.
Outside Canada:
| Country | Current Processing Time | Processing Time As Of July 24, 2024 |
| India | 3 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Pakistan | 11 weeks | 9 weeks |
| Nigeria | 5 weeks | 5 weeks |
| Philippines | 10 weeks | 8 weeks |
| United States | 7 weeks | 9 weeks |
Inside Canada:
| Current Processing Time | Processing Time As Of July 24, 2024 | |
| 12 weeks | 10 weeks |
Study Permit Extensions:
This is where the biggest shift happened.
| Current Processing Time | Processing Time As Of July 24, 2024 | |
| 180 days | 58 days |
IRCC Service Standards:
- 120 days for initial in-Canada study permits
- 60 days for study permits applied from abroad
Citizenship And Proof Of Citizenship
How do IRCC processing times compare to July 2024? Well, let’s discuss about citizenship and proof of citizenship for the same.
Citizenship Grants
Processing times for citizenship grants have climbed by about three months over the past year.
| Current Processing Time | Processing Time As Of July 24, 2024 | |
| 10 months | 7 months |
This applies equally to applications submitted inside or outside Canada.
IRCC Service Standard: 12 months for citizenship grants.
Citizenship Certificates (Proof of Citizenship)
Processing times for proof of citizenship are generally shorter than most other applications.
| Current Processing Time | Processing Time As Of July 24, 2024 | |
| 5 months | 3 months |
If you live outside Canada or the United States, or if you’re applying through a Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate, IRCC recommends adding an extra three to four months to the estimated processing time for your application.
It’s important to note that IRCC does not set official service standards for processing citizenship certificate applications.
A citizenship certificate is an official document that confirms a person’s Canadian citizenship status.
If you need proof of citizenship, you must apply for it—it’s not issued automatically, even if you’ve become a citizen. This is especially important for people born outside Canada who obtained Canadian citizenship by descent.
Processing Times vs. Service Standards: What’s The Difference?
Processing times and service standards are two separate things and shouldn’t be confused.
Processing Times
Processing times are estimates of how long it usually takes IRCC to handle a specific type of application from start to finish. They’re calculated from the date IRCC receives your application until a final decision is made.
These times are based on past data and current application backlogs, so IRCC updates them regularly to reflect what applicants can generally expect under normal conditions.
It’s important to remember that published processing times are only averages, i.e., your application could take less time or more time, depending on your situation.
Many factors can cause processing times to change, such as the number of applications submitted, existing backlogs, or policy updates.
Depending on the type of application, IRCC updates processing times weekly or monthly to give applicants the most accurate time frame possible.
Processing officially begins as soon as IRCC receives your application.
Service Standards
Service standards are internal targets IRCC uses as goals for how quickly they aim to process applications.
In most cases, IRCC’s goal is to process about 80% of applications within the published service standard for that application type, with the understanding that around 20% may take longer due to complexity or other unique factors.
These service standards are targets, not guarantees, i.e., they represent what IRCC strives to achieve under typical circumstances.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re applying for PR, a work or study permit, a visitor visa, or Canadian citizenship, knowing the current processing times compared to last year can help you plan.
If you have an urgent timeline or a complex case, consult a qualified immigration representative for personalized guidance. Thus, staying informed is your best tool for avoiding surprises—and for making your Canadian journey as smooth as possible.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
