IRCC launches personalized PR and citizenship timelines, i.e., applicants for Canadian permanent residence (PR) and citizenship now have access to more transparent and accurate information about their application timelines.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has upgraded its online processing time tool, allowing applicants to check:
- When they can expect their application to be processed based on their submission date
- Their position in the processing queue
Previously, PR and citizenship applicants could only see an average processing time for their application type or program, without any adjustment for their specific submission date. With this change, IRCC aims to give applicants clearer and more personalized updates.
The interface for temporary residence applications has not changed.
How Has The IRCC Processing Tool Evolved?
The upgraded IRCC processing tool introduces two key questions for certain application types. These new steps help applicants understand their estimated processing time more precisely and see their place in the overall queue.
Question 1: Have you already applied?
Applicants can choose either “Yes” or “No.”
Question 2: When did you apply?
Applicants can enter the exact year and date of submission.
Scenario One: Applicants Who Have Already Submitted
If you select “Yes” for the first question and enter your submission date for the second, the webpage will display:
- An estimated time remaining until a decision is made
- The number of applicants ahead of you in the processing queue
- The total number of applicants currently waiting for a decision.
The tool also provides a comparison with the estimated processing time for those submitting their application now.
Additional Questions For Certain Applications
For some programs, the tool may ask extra questions, typically related to location such as whether the applicant is applying from inside or outside Canada, or where they intend to settle. This helps IRCC generate more accurate processing estimates.
Which Applications Are Included In This Update?
As IRCC launches personalized PR and citizenship timelines, let us discuss which applicants are included in this update.
Well, as of now, personalized processing time estimates and queue information are available for the following application categories:
Economic Immigration
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Express Entry
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Self-Employed Persons Program
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Quebec Business Class
- Start-up Visa Program
Family Class Sponsorship
- Spouse or common-law partner (in Canada)
- Spouse or common-law partner (outside Canada)
- Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
Note: Applicants for dependent children sponsorship, adopted child sponsorship, or other relative sponsorship cannot currently access personalized timelines.
Citizenship
- Citizenship grants
- Citizenship certificates (proof of citizenship)
Other Application Types
- Humanitarian and compassionate cases
- Refugees – Protected persons and convention refugees (in Canada)
Other application types, such as those related to document replacement or amendments, are not included in this update.
What Does This Change Means For Applicants?
This new feature gives applicants more visibility into their application’s progress, replacing generic average times with estimates tailored to their submission date.
This improvement is expected to reduce uncertainty and help applicants plan their next steps more confidently, whether that involves preparing documents, arranging travel, or understanding how long they may need to wait.
By offering this transparency, IRCC aims to provide a more predictable immigration experience for PR and citizenship applicants.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
