Immigration Canada provides processing timelines during COVIDA new IRCC update provides a window into the processing status of applications for several immigration programs.
Permanent residence
IRCC says it is working at full capacity to process permanent residency applications. However, COVID-19 caused a backlog in applications, so you may experience some delays.
At the time of writing, IRCC said it was finalizing most of the
Canadian Experience Class applications they received between May 24 and May 30, 2020, meaning decision-makers are working on applications that they received about 10 months ago.
Citizenship
| Document | Applicants | IRCC Status |
|---|
| Grant of Citizenship | Received AOR Letter | Finalizing most applications received between March 31 and April 6, 2019. |
| Grant of Citizenship | Waiting to receive AOR | Sending letters for applications received the week of January 21, 2021. |
| Proof of Citizenship | | Check Client Application Status Tool. Processing time is 5 months. |
Family
| Program | Application type | IRCC Status |
|---|
| Spousal, common-law, dependent child sponsorship | Inland | Finalizing most applications received between Sept. 29 and Oct. 5, 2019. |
| Spousal, common-law, dependent child sponsorship | Outland | Finalizing most applications received between May 26 and June 1, 2019. |
| Parents and Grandparents | | Check online account. |
| Adoptive child or other relative | | Check online account. |
Temporary workers
| Work Permit Type | Online or Paper | Eligible for Global Skills Strategy | IRCC Status |
|---|
| Work Permit Outside Canada | Online | Yes | Finalizing most applications received between September 20 and 26, 2020. |
| Work Permit Outside Canada | Online | No | Check online account. |
| Work Permit Outside Canada | Paper | | Can't give accurate processing time. |
| Work permit inside Canada (initial, extensions and changes) | Online | | Finalizing most applications received between December 13 and 19, 2020. |
| Work permit inside Canada (initial, extensions and changes) | Paper | | Finalizing most applications received between December 13 and 19, 2020. |
| For asylum claimants | Online | | Finalizing most applications received between December 6 and 12, 2020. |
| For asylum claimants | Paper | | Finalizing most applications received between December 6 and 12, 2020. |