The rate of processing immigration applications has increased

All immigrant applications are processed according to categories, each of which has its priority. So some have to wait a year or more for a decision. In addition, the pandemic has made adjustments and slowed things down.

The standards of service followed by Immigration Canada (IRCC) employees by category:

1. Family reunification applications are 12 months.
2. Citizenship applications (for adults and children) — 12 months.
3. Applications for a Permanent Resident Card are 60 days (from the time the form is filled out and permanent residency is confirmed).

The length of the process depends on the type of visa, the country from which the applicant is immigrating, and other factors. The approximate processing time application can be independently checked on the official government website.

The Immigration Service tries to process applications as quickly as possible. Minister of Immigration, refugees and citizenship Sean Fraser reports monthly to the government on the number and percentage of completed applications. But there is a backlog, and more than 2 million applications are currently being processed.

Compared to January 2022, where the backlog was almost 90%, it was only 20% in December. The government is trying to reduce the number of unfulfilled applications in the registries and to process 80% of the incoming documents. But sometimes delays occur for reasons beyond their control: due to complex cases, when additional information is needed, due to a sharp increase in the number of applications, etc.

In order not to make mistakes in the documents, not to lose or forget anything, set up a consultation. This will save you time and nerves. And clear instructions will help you get ahead of the competition and improve your chances.

If the processing time is more than 12 months and there is no refusal, you should not panic and get upset. The delay may be due to other reasons.