You submitted your application. You checked everything twice. Maybe even three times. You hit “Submit,” and now you wait. And wait. And wait.
Welcome to the great immigration waiting game—a game where the rules are unclear, the timeline is unpredictable, and your future hangs in the balance.
Will your visa or permanent residency application be processed in six months? A year? Longer? The official IRCC Processing Time tool (which we will break down later) gives an estimate, but does that really mean anything for your case? Not necessarily.
Processing times are more like historical weather data than an accurate forecast. They tell you how long it took for other applicants in the past, but they do not guarantee how long it will take for you. Some applications get approved faster, while others remain in limbo for months—sometimes years.
So, what is really going on? What affects the timeline? And, most importantly, is there anything you can do to speed things up? Let us dive deep into the world of IRCC processing times.
What IRCC Processing Times Actually Mean
You might have already seen the official Processing Time tool on the IRCC website (Open Processing Time Tool).
This tool lets you check the estimated processing time for different applications, including:
- Work permits;
- Study permits;
- Visitor visas;
- Permanent residence applications;
- Citizenship applications.
But here is the truth: The number you see in that tool is NOT a promise. It is a rough statistical average based on past applications. It does not take into account:
- How complete and clear your application is.
- Whether your case requires extra background checks.
- Internal delays within IRCC (such as staffing shortages or policy changes).
- External factors like global crises, country-specific priorities, or shifting government policies.
So, when you check the processing time, take it with a grain of salt.
Things You CAN Control
The speed of your application processing is not entirely out of your hands. While there are factors beyond your control, there are several critical aspects that you can influence to improve your chances of a smooth and timely process.
First, make sure your application is complete and accurate before submitting it. IRCC follows a strict process, and if any required documents are missing, your case will be put on hold until you provide them. Even a seemingly minor omission, such as a missing police clearance certificate, can add months to your processing time. Double-check every document to ensure that it is included, properly formatted, and easy to read.
Second, be consistent with your information across all forms and documents. If IRCC officers notice contradictions, they will investigate further, which can cause unnecessary delays. For example, if your birth certificate spells your name one way but your passport spells it differently, your case may be flagged for review. Instead of leaving it to the officer to figure out, provide a clear explanation in advance, along with supporting documentation if possible.
Your application should also be logically structured and well-supported by documentation. Every detail needs to make sense to the reviewing officer. If anything in your background could raise questions—such as a long gap in employment—do not leave it open to interpretation. Proactively explain the reason, whether it was due to travel, illness, or family responsibilities. If you fail to provide a logical explanation, IRCC may assume that you are withholding important information, which could slow down the process.
Timing also plays a role in how quickly your application is processed. Some immigration programs receive a surge of applications at specific times of the year, such as when a program reopens or at the beginning of the calendar year. If possible, try to submit your application early in the cycle to avoid long queues. The later you apply, the higher the chances that your case will be processed alongside thousands of others, leading to longer wait times.
Finally, be responsive to any requests from IRCC. If the immigration office asks for additional documents or clarification, respond as quickly as possible. Even a short delay of a few days can push your file further down the queue, adding unnecessary waiting time. The faster you provide the requested information, the sooner your case can move forward.
By taking these steps—ensuring a complete application, providing consistent and well-documented information, applying at the right time, and responding promptly to IRCC requests—you can avoid common pitfalls and reduce the risk of unnecessary delays in your immigration process.
Things You CANNOT Control
While there are steps you can take to improve your chances of a faster processing time, some factors are entirely out of your control. These are often the most frustrating aspects of the immigration process because they can significantly impact your application, yet there is little you can do to influence them.
One major factor is background checks and security screening. If you have lived in multiple countries, IRCC may need extra time to verify your history across different jurisdictions. Certain red flags can further slow this process, such as past visa refusals, overstaying a visa in any country, previous deportations, or having worked in fields like law enforcement, government, or conflict zones. These cases often require additional scrutiny to ensure there are no security concerns. For instance, if you worked as a journalist in a politically sensitive country, your background check might take longer than usual, as IRCC will need to verify the nature of your work and assess any potential risks.
Another factor beyond your control is administrative processing and staffing issues within IRCC. Sometimes, applications get delayed not because of anything in your file, but simply because the system is overwhelmed. Immigration officers may quit, transfer, or take extended leave, and your file might sit untouched until reassigned. Processing speed also varies between visa offices—some handle applications much faster than others due to differences in workload and staffing. A prime example of this issue was the Federal Self-Employed immigration program, which had to be paused because IRCC could not keep up with the sheer number of applications already in the system.
Finally, Canada’s immigration priorities can shift depending on global events and government policies. In certain cases, IRCC prioritizes applications from specific countries due to humanitarian reasons or political circumstances. For example, in 2022, applications from Ukraine were processed in a matter of weeks, while applications from other regions faced significant delays. This does not mean that other applications are ignored, but when resources are redirected to urgent cases, standard processing times inevitably increase for everyone else.
These uncontrollable factors can be frustrating, especially when your future plans depend on an immigration decision. While you cannot change how IRCC operates, understanding these realities can help you set realistic expectations and prepare for potential delays.
How to Track Your Application Status
Waiting for an update on your immigration application can feel like an endless guessing game. You might wonder whether your file is even being processed, if any decisions have been made, or if additional documents are needed. Fortunately, there are ways to track your application status and get a clearer picture of where things stand.
The most straightforward way to check your status is through IRCC’s online tracking system. By logging into your account on the IRCC website, you can see if your application is still in progress, if any new requests have been made, or if a decision has been issued. However, the information provided is often limited and does not always explain why your application is taking longer than expected.
If you need more details or your case seems to be stuck, you can submit an inquiry through the IRCC Web Form. This allows you to ask for specific updates or provide additional information that might be relevant to your application. It is also the best option if you want a written response, which can be useful in case of future delays.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of what is happening behind the scenes, you can request your case notes through an ATIP (Access to Information and Privacy) request. This report contains internal notes from IRCC officers, including any concerns they may have about your file, whether additional background checks are being conducted, or if your case has been put on hold for any reason. While it does not speed up processing, it can help you understand what is happening and whether any action is needed on your part.
Staying informed about your application status is key to managing expectations and knowing when to follow up. If delays extend far beyond the standard processing times, having a clear record of your inquiries and case history can also be useful if you need to escalate the issue or seek legal advice.
What to Do If Your Application is Stuck?
There is nothing more frustrating than watching the expected processing time come and go while your application remains in limbo. You check the IRCC portal, send inquiries, and still—nothing. If your application has exceeded the normal processing time and there is no clear reason for the delay, you do have options.
One of the most powerful legal tools available in such cases is a Mandamus application. This is a formal legal action filed in Federal Court that compels IRCC to make a decision on your application. It does not guarantee approval, but it does force the government to act when there has been an unreasonable delay. However, filing for Mandamus is not a simple process—it requires strong legal arguments, supporting documentation, and an understanding of what qualifies as an unreasonable delay. This is why it is crucial to work with an experienced immigration lawyer who can assess your situation and determine if a Mandamus application is the right course of action.
Do Not Leave Your Application to Chance
The immigration process is complex, and while some waiting is inevitable, there is a big difference between a normal delay and one that could have been avoided. An application that is well-prepared, complete, and supported by the right documentation is far less likely to get stuck in an unnecessary backlog.
At MBLAW Professional Corporation, we help clients navigate this process with clarity and strategy, ensuring that your application is submitted in the strongest possible form. If you are experiencing delays or want to avoid processing issues from the start, we are here to help.
