IRCC Launches Personalized Processing Time Tool for PR and Citizenship Applicants
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a major update to its online processing time system — giving applicants for Permanent Residence (PR) and Canadian Citizenship more transparency than ever before.
Until now, applicants could only view average processing times for specific programs, regardless of when their application was submitted. With this new enhancement, users can now check personalized estimates based on their actual submission date and position in the queue.
What Has Changed
The revamped IRCC tool now allows users to see:
- Personalized processing times tailored to their own application date;
- The number of people ahead of them in the processing queue; and
- The total number of applications currently being reviewed in the same category.
This update marks a significant step toward greater transparency in Canada’s immigration system, giving both new and existing applicants more clarity about their timelines and expectations.
How the New Tool Works
The tool now includes two key questions that applicants must answer to get a customized result:
- Have you already applied?
- Choose “Yes” if your application has been submitted.
- Choose “No” if you are still planning to apply.
- When did you apply?
- Enter the exact date or month of your application submission.
Based on these answers, the system instantly generates:
- An estimated time remaining until a final decision;
- The number of applicants ahead of you; and
- A comparison showing how long new applicants might expect to wait if applying now.
Example: For Existing Applicants
Imagine Sally, who applied under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in May 2025. When she checks her status in October 2025, the system shows:
- Estimated time left: 26 months
- People ahead: Approximately 9,500
- Total waiting: Around 13,100
- Current processing time for new applicants: 37 months
This gives her a realistic expectation of how long she may still need to wait.
Example: For Future Applicants
Sally’s friend, Rachel, hasn’t yet applied but wants to see what to expect. When she uses the tool:
- Estimated processing time: About 37 months
- Total number of people waiting: 13,100
This helps future applicants plan their immigration journey more strategically.
Who Can Use This New Feature
The personalized processing time feature currently applies to specific immigration and citizenship programs, including:
Economic Immigration
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Express Entry (CEC, FSW, PNP)
- Self-Employed Persons Program
- Quebec Business Class
- Start-up Visa Program
Family Sponsorship
- Spousal sponsorship (inside and outside Canada)
- Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
Citizenship Applications
- Citizenship grants
- Citizenship certificates (proof of citizenship)
Other Categories
- Humanitarian and Compassionate cases
- Refugees (Protected persons and convention refugees in Canada)
At this time, the new feature does not apply to sponsorships for dependent children or adopted relatives, or applications for replacing or amending documents.
Why This Matters
This update brings transparency, predictability, and peace of mind to thousands of applicants waiting on decisions. By showing real-time queue information, IRCC empowers individuals to make better plans while they wait for their application outcome
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
