IRCC - Method to Calculate Processing Times for Canadian PR Applications

Applicants who wish to immigrate Canada will have a more accurate idea of how long processing of their application may take for some permanent residence programs (PR), which includes Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), the Parent and Grandparent Program, the Entrepreneur Start-Up Program, and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP, non-Express Entry streams only).

Before the implementation of the new method calculating the accurate processing time, all Canadian PR applications processing times were long and frustrating for the applicants. This new step will enable the candidates to plan their move well in advance.

What benefits IRCC will leverage from the new system?

With the current change, IRCC can calculate the estimated time of processing new PR applications based on the numerous factors, which includes the total number of applications awaited for processing and the capacity of admissions permitted each year under the multi-year immigration levels plan.

This update will help not only IRCC but also the applicants at large. They can prepare well to move to Canada if their applications are approved.

What Are The Changes In The Application Processing Time For PNP?

The provincial nominees applying under the non-Express Entry stream, applicants who have already applied may expect an estimated processing times of 19 months at the federal application stage from the date of application. However, those who have applied post 31 July 2018, may expect processing times of 15 to 19 months.

Though the current and previous application processing time seems marginal. It is still a relief for the applicants.

Other Factors Based On the New System

There will not be any change for the applicants who have already applied and even if they withdraw their application for re-applying there will not be any change in the processing time according to IRCC.

It is also risky for the applicants to withdraw their applications which is already complete in programs, such as Express Entry and the Parent and Grandparent Program, may not have received a subsequent invitation to apply or invitation to sponsor.

Let’s check out some quick facts

The new anticipated processing times will apply to applications received on or after July 31, 2018, in these below categories:

• Sponsorship of family members

o     Like Parents and Grandparents

• Economic Class categories

o   Provincial Nominees (Non-Express Entry Stream)

o   Skilled Workers (Quebec)

o   Start-Up Visa

• Humanitarian and compassionate cases

It a special note for applicants who have already applied, withdrawing an application and re-applying will not affect their processing times:

• All the applications which are complete would become null and void, and applicants would have to submit a new application.
• For categories like, Express Entry and Parents and Grandparents, applicants who withdraw their application runs a risk, and they may not receive an invitation to apply or invitation to sponsor.

Hope this move will make the entire process streamline for and may relieve the applicants.