Find out how long it currently takes CIC to process immigration applications.

Temporary Residence Applications Processing Times

• Visit, study, work temporarily
  (including protected person status documents)
• International Experience Canada : 8 weeks

Permanent Residence Applications Processing Times

• Economic Classes
  (Canadian Experience Class, Quebec Entrepreneur or Investor, Start-up visa, Provincial Nominee Program, Self-Employed Persons, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Live-in Caregivers, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Immigrant Investor Venture Capital pilot program)
• Family Sponsorship Class Applications : Processing Time

What is a complete application package?

Your application package is complete when you have:

• answered all of the questions on the application form, and
• submitted all the necessary documents along with your application.

If you forget to send a document, your application may be returned to you, the processing of your application may be delayed, or your application may be refused.

What happens after I send in permanent resident application?

To process permanent resident applications, CIC will:

• review your application to make sure it’s complete,
• determine if you are eligible to apply to become a permanent resident of Canada,
• tell you when your application has been put into processing,
• send you instructions on how to complete a medical exam, if you did not get your medical before sending in your application,
• perform a security screening, to make sure all applicants do not pose a risk to the safety and security of Canadians,
• determine if you need to attend an interview, and
• inform you of the decision made on your application.

What happens after I send in temporary resident application?

To process temporary resident applications, such as visitor visas, study and work permits, CIC will:

• review your application to make sure it’s complete,
• determine if you are allowed to come to Canada (this could include a background screening),
• determine if you are eligible to apply to work, study or visit Canada
• send you instructions on how to complete a medical exam, if you did not get your medical before sending in your application,
• determine if you need to attend an interview, and
• inform you of the decision made on your application.

If you applied online, CIC will contact you through your MyCIC account.

If you applied on paper, CIC will contact you through the contact information that you entered on your application form.

Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.

Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Quebec by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.