IRCC introduces an updated processing time calculation method

IRCC introduces an updated calculation method for processing time for certain applications. This forward-thinking strategy allows applicants to more accurately predict how long it will take for their application to be processed. In an effort to increase openness and help applicants set reasonable expectations, IRCC will make these expected processing times available online.

The expedited processing periods apply to several high-demand immigration programs, including:

A report released by the Office of the Auditor General last October highlighted the need to change the methodology used to calculate processing times. Regarding how the IRCC should calculate and make public application processing timelines, the report made a number of recommendations.

In terms of research, it is imperative to provide online information on processing timelines for all applications for permanent residence, taking into account the volume and age of applications currently in inventory.

One of the first steps toward implementing the report’s recommendations is the recent change in IRCC’s processing time calculation method. Additional revised service standards are expected by the end of the year. The timelines that IRCC deems appropriate for making a final decision on an application are called service standards. These requirements vary depending on the type of application. For example, applications for partner sponsorship have a service criterion of twelve months.

On the other hand, IRCC should process permanent residence applications submitted through the Express Entry program within six months. These timelines provide applicants with a starting point to estimate how long the process should take in typical situations.

Understanding forward-looking processing times – how they work and what they mean

IRCC states that forward-looking processing times approximate the time it takes to make a final judgment on an application. This approach bases its calculations on the total number of pending applications. In addition to the expected number of applications, the department expects to complete within a certain time frame. IRCC’s processing capacity, seasonal variations in the types of applications submitted and the availability of admission places in the annual Immigration Levels Plan are just some of the variables that could cause these estimates to change.

In the past, IRCC used historical data to estimate processing timelines, focusing primarily on the time it took to complete previous applications. The IRCC calculated its backward-looking processing times for permanent residency programs by looking at the time it took to process 80% of applications in the previous six months. The study permits, work permits and guest visas are examples of temporary residence programs for which this analysis typically covered a period of 8 to 16 weeks.

IRCC will still use its current approach based on historical data for temporary residency applications, maintaining continuity in predicting processing times for those specific applications, even as it adopts forward-looking processing timelines for many other programs.

Reapplying for Immigration – When and Why You Should Consider Doing It

IRCC advises applicants who have already applied to programs using the new forward-looking processing time method not to reapply. According to IRCC, if you have already applied, your application will likely be closer to the front of the queue. The department processes applications in order of receipt. The priority of your current application is therefore determined based on the submission date.

According to IRCC, you will not often have to wait longer than the new forward-looking processing period to hear back on your application. Logging in again may result in additional delays as it resets your position in the queue. It is therefore advisable to continue with your current application and let the process end.

IRCC’s existing application backlog

In addition to classifying requests into two groups based on whether or not they are processed in accordance with service standards (the latter group is categorized as backlogged), IRCC regularly updates the total number of requests in its inventory.

IRCC’s goal is to process eighty percent of applications within established service standards for all programs.

The most recent statistics show that as of March 31, there were a total of 2,121,200 applications in the IRCC inventory. The IRCC categorizes 892,000 as backlog while processing 1,320,000 in accordance with service requirements.

The department segments the data by application type. For example, IRCC has processed 440,000 of the 746,000 permanent residency applications in accordance with service standards, while the remaining 306,000 are in the backlog.

The data shows that IRCC is processing 665,400 temporary residence applications – including work permits, study permits and guest visas – within service standards, while 538,600 applications remain in the backlog. This will be the IRCC’s inventory of temporary residence the number of applications now stands at 1,204,000.

The fact that 46% of study permit applications are pending is an important observation. Recent changes to Canada’s international student program, which require all provinces to issue Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) to foreign applicants admitted to specific educational institutions, are partly to blame. This new requirement, introduced in January, caused delays as the majority of provinces did not build their PAL issuance systems until March.

The full inventory consists of 262,000 citizenship applications. 214,000 are meeting service standards, while 47,400 are in backlog.

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