Average Processing Times

Permanent Residence

• Skilled Worker applications received before February 27, 2008: 42 - 48 months
• Skilled Worker applications received after February 27, 2008: Because these applications are affected by new regulations, an average processing time is currently not available. Do not contact us for case status enquiries within 9-12 months of submitting your application.
• Entrepreneurs and Self-employed persons: 42-48 months
• Investors: 12-18 months
• Family Class: 6 months
• Provincial Nominee, Quebec, Skilled Workers with Arranged Employment: 6 months
• Refugees: Up to 18 months

For all permanent resident applications (except Family Class, Provincial Nominees, Arranged Employment and Quebec applications), a letter of Acknowledgement of Receipt is sent to the applicant within 24 weeks from the date this office receives the completed application. The Acknowledgement provides details of processing times. Please read it carefully.

Temporary Residence

• Visitors:
  

  In Person: Same day processing*
  Drop-off Service: 24 Hours + mailing time*
  By Mail: 10 working days*

• Students: 6 weeks*
• Temporary workers: 6 weeks*
• Returning Residents:
  

  By Mail: 10 working days*
  In Person: Same day processing (only for applicants who meet the residency obligations)*

*These are only average processing times.  Some applications take longer to process for various reasons.  For example, the following factors could delay the processing of your application:

• incomplete applications
• needing a medical exam
• being from certain countries or having a background that requires background enquiries (additional 10 working days to process).
• having a criminal record
• needing an interview
• documents that need to be verified
• other factors that complicate your case

Applications are dealt with in chronological sequence (i.e. in the order in which they are received).

Note: This office will NOT respond to case status enquiries within the processing times above. Processing times begin on the day our office receives a complete application.

For more detailed information on processing times at Canadian Visa Offices, including the London Visa Office, please see the CIC website.