Have you ever wondered how long it takes to get a permanent residency? Some of you have already experienced a long wait time for your study/work permits or permanent residency. So, I will write about how long it generally takes to get permanent residency once you apply, which I hope gives you a general idea of how long you need to wait or how much in advance you need to start preparing your application in order to obtain permanent residency seamlessly if you are in Canada already. However, be aware that the process time changes depending on the volume of applications Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) handles and how the applications are reviewed. There is also a chance that the immigration law changes, which could result in the application process entirely. So, please check the processing time to estimate how long it actually takes when you submit your application.
Process Time
The process time varies It may not be well known, but IRCC actually publishes the process time so that the applicants will know how long they need to wait. It is important to know, however, that the process time that is published is based on the applications processed in the past, which means that this is merely an estimation and does not guarantee that your application takes the exact same. Some applications take longer than the other because of the complexity of the application or incompleteness. The process time is calculated since the day they receive an application till the day the application is completed, so you will need to add extra days for the mail. I listed the process time for major applications as of today. Or you can check how long your application take here.
Economy Class
- Express Entry-6 months
- Caregivers Program-6 months
- Self-Employed Persons-25 months
- Start-up Visa-13 months
- Other Paper-Based Provincial Nominees-19 months
Family Class
- Spouse/Common-law Partner Live in Canada-12 months
- Spouse/Common-law Partner Live Outside Canada-12 months
- Dependent Child-Depends on the country you submit. Currently, 6 months if submitted in Canada
- Parents/Grandparents-20-24 months
- Adopted Children/Other Relatives-Depending on the country you submit. 23 months if submitted in Canada.
Can I Check The Status Of My Application?
Yes, you can check the status of your application online for many applications, but not all. If you apply via online, you will automatically receive updates through your account, so there are no actions you need to take. If you submit paper applications, you can link your application to your online account and you will receive messages regarding your application through your account. You can create or sign in your account here. Please note that you can link your applications to your account only if paper applications below are one of the options below. below.
- Visitor Record
- Work permit
- Study permit
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trade Program
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Family Sponsorship (excluding applications to become a sponsor)
- Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker
- Quebec Investors
- Quebec Entrepreneurs
- Self-employed persons (including Quebec)
- Start-up visa
- Caregivers (Caring for people with high medical needs pathway, Caring for children pathway)
- In-Canada Protected Persons and Convention Refugees
Can I Expedite My Application?
No, you can’t. In order to maintain fairness, IRCC does not offer any expedite services. That being said, immigration lawyers or immigration consultants have no influence on the process time. No on can really fast forward the processing time.
How Can I Avoid The Delay?
You cannot ask for expedite services, but there are ways to avoid delays. Here are some tips to avoid delays.
- Complete the application
Incomplete applications can cause a major delay. In worst cases, your application will be sent back, in which case your application is not considered “received”. So, make sure you fill the form completely include all the required documents.
- Get valid and credible supporting documents
This is really important because if your supporting documents are not valid or credible, the immigration offer will ask you for more documents, which means that it takes extra time to assess your application.
- Eliminate errors/mistakes/omissions
It is always a good idea to check your applications over and over! I cannot emphasize enough this because this not only causes the delay but also results in misrepresentation which can be a serious issue. So, avoid any mistakes!
- Use appropriate forms
This is very basic but really important. If you use wrong forms, you are likely to get a refusal letter because wrong forms indicate that you apply for permanent residency under the wrong program. It is also important to use the current forms. Make sure to double check the forms are the current one before you submit!
- Send an application to the right address
This can be a bit tricky if your application is paper-based because where you send your application is different. So, always check which program you apply for permanent residency and where to send the application.
Conclusion
Getting permanent residency takes some time, and the process time changes depending on the number of applications IRCC receives and the program you apply for permanent residency. You cannot shorten the process time, so make sure to complete your application in order to avoid any delays!
