Official processing times
| Program | Processing time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry permanent residence | Service standard 6 months | IRCC aims to finalize 80% of complete applications within the standard |
| BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) | About 80% decided within 3 months | After nomination, apply to IRCC for permanent residence |
| Spousal sponsorship, in Canada | About 14 months | As of 2026-01-31, excluding Quebec |
| Spousal sponsorship, outside Canada | About 12.6 months | As of 2026-01-31, excluding Quebec |
| Start-up Visa (SUV) | No new applications | Since 2025-12-31, except applicants with a designated organization commitment made in 2025 |
| Parents and Grandparents Program | Paused | No new interest to sponsor forms; parents can visit on a super visa |
Common "fast-track" claims
- "We have inside contacts who can expedite." IRCC generally processes applications in the order received. A licensee must not imply a relationship with the Government of Canada or a provincial government (College Code of Professional Conduct, s. 44(2)(c)).
- "Pay an expedite fee and get PR in 3 months." IRCC's fee list has no fee to expedite permanent residence. The Express Entry service standard is 6 months.
- "Success guaranteed." A licensee must not guarantee the success of an application or make false or misleading representations (s. 44(2)(a) and (b)).
- "Our provincial nominee route is faster." BC PNP issues invitations through draws published by WelcomeBC, and each draw applies the same criteria to every candidate.
Legitimate ways to move faster
- Choose the right program. Processing times differ widely between programs; start with the ones you qualify for.
- Submit a complete application. IRCC's service standards apply to complete applications.
- Raise your CRS score. Improve your language results or obtain a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points. Since 2025-03-25, job offers no longer earn points.
Checking a consultant
- Only lawyers, notaries, paralegals authorized by a law society, and licensees of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) may represent or advise for a fee (Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, s. 91).
- Search the CICC public register; a consultant may practise only if "Entitled to Practise" shows "Yes".
- Complaints go through the CICC public protection page.
Estimate your Express Entry score with the CRS calculator.