Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has published its latest processing time updates on May 12, 2026, revealing notable changes across several immigration and visa categories. The revised timelines show that many permanent residence pathways are now taking longer to process due to increasing application inventories and continued pressure on Canada’s immigration system.

Several economic immigration streams, including Federal Skilled Worker and non-Express Entry Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), recorded longer wait times compared to the previous update released on April 7. At the same time, some categories such as the Atlantic Immigration Program, Parents and Grandparents sponsorship, and Super Visas showed faster processing.

The latest update reflects Canada’s ongoing effort to manage growing immigration demand while balancing service standards and application backlogs.

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Canada Citizenship Processing Times

Application Type Previous Processing Time (7 April) Current Processing Time (12 May)
Citizenship Grant About 12 months About 13 months
Citizenship Certificate (Proof of Citizenship) About 10 months About 12 months
Resumption of Citizenship Not enough data Not enough data
Renunciation of Citizenship 8 months 7 months
Search of Citizenship Records 17 months No Change
Adoption Part 1: 1.5 months Part 2: Varies by complexity No Change

PR Card Processing Times

Application Type Previous Processing Time (7 April) Current Processing Time (12 May)
New Permanent Resident (PR) Card 48 days 40 days
Renewing or Replacing a Permanent Resident Card 26 days 27 days

Family Sponsorship Processing Times

Application Type Previous Processing Time (7 April) Current Processing Time (12 May)
Spouse, common-law or conjugal partner Inside Canada (In Quebec) About 31 months No Changes
Spouse, common-law or conjugal partner Inside Canada (Outside Quebec) About 24 months About 25 months
Spouse, common-law or conjugal partner outside Canada (In Quebec) About 32 months No Change
Spouse, common-law or conjugal partner outside Canada (Outside Quebec) About 15 months About 16 months
Dependent Child - India 8 months 7 months
Parents & Grandparents (Non-Quebec) About 34 months About 33 months
Parents & Grandparents (Quebec) About 67 months About 66 months
Adopted Child or other relative - India Not enough data No Changes

Economic Immigration Processing Times

Application Type Previous Processing Time (7 April) Current Processing Time (12 May)
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) About 40 months About 38 months
Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry) About 7 months No Changes
Provincial Nominees (Via Express Entry) About 7 months No Changes
Provincial Nominees (Not Express Entry) About 13 months About 14 months
Quebec Business Class About 78 months No Changes
Skilled Worker (Federal) About 6 months About 7 months
Skilled Worker (Quebec) 11 months No Changes
Skilled Trades (Federal) Not enough data Not enough data

Temporary Residence Visa Processing Times: Visitor Visa

Country Previous Processing Time Current Processing Time (12 May)
India 20 days 27 days
UAE 36 days 47 days
Nigeria 45 days 47 days
Pakistan 42 days 49 days
Philippines 14 days 20 days

Temporary Residence Visa Processing Times: Work Permit

Country Previous Processing Time Current Processing Time (12 May)
India 7 weeks 9 weeks
UAE 24 weeks 8 weeks
Nigeria 14 weeks 6 weeks
Pakistan 21 weeks 8 weeks
Philippines 8 weeks No Change

Temporary Residence Visa Processing Times: Study Permit

Country Previous Processing Time Current Processing Time (12 May)
India 3 weeks 4 weeks
UAE 3 weeks 4 weeks
Nigeria 8 weeks 6 weeks
Pakistan 12 weeks 8 weeks
Philippines 5 weeks No Change

Temporary Residence Visa Processing Times: Super Visa

Country Previous Processing Time Current Processing Time (12 May)
India 176 days 138 days
UAE 73 days 75 days
Nigeria 42 days 40 days
Pakistan 126 days 98 days
Philippines 43 days 33 days

Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility

The newest IRCC processing update highlights the continued demand for Canadian immigration programs as application volumes remain high across permanent residence, temporary visas, and family sponsorship categories.

While some immigration streams have experienced longer processing periods, several categories have also shown encouraging improvements, particularly in Super Visas, Atlantic Immigration Program applications, and certain sponsorship streams.

These updated timelines are important for applicants planning to apply for Canada PR, study permits, work permits, visitor visas, or family sponsorship programs. Processing times can directly affect travel plans, admission timelines, job opportunities, and settlement preparations.

Applicants are advised to submit complete documentation, monitor the latest IRCC updates regularly, and prepare applications carefully to reduce delays caused by missing information or additional document requests.

As Canada continues to welcome skilled workers, international students, and families from around the world, staying informed about changing immigration timelines remains essential for successful immigration planning.