In a major move to increase transparency and improve the applicant experience, IRCC has introduced a new update to its online processing tool. This enhancement now allows canada permanent residence and citizenship applicants to access personalised application timelines based on when they applied and their position in the processing queue.
Greater Clarity for Applicants
IRCC’s online tool only provides average processing times for each application type, like Express Entry, PNP, or Family sponsorship. These were based on historical averages and did not account for an individual’s submission date.
With the latest update, PR and citizenship applicants can now look up:
- The estimated time remaining until a decision is made
- Their position in the processing queue
- The total number of applicants currently waiting for a decision.
This marks a significant leap forward for those wanting to immigrate to Canada or apply for Canadian citizenship. This offers more transparency and control over expectations.
How the Updated IRCC Tool Works
When you open the IRCC processing time page, the system now asks two simple questions:
- Have you already applied? - Select “Yes” or “No”
- When did you apply? - Enter the month and year.
If you select “Yes”, the tool gives a personalised estimate based on the submission date and the number of applications ahead in the queue. If you have not applied yet, it shows the current processing time and the total number of people waiting for a decision.
For example, if an applicant under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) applied in May 2025, the system might display:
- Estimated time left: 26 months
- People ahead: 9,500
- Total waiting: 13,100
- Processing time for new applicants: 37 months
This allows applicants to realistically plan their next steps, whether it is preparing documents, arranging travel, or waiting for PR approval.
Who Can Access These Personalised Timelines
As of now, the personalised processing feature of IRCC applies to the following immigration categories.
Economic Immigration Programs
- Express Entry (CEC, FSWP, PNP)
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Start-UP visa program
- Self-Employed Persons Program
- Quebec Business Class
Family Sponsorship Programs
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Parents and Grandparents program
Citizenship Applications
- Citizenship grants
- Citizenship certificates
Other applications, including dependent child sponsorships, adoptions, and document amendments, continue to show only processing times for now.
Why This Update Matters
For thousands of candidates applying for Canadian PR or citizenship, uncertainty over application status has always been a major concern. With this update, applicants now gain:
- Transparency in how IRCC process each application
- Predictability in planning studies or work transitions
- Reassurance through real-time insight into their queue position
While IRCC faces challenges with backlogs across multiple streams, this improvement reflects an effort to modernise immigration services and enhance applicant trust.
Expert Guidance at Croyez Immigration
Croyez Immigration welcomes this update as a positive step for aspiring immigrants. Understanding your estimated processing time for PR or citizenship can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Our certified Canada work visa consultants offer:
- Comprehensive support with documentation and eligibility assessments
- Accurate updates on IRCC timelines and application queues
- Guidance on how to reduce processing delays through error-free submissions.
Canada continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for skilled professionals and families. With the expert guidance from Croyez Immigration and the new personalised tool of IRCC, you can now track your progress and move closer to your Canadian PR or citizenship goal with clarity and confidence. Contact Croyez immigration now for expert assistance on your Canadian PR, citizenship, or Express Entry application. You can stay ahead with the real-time updates on IRCC’s latest policies and processing tools.
