IRCC Tool Reveals Sharp Rise in Processing Times Across Applications

Processing times for several Canadian immigration programs have increased sharply, according to new data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The latest update to IRCC’s online processing time tool shows that many applicants now face much longer waits for their files to be reviewed.

The rise affects a range of programs, including the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), Start-Up Visa (SUV), and Federal Self-Employed Persons Program, as well as citizenship applications. The government updated its tool earlier this month to show more accurate, personalized timelines based on the date each applicant submitted their file.

Atlantic Immigration Program Faces Longest Delays

The AIP has seen one of the biggest jumps in processing times. On October 4, IRCC listed the wait at 13 months. By October 27, that number had soared to 37 months, marking a staggering 184.6% increase.

Currently, there are more than 13,000 AIP applications still waiting for a decision. This has created a serious issue for many workers in Atlantic Canada who came through this program.

Most AIP applicants hold employer-specific work permits valid for up to two years. Since they cannot apply for Bridging Open Work Permits, they risk losing their legal right to work before their permanent residence is approved.

To help ease this problem, New Brunswick has announced a temporary policy to issue new work permits to affected applicants. It’s not yet clear if other Atlantic provinces will introduce similar measures.

The AIP helps employers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island hire foreign talent to fill local job shortages. To qualify, candidates need a valid job offer from a designated employer and provincial endorsement.

Start-Up Visa Wait Times Now Over a Decade

The Start-Up Visa Program, which allows entrepreneurs to gain permanent residence with backing from a designated Canadian organization, now shows a wait time of more than 10 years. Earlier in October, the listed time was 53 months. That’s an increase of at least 126%, though the true figure may be higher since IRCC now lists the time only as “more than 10 years.”

Many founders arrive in Canada on a temporary work permit while waiting for permanent residence. These new wait times could create major challenges for entrepreneurs trying to build and grow their businesses.

Federal Self-Employed Program Delays Continue

The Federal Self-Employed Persons Program now has a similar wait time — also over 10 years, up from 61 months earlier this month. This marks nearly a 97% increase. The program targets artists and athletes who can contribute to Canada’s cultural and athletic fields. It was paused in 2024 and is expected to remain paused until 2027.

Citizenship and Refugee Processing Also Slowing

Processing times for citizenship applications have climbed steadily throughout 2025, growing from 7 months in January to 13 months in October—an increase of nearly 86% in less than a year.

Delays have also worsened for protected persons and refugees. Applicants who filed in January faced a 73-month wait. By late October, the wait reached 99 months, or over 8 years, marking a 35% jump in just 10 months.

Humanitarian and compassionate applications now take more than 10 years to process, both inside and outside Quebec.