October 2026 IRCC Times: CEC Takes About 6 Months
IRCC processing times as of November 2026 were last updated October 9, 2026, and the Canadian Experience Class estimate was about 6 months on that date. The IRCC page says it is updated monthly, but its published permanent residence and citizenship figures are October 9 figures, not a November 4 update. Use the estimate for your application type as a guide; the page does not provide a case-specific response.
What are IRCC processing times as of November 2026?
Quick answer: IRCC’s permanent-residence and citizenship figures were last updated October 9, 2026, not November 4. Use the estimate for your application type as a guide; it doesn’t give a case-specific response.
- CEC: About 6 months, based on the October 9, 2026 update.
- Other listed programs: Times vary by program, from about 6 months to more than 10 years.
- Update schedule: The processing-time page is updated monthly.
Processing times by program
The current permanent-residence and citizenship figures range from about 6 months to more than 10 years; the time depends on the program and, for some applications, whether you’re in Quebec.
Current processing times are in months unless stated otherwise.
| Program | Current time | Update date |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Immigration Program | About 26 months | October 9, 2026 |
| Caregivers, all programs | About 77 months | October 9, 2026 |
| Canadian Experience Class | About 6 months | October 9, 2026 |
| Federal skilled workers | About 7 months | October 9, 2026 |
| Government-assisted refugees, Quebec | About 9 months | October 9, 2026 |
| Government-assisted refugees, outside Quebec | About 14 months | October 9, 2026 |
| Humanitarian and compassionate applications, Quebec | More than 10 years | October 9, 2026 |
| Humanitarian and compassionate applications, outside Quebec | More than 10 years | October 9, 2026 |
| Provincial Nominee Program, not via Express Entry | About 13 months | October 9, 2026 |
| Provincial Nominee Program, via Express Entry | About 7 months | October 9, 2026 |
| Start-up Visa | More than 10 years | October 9, 2026 |
| Citizenship grant | About 12 months | October 9, 2026 |
| Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship) | About 34 months | October 9, 2026 |
Longest listed waits exceed 10 years for humanitarian and compassionate applications and the Start-up Visa.
What changed since the last update
The processing-time page was last updated October 9, 2026, and is updated monthly.
How IRCC measures processing times The excerpt lists processing-time estimates but does not state which applications are counted or when measurement begins and ends.
For IRCC’s explanation, visit the official Check processing times page.
What to do if your application is over the time
If your application has taken longer than its estimated processing time, use IRCC’s official Check processing times page to review the estimate for your application type.
The page doesn’t explain how to check an individual application’s status, submit a web form or make a case-specific enquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Processing times by program
Processing times by program range from about 6 months for the Canadian Experience Class to more than 10 years for several programs. Other waits include about 26 months for the Atlantic Immigration Program and about 77 months for caregivers.
What to do next
If your application has taken longer than its estimate, check the published processing time for your application type. Use IRCC’s Check processing times page.
What is the visitor visa processing time for an application made from inside Canada?
The listed figures do not include a visitor visa processing time for an application made from inside Canada.
How can I check my IRCC application status?
The listed processing-time figures give estimates by application type, but do not set out how to check an individual application’s status.
Does the CEC six-month estimate include biometrics?
The listed information does not say whether the Canadian Experience Class estimate includes biometrics.
Can I contact IRCC if my application exceeds the processing-time estimate?
The listed information does not describe how to contact IRCC about an application that exceeds its estimate. It directs applicants to the Check processing times page to review the published estimate for their application type.
Last checked: November 8, 2026. Rules and dates can change; confirm on Canada.ca.
Sources
- canada.ca: IRCC Processing Times As Of November 2026
