Maple News reports that Canada’s permanent residence processing times have eased in the latest update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), dated July 7. The improvements span many economic immigration and family sponsorship routes, with wait times declining by about one to two months. The changes apply to the Canadian Experience Class, base Provincial Nominee Program, and Quebec Business Class, as well as Parent and Grandparent submissions.
Citizenship processing has also improved, with wait times for citizenship grants dropping to a four-month low.
Two groups did see longer processing times in this update: Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominees and spousal sponsorship applications outside Quebec, each rising by one month.
A closer look at the Express Entry and related streams shows that the Canadian Experience Class now sits at six months (down from seven), the Federal Skilled Worker Program remains at seven months, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program timing is not published due to insufficient data. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s service standard remains six months across all Express Entry programs.
Among economic immigration, the Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program is the only group with increased wait times; all other programs either declined or remained steady.
Maple News will continue to monitor IRCC updates and provide actionable guidance for applicants navigating the system.