IRCC Updates Processing Times in January 2026: Faster Pathways for Express Entry, AIP, and Family Sponsorship

Canada’s immigration system is showing signs of positive momentum in early 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its latest processing time updates, revealing shorter wait times across several key permanent and temporary residence programs—including Express Entry, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), and the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).

For aspiring immigrants, international students, and skilled workers, these changes can directly impact planning, eligibility, and timelines for Canadian permanent residence (PR).

Let’s break down what these updates mean—and how you can benefit.

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Understanding IRCC Processing Times and Service Standards

Before diving into program-specific updates, it’s important to understand how IRCC calculates timelines:

Processing Times

These are forward-looking estimates showing how long a newly submitted application may take, based on current application inventory and historical data.

Service Standards

These are IRCC’s internal targets, usually aiming to process 80% of applications within a set timeframe. Some programs meet these standards more consistently than others.

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Express Entry Processing Times Improve for CEC Candidates

Canada’s flagship Express Entry system continues to be a top PR pathway for skilled workers.

Current Express Entry Processing Times

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 6 months (down from 7)

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 7 months

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Not published (due to limited data)

Service standard: 6 months for all Express Entry streams.

Real-World Use Case

An international graduate working in Canada on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) under the CEC stream now has a faster route to PR—making Express Entry more attractive than ever.

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Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Mixed Signals but Overall Progress

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) remains a powerful alternative to Express Entry, especially for candidates with lower CRS scores.

PNP Processing Time Updates

• Enhanced PNP (Express Entry-linked): 7 months

• Base PNP (non-Express Entry): 13 months (down from 16)

Service standards:

• Enhanced PNP: 6 months

• Base PNP: 11 months

Real-World Use Case

A tech professional nominated by Ontario or British Columbia through an enhanced PNP stream can still expect PR processing times close to Express Entry levels.

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Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): A Major Breakthrough

After months of stagnation, AIP processing times have dropped significantly.

AIP Processing Time

• Current: 33 months

• Previous: 37 months

Service standard: 11 months

Real-World Use Case

A nurse or healthcare worker with a job offer in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick may find AIP increasingly viable—especially as IRCC continues prioritizing essential occupations.

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Quebec Skilled Worker Program: No Change (For Now)

• PSTQ Processing Time: 11 months (unchanged)

• No recent invitation rounds since December 2025

Candidates targeting Quebec PR should monitor upcoming draws closely before submitting new applications.

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Family Sponsorship: Parents and Grandparents See Relief

Family reunification remains a priority under Canadian immigration policy.

Key Improvements

• Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP):

  • 37 months (outside Quebec), down from 40 months

Spousal Sponsorship Highlights

• Inside Canada (outside Quebec): 21 months

• Outside Canada (outside Quebec): 14 months

Real-World Use Case

A permanent resident sponsoring parents from India may now see faster outcomes—making long-term settlement planning easier.

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Temporary Residence Updates: Visitors, Workers, and Students

Visitor Visa Processing Times

• India: 99 days (down from 117)

• Pakistan: 57 days (down from 86)

Work Permit Processing Times

• India: 9 weeks (improved)

• Other countries saw slight increases

IRCC continues to prioritize healthcare, agriculture, and agri-food workers.

Study Permit Processing Times

• India: 3 weeks

• Canada (in-Canada applications): 7 weeks

International students benefit from quicker approvals—helping them transition smoothly into Canadian education and future PR pathways.

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Super Visa Processing Times Decline

• Pakistan: 133 days (down from 198)

• United States: 93 days

Parents of Canadian PR holders can reunite faster under the Super Visa program.

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Citizenship Applications: Slight Increase Expected

• Citizenship Grant: 13 months

• Citizenship Certificate: 10 months (up from 9)

The increase is likely linked to Bill C-3, which expanded citizenship eligibility and triggered a surge in applications.

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Special Update: Temporary Measures for Ukrainian Nationals

IRCC has introduced a temporary public policy allowing eligible Ukrainian nationals and family members in Canada to:

• Apply for work permits and study permits from inside Canada

• Restore status without penalties

• Apply even without PR application AOR

Valid until: March 31, 2027

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What This Means for Canadian Immigration Applicants

These IRCC updates signal:
✔ Faster PR processing for Express Entry and AIP
✔ Improved timelines for family reunification
✔ Strong opportunities for skilled workers, international students, and essential workers

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Final Thoughts: Now Is the Time to Act

Canada continues to refine its immigration system to meet labour shortages and family reunification goals. Reduced processing times can mean faster permanent residence, better planning, and fewer uncertainties.

If you’re an international student, skilled worker, healthcare professional, or sponsoring family members—this could be your moment.

Explore your Express Entry, PNP, AIP, or family sponsorship options today and take a confident step toward your Canadian future.

Your journey to permanent residence starts with informed decisions—and the right timing.