Canada improves application processing time estimates
Canada has introduced a new method for calculating processing times for some applications. A recent announcement by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says that the department will now publish anticipated processing times online using forward-looking processing times.
This is to help applicants predict the length of time it will take to process their applications.
The updated processing times will be available for several high-volume immigration programs including: Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)
- . Provincial Nominees Program (Express Entry and non-Express Entry)
- Federal Skilled Workers (Express Entry)
- Quebec Skilled Workers
- citizenship grants
- citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)
- spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada
- spouse, common-law or conjugal partner living outside Canada
- parents or grandparents
Changing how processing times are calculated was flagged as necessary in a report by the Office of the Auditor General last October, said CIC News. The report made several recommendations regarding how IRCC calculates application processing time and communicates this with clients.
Specifically, the report said that “online information on processing times should be provided for all PR applications, taking into consideration the volume, and age, of applications already in inventory.”
This update to how processing times are calculated is one of IRCC’s first steps to addressing many of the report’s recommendations. Updated service standards can be expected by the end of this year, said CIC News.
Service standards represent the duration that IRCC considers appropriate for rendering a final decision on an application. These standards differ based on the application type. For instance, spousal sponsorship applications are expected to be processed within 12 months, whereas permanent residence applications through an Express Entry program should ideally be completed within six months.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/migrate/canada-improves-application-processing-time-estimates/articleshow/109822339.cms
