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Wait times

Issue

The amount of time it takes to immigrate to Canada.

Fact

In some immigration categories, such as temporary workers, the wait time can be as short as a few days, and three-quarters of applications for temporary workers are processed within 28 days. Most applications from people seeking to join their spouse or partner in Canada are processed in less than seven months.

It is true that for some categories of immigrants, wait times can be quite long. We can be proud that so many people want to come to Canada, but the fact that Canada is such a popular destination plays a big part in determining how long it can take to get here.

Several hundred thousand people apply to come here every year, and unlike some countries, Canada does not put any restrictions on who can apply. It does take time to process all these applications and to make sure all the proper medical and security checks have been done. Even with all the care that must be taken with each application, Canada accepts more than 250,000 new permanent residents a year, and some 100,000 temporary workers.

Things like labour market conditions in Canada can also increase wait times for certain categories of applicants. Canada wants to make sure every immigrant has the best possible chance to succeed. Each year, Canada and its provinces look at what opportunities are available in different parts of the country. This information is used to set goals for how many applicants from each category Canada will accept that year.