Express Entry and PNP Processing Times: What IRCC Shows Now
IRCC shows about 7 months for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, 6 months for the Canadian Experience Class and 13 months for a PNP application outside Express Entry. These are estimates, not promises. IRCC data updated 3 September 2026.
since 1991
How long does Express Entry take?
IRCC shows about 7 months for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and about 6 months for the Canadian Experience Class. For the Federal Skilled Trades Program, IRCC shows not enough data right now.
These times cover the PR application you file after an invitation. They do not include the wait for a draw.
How does IRCC work out these times?
IRCC shows how long it took to process 80% of that type of application in the past. The tool updates monthly. IRCC says your application may take longer, and the times are not a maximum or a guarantee.
What changes your time
- Documents: a complete file moves faster
- Checks: medical and police certificates take time
- Replies: slow answers to IRCC add weeks
- Queue: IRCC says times can rise when more applications arrive than spaces in the levels plan
Where does your time go?
Some of it you control. Some of it you do not.
Time you control
- Gathering your documents before the invitation
- Booking your medical exam early
- Ordering police certificates for each country
- Replying fast to IRCC requests
Time you do not control
- The IRCC queue for your program
- Background and security checks
- The provincial stage for a PNP
- The wait for a draw or an invitation
Current IRCC times by program
IRCC lists these as of its data update on 3 September 2026. The people waiting figure shows the size of the queue. Source: IRCC.
Federal Skilled Worker
About 7 months. About 53,800 people waiting.
Canadian Experience Class
About 6 months. About 58,900 people waiting.
PNP through Express Entry
About 7 months. About 12,800 people waiting.
PNP outside Express Entry
About 13 months. About 101,500 people waiting.
Atlantic and trades
Atlantic Immigration Program: about 26 months, about 11,800 waiting. Federal Skilled Trades Program: not enough data.
Want help planning your timeline?
We map your program, your provincial stage and your documents so you lose no time.
Rules to know before you plan around a processing time
Not a promise
IRCC says your application may take longer than the time shown. Treat the number as a guide.
Federal stage only
These times cover the federal application. The provincial stage and the wait for a draw come on top.
People waiting
IRCC also lists how many people are waiting. A big queue explains a long time.
Not enough data
For some programs, like the Federal Skilled Trades Program, IRCC shows not enough data in this update.
Monthly refresh
IRCC updates permanent residence times monthly. A number you saw last month can change.
Check the update date
This page shows the IRCC data update of 3 September 2026. We recheck it every month.
Related pages
These pages cover programs, points and the Express Entry process.
How to plan your timeline
Five actions help you plan with the right numbers.
Pick your program
Choose the route you will use, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or a PNP.
Read the IRCC time
Find your program in the table on this page.
Add the provincial stage
For a PNP, add the time your province takes to nominate you.
Prepare your documents
Get your police certificates, medical exam and language results ready before you apply.
Check again each month
IRCC updates the numbers monthly. Check before you plan travel or a job change.
Want your timeline checked?
We review your program and your documents, then give you a plan.
How an application moves, step by step
Six steps from your profile to your landing.
Create your profile
Enter your details in the Express Entry pool. The wait in the pool is separate from processing.
Get an invitation
IRCC invites candidates in draws. A provincial nomination adds 600 points.
Submit within 60 days
You have 60 days to submit your PR application after the invitation.
Medical and police
Book the medical exam and order police certificates early.
IRCC reviews your file
This is the time IRCC shows in its tool. The estimate covers most applications.
Decision and landing
If approved, you receive your confirmation of permanent residence and plan your landing.
Five mistakes when you read processing times
These mistakes lead to bad plans.
Treating it as a promise
IRCC says the time is not a maximum or a guarantee.
Counting the pool wait
The IRCC time covers the application. The wait for a draw is separate.
Forgetting the province
A PNP has a provincial stage before the federal one.
Late documents
Missing police certificates or a late medical exam add weeks.
Using old numbers
Blog posts and social media often show old times. Use the latest IRCC update.
Want a second set of eyes?
We review your timeline and your file before you apply.
Processing time facts at a glance
Key figures from IRCC, data updated 3 September 2026.
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Processing time FAQs
How long does Express Entry take?
IRCC shows about 7 months for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and about 6 months for the Canadian Experience Class. These times cover the application you file after an invitation, not the wait for a draw (IRCC, data updated 3 September 2026).
How long does a PNP take?
IRCC shows about 7 months for a nomination through Express Entry and about 13 months for a PNP application outside Express Entry. The provincial stage comes on top of that. See our provincial nominee guide for each province.
How does IRCC calculate processing times?
IRCC shows how long it took to process 80% of that type of application in the past. The tool updates monthly. IRCC says the times are not a maximum or a guarantee.
Why is my application taking longer than the estimate?
IRCC says your application may take longer than the time shown. Delays often come from incomplete files, slow checks, requests for more information and slow replies.
How many people are waiting in each queue?
IRCC lists about 53,800 people for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, 58,900 for the Canadian Experience Class and 12,800 for a PNP through Express Entry. It lists 101,500 for a PNP outside Express Entry and 11,800 for the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Why is there no time for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
IRCC shows not enough data for this program in its current update. Check the IRCC tool again next month.
Does the IRCC time include the provincial stage?
No. IRCC times cover the federal stage only. The provincial stage varies by province and stream, so add it to your plan.
How can I avoid delays?
Prepare your documents before you get an invitation, book your medical exam early and reply fast to IRCC. Use our documents checklist to stay ready.
How often do you update this page?
IRCC updates permanent residence processing times monthly, and we check the data each month. The date at the top of the page shows the last IRCC update we used.