Q & A: Processing Duration

author avatar
CIC News
Published: May 1, 2002

Q. I know they quote anywhere between 8-18 months for the entire independent applicant process, but does anyone have an idea, in reality how much time a visa office actually spends processing one file? If the Filing-AOR is any guideline, and knowing a little about what they do in that time frame (which is just to check if you have included all the necessary documents and fee) I would say it would take someone the maximum of 2 hours on one file, and for that the duration is normally 3 months. So that would mean further processing takes about roughly 5-8 hours?

Answer: It is not necessarily the case that the delays at any given visa office are correlated directly with the number of man-hours that are required to process a file. In fact, the greatest delays are associated with the interview backlog; the queue of cases waiting for scheduled selection interviews. During this time, very few such hours are devoted to the case.

In addition, there are the portions of processing, such as medical and security/background clearance which take place outside of the visa office.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Top Stories
Last chance for Manitoba PNP candidates to qualify for a special two-year work permit
Are you leaving CRS points on the table? Common omissions that are lowering your score
Canada’s policy changes offer boon to incoming study-to-immigrate cohort
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Study
Canada’s policy changes offer boon to incoming study-to-immigrate cohort
Eight individuals walking and laughing as they do so.
These study programs offer the best shot at Canadian permanent residence for international student graduates
Man stands on a cliff, overlooking Peyto Lake in Alberta, Canada, with mountains visible all around.
Open study permits available to family members of international students and foreign workers
A group of students sit on the lawn of their university campus discussing open study permits.
How international students in Canada can earn money on-campus, off-campus, or remotely
An international student stares at a bulletin board with job postings
Link copied to clipboard