Dear *****
Thank you for your correspondence of August 26, 2019, addressed to the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, regarding applications for permanent residence processed at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offices in Canada.
I appreciate you sharing the circumstances that prompted you to write. Unfortunately, due to the lack of specific information contained in your correspondence (immigration stream, program, category, processing office), I am unable to provide you with detailed information about processing times. However, I can provide you with the following general information.
IRCC understands that those who have submitted their application look forward to a decision being rendered within a reasonable time period after applying. IRCC makes every effort to manage the applications it receives in the most efficient and effective way. However, the many steps involved in processing an application, coupled with the volume of applications, sometimes make it difficult to conclude cases in as timely a manner as the Department or the client would like.
The processing times listed on IRCC’s Website are published to give applicants a general idea of how long an application process may take. These times are estimates based on how long the Department expects most applications to take under normal circumstances if they apply today. Please note, however, that this can vary depending on the number of applications the Department has received, as well as the circumstances and complexity of each individual case.
Individuals who want to live permanently in Canada must meet certain requirements, which include eligibility requirements and admissibility (medical, criminality, and security) clearances. These requirements exist to protect the interests and safety of Canadians, and must be satisfied before a permanent resident visa can be issued.
In this respect, IRCC conducts background checks by working together with partner agencies such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the Canada Border Services Agency, medical authorities, and agencies of foreign governments. Background screening processes are non-discriminatory and universal in their application. Any delays that may occur as IRCC’s partner agencies conduct the background checks are something over which the Department has no control.
In addition, background and medical examination results are usually valid for a 12-month period. Should background or medical clearances expire during the application process, applicants are required to update their results.
If clients have questions regarding their application(s), they may submit their questions through IRCC’s Web form. The Web Form allows clients to submit questions, comments, compliments, and complaints about departmental services through a single, centralized portal.
While I understand that this may not be the response you had anticipated, I hope that you will find this information to be helpful.
Sincerely,
F. Macmillan
Ministerial Enquiries Division
This electronic address is not available for reply.