I am replying to your e-mail of October 19, 2012, addressed to the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, concerning the processing time for applications submitted under the PhD stream. I apologize for the delay in responding.
I understand your frustration at what appear to be unwarranted delays in processing these applications. 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 we would like. In addition, processing delays often occur when the information provided is incomplete, or documentation or processing fees are missing. In such situations, immigration officials must stop the processing until they receive the required information from the applicants.
We realize that those who have submitted their applications look forward to being granted permanent resident status within a reasonable waiting period after applying. Please be assured that we make every effort to deal with the applications we receive in the most efficient and effective manner.
I have noted your concerns on the processing time for applications submitted in 2012. However, this still falls well within the times listed on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web site at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm-ec.asp.
Further information on the PhD stream can be found on at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who-instructions.asp.
Thank you for writing and expressing your concerns. I trust that this information is of assistance.
S. Charbonneau
Ministerial Enquiries Division