Service standards and processing times: IRCC has different service standard goal that vary depending on the type of application.
The service standard is different from the actual amount of time that IRCC takes to process applications. Applications not processed within the service standard for their program are categorized as backlog.
IRCC aims to process at least 80% of all applications within the service standard.
Visa offices have different operating challenges depending on the country or region in which they are located.
It may take more time to process an application if it is unclear or incomplete or needs more information from the applicant. In this instance, it can take additional time depending on how soon, and thoroughly, the applicant responds. It may also take more time to process an application if it is difficult to verify an applicant’s information, which is something that can also vary by region.
Resource allocation plays a significant role in regional disparities.
IRCC workforce demographic data from 2022 shows that only 2% of its workforce is located internationally, while over 55% are at IRCC’s national headquarters in Ottawa. This means that capacity in international visa processing offices is limited compared to those in Canada.
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser told reporters in Ottawa that he estimates that 100,000 applications were not processed throughout the strike that otherwise normally would have been. COVID-19 pandemic also caused a backlog of applications that got as high as 2.7 million.
The only stream that is facing a notable backlog was for temporary resident visas such as visitor visas. He says before the disruption the department was on track to get back to a 30-day service standard this summer.
