Canada PR Processing Time After Biometrics
Canada welcomed 471,808 new permanent residents in 2023 and a record 483,640 in 2024, reflecting strong global demand for immigration. To balance immigration levels, IRCC plans to admit 395,000 permanent residents in 2025 and 380,000 annually from 2026 to 2028 with thousands of PR applications being processed each year, processing times after biometrics can vary by program and application type.
The overall application takes 6 to 8 months from the date of submission to process the application. It is very important for applicants to understand these timelines for their application plan, avoid delays, and prepare for departure.
What Are Biometrics?
Biometric" refers to the fingerprints and photographs that individuals provide as a part of their immigration applications to the Canadian government, which uses those fingerprints to verify the information and identify and conduct security and background checks. For most individuals, this is a mandatory step to receive a Canada PR Visa.
Canada PR visa processing time
Canada PR processing times for Express Entry programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) typically range from 4 to 6 months (about 180 days). Processing time is based on the specific immigration pathway and number of applications.
Canada's permanent residency processing time depends on various programs selected by the individuals. The general Canada PR Visa processing time is 6 to 9 months. Once the application is submitted, it goes through several stages, such as medical check, biometrics, background verification, and eligibility assessment, and then comes the final decision.
Average Canada PR Timeline After Biometrics
Canada processing time under Various Immigration Streams
Canada is a popular destination that offers multiple pathways for permanent residency. However, one of the most popular pathways is mentioned below:
Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada's fastest and most popular immigration pathway for skilled workers. It has three programs: the federal skilled worker program, the federal skill trade program, and the Canadian experience class.
Processing time : 6 to 8 months
Provincial Nominee Program
Canada's provincial nominee programs allow provinces to nominate candidates based on their local labor market needs. Canada has 10 provinces and three territories, each with its own criteria to apply for permanent residency.
Processing time
Express Entry PNP 6–9 months
Paper-based PNP: 12–18 months
Atlantic immigration program
This program allows targeted skilled workers and graduates to work in Canada's four Atlantic provinces—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Processing time: 6 to 12 months
Family sponsorship program
This program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to bring eligible relatives into the country to live, work, and study as permanent residents.
Processing time
Spousal sponsorship (inside Canada):10–14 months
Outside Canada: 12–18 months
What happens after biometrics?
Once an applicant submits their application, the Canadian immigration department evaluates their application based on the following:
Background verification to assess criminal and travel history
Eligibility evaluation for immigration program requirements
Review of medical results
Final approval or request for passport
Factors Affecting Processing Time
Several factors can affect the Canada PR application processing time.
A good background check can take a lot of time for applicants who have lived in multiple countries and may require additional verification.
There shouldn't be any missing documents, as it can delay the application.
Medical examinations that require the assessment take extra time.
A high volume of applications at IRCC affects the overall processing timeline.
Immigration authorities take time to verify your identity, education, or employment.
Steps to Submit Biometrics for Canada PR Visa
Pay the biometric fee of the Canada PR visa, which is around CAN$85.
After the applicant submits the application for PR, they will receive the biometric instruction letter (BIL). This letter is mandatory before booking an appointment.
Schedule an appointment at the official Visa Application Centre (VAC) or Application Support Center (ASC).
Attend the appointment on your notice and capture data, which includes your fingerprints, photographs, and identity verification. The process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.
After completion, an applicant will receive a confirmation slip, which is usually updated by IRCC within 24 to 72 hours.
How to Check Your Canada PR Application Status?
After submitting the Canada PR application, individuals can check their application through the IRCC online account, which usually includes the update of biometrics, receiving a medical examination and background check in progress.
Login to your IRCC online account
Go to the check application tracker
Use your application number to track progress
Check email and message regularly
Applicants can also use processing time to estimate timeline
Frequently Asked Questions –
How long does it take to get a response after biometrics Canada for PR?
After submitting the Canada PR biometrics, it depends on the program the individual has selected; usually it takes a few weeks to months. However, the overall application takes 6 to 8 months to process the application.
How long does an IRCC background check take for PR?
An IRCC background check for Canada and permanent residency takes around 2 to 4 months. It is the most variable stage, where it assesses candidate travel history, verification of employment, and police clearance certificates.
What's the next step after biometrics for PR?
The next steps after biometrics for Canada PR include a background check, medical examination, and final eligibility assessment. Once this process is complete, individuals get the confirmation of permanent residence (COPR).
Does biometrics mean approval?
No, biometrics doesn't mean approval, but it is a mandatory check for the Canada PR visa process as it collects the applicant's fingerprints and photo and runs a background and security check. It usually means the application is being actively processed.
What are the stages of a Canada PR application?
The stages of a Canada PR application include application submission, acknowledgement of receipt, biometric request and submission, review, background check, medical examination, and waiting for the final decision.
