Canada: Information on the average length of time between submission of an application for permanent residence and the date an applicant is called for a first interview

According to representatives of the Government of Canada Immigration Centres, it usually takes three to four months to process an application for permanent residence (i.e., from the time an application was submitted until the time the applicant is notified whether or not it has been accepted (Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver Immigration Centres 28 July 1993). The amount of time required to process an application depends on the number of applications received, and will also vary if one files in Ottawa instead of Toronto, for instance (Ibid.). Applicants are usually notified of receipt of their application by mail (Ibid.). As well, interviews may be required if the application presents technical problems. Once the application has been accepted, the applicant can apply for a working permit, which he should receive in 2 to 4 weeks (Ibid.). In general, it takes at least one year to receive permanent resident status (Ibid.). The processing time for applications submitted to Canadian embassies abroad will vary with the individual embassy (EIC, International Services 28 July 1993). Additional and/or corroborating information on this subject is currently unavailable to the DIRB in Ottawa.

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