info@halaniimmigration.com
1940 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, ON M1L 4R1
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HALANIImmigration
Shoukat Qumruddin Halani, RCIC-IRB
Enquiries+1 (647) 979-7175
HALANIImmigration
Shoukat Qumruddin Halani, RCIC-IRB
Enquiries+1 (647) 979-7175
HALANIImmigration

Express Entry — Processing Time

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Processing Time

Express Entry Processing Time — Current Windows and Timeline

Current processing windows for Express Entry, the factors that move the timeline up or down, and the typical milestone-by-milestone sequence from application submission to final decision.

Last reviewed:
Current Window

5–6 months from AOR (Acknowledgment of Receipt)

Times are operationally derived from recent IRCC service standards and our own file-volume observations. Individual files vary based on the factors below.

What moves the timeline

These are the variables that most commonly extend or shorten Express Entry processing beyond the typical window.

  • Country of residence — security and background checks for applicants from Nigeria, Iran, China, certain Pakistani files routinely add 6–12 months.
  • NOC and CEC vs FSW determination — CEC files generally process faster than FSW.
  • Procedural fairness letters — if issued, response window extends timeline 2–4 months.
  • Application complexity — multi-country residence history, prior refusals, or dependant inclusion add time.
  • Application completeness — incomplete eAPRs trigger requests for additional documents, adding 1–3 months each round.

Typical milestone-by-milestone timeline

The table below sequences the main checkpoints from application submission to final decision. Use this to plan downstream events like start dates, housing, and family arrival.

MilestoneTypical duration
Profile creation → in poolSame day to 1 week
In pool → ITA (depending on CRS and draw cadence)Days to 8 months
ITA → eAPR submission deadline60 days (strict)
eAPR submission → AOR1–3 weeks
AOR → COPR / eCoPR (standard files)5–6 months
AOR → COPR / eCoPR (with background hold)12–18 months

Important notes on Express Entry processing

• IRCC publishes service standards but actual times vary widely; check the IRCC processing-time tool for current month.

• Request GCMS notes (Access to Information request) if processing exceeds the typical window by 50% or more.

Frequently asked questions — Express Entry processing

What's the typical Express Entry processing time from AOR to COPR?
IRCC's service standard is 6 months. In practice, most Express Entry CEC files complete in 4–6 months from AOR; FSW files generally take 5–7 months. Files with background-check holds (typically from Nigeria, Iran, China, certain Pakistani files) can extend to 12–18 months total.
My file has been pending past 6 months. What should I do?
Request your GCMS notes through an ATIP (Access to Information and Privacy) Privacy Act request — free for your own file. The notes will show what's actually holding the file: security screening, background check, request for additional documents, or procedural fairness review. Most pending files past 6 months are in security screening; the notes confirm this and indicate next steps.
What's the deadline to submit the eAPR after receiving an ITA?
Strict 60-day deadline. The countdown starts the day your ITA is issued (visible in your IRCC online account). Missing the deadline means the ITA is rescinded and you fall back into the Express Entry pool with your existing CRS — eligible to be re-invited in a future draw, but the missed window is a self-inflicted delay of months.

Need help understanding your file's status?

Use our live IRCC Processing Times tool for current service standards across all programs, or book a free consultation to review your specific file timeline.

Live processing times →Back to Express Entry
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