Dear future neighbour,
If you’ve been sitting on a Canadian permanent residence application or thinking about starting one, this is an update that might put a smile on your face. As of early June 2026, processing times for several immigration programs have dropped, and in one case, dropped by a full year.
Let’s cut straight to what matters.
The Atlantic Immigration Program had the biggest win
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) recorded the most dramatic improvement of this update:
| Previous (May 12) | Current (June 8) | Government Target | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIP Processing Time | 38 months | 26 months | 11 months |
That’s a full 12 months cut off the wait and the shortest it’s been since October 2025. Still above the government’s 11-month target, but the direction is very encouraging. There are currently about 12,900 applications in the queue.
Provincial Nominees are also seeing relief
For those going through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), processing times dropped by one month across both streams:
| Application Type | Previous (May 12) | Current (June 8) | Government Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhanced (via Express Entry) | 7 months | 6 months | 6 months |
| Base (non-Express Entry) | 14 months | 13 months | 11 months |
The enhanced stream is now right at the government’s service standard which is a milestone worth noting. Currently waiting in the queue:
- Enhanced applications: 14,000
- Base applications: 110,200
Quebec programs: A mixed picture
| Stream | Previous (May 12) | Current (June 8) | Government Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (PSTQ) | 11 months | 11 months | 11 months |
| Quebec Business Class | 78 months | 76 months | Not published |
The PSTQ is hitting its target exactly, which is good news for Quebec-bound skilled workers. The Business Class stream improved slightly but remains one of the longest waits in the system at over 6 years.
Express Entry: Stable but Competitive
| Stream | Previous (May 12) | Current (June 8) | Government Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 7 months | 7 months | 6 months |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | 7 months | 7 months | 6 months |
No change here, but 7 months is still very reasonable compared to other pathways. Currently in queue:
- CEC: ~60,900 applications
- FSWP: ~52,000 applications
Family Sponsorship: A step in the wrong direction
Unfortunately, most family sponsorship wait times went up by one month:
| Application Type | Previous (May 12) | Current (June 8) |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner (inside Canada, outside Quebec) | 25 months | 26 months |
| Spouse/Partner (inside Canada, in Quebec) | 31 months | 32 months |
| Spouse/Partner (outside Canada, outside Quebec) | 16 months | 16 months |
| Spouse/Partner (outside Canada, in Quebec) | 32 months | 33 months |
| Parents & Grandparents (outside Quebec) | 33 months | 32 months |
| Parents & Grandparents (in Quebec) | 66 months | 67 months |
The only improvement in this category was for Parents and Grandparents applicants planning to settle outside Quebec – a one-month drop.
Citizenship Processing: Holding Steady
| Application Type | Current Wait | Government Target |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship Grant | 13 months | 12 months |
| Renunciation of Citizenship | 7 months | Not published |
| Search of Citizenship Records | 17 months | Not published |
There are currently over 326,000 citizenship grant applications in the queue – up by about 5,300 since May. Processing is stable but slow.
A quick summary on who’s winning right now?
- AIP applicants – biggest improvement, 12 months faster
- PNP (enhanced) applicants – now meeting the 6-month target
- PNP (base) applicants – one month faster
- Quebec Business Class – two months faster
- Express Entry – unchanged but still reasonable
- Quebec PSTQ – unchanged, hitting its target
- Most family sponsorship streams – one month slower
- Citizenship grants – still above target
What does all this mean for you?
Processing times are estimates, not guarantees. Your actual wait depends on:
- How complete and accurate your application is
- Whether additional documents are requested
- Which specific stream or province you’re applying through
- Your individual circumstances and background
A well-prepared application moves faster. A rushed or incomplete one can sit much longer than the published estimate.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you’re exploring provincial nomination, building your Express Entry profile, applying for school admissions in Canada, or simply trying to figure out which pathway fits your situation – the process can feel overwhelming without the right support. Our team helps applicants put together strong, strategic applications every day, avoiding the costly mistakes that lead to delays or refusals.
Don’t leave your future to guesswork. Book a 30-minute or 60-minute consultation with us today, and let’s get you moving in the right direction.