Canada Express Entry: Process Overview
After you complete biometrics, your application proceeds through several key stages—medical checks, background verification, eligibility assessment, and final decision. IRCC’s goal remains to process most Express Entry applications within six months of AOR, including the time for biometrics.
Based on IRCC updates as of June 5, 2025, here are the average timelines from biometrics to final approval for key streams:
| Program | IRCC‑Published Time (AOR to Final Decision) | Adjusted Time Post‑Biometrics |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | ~5 months | ~4–5 months |
| Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) | ~6 months | ~5–6 months |
| PNP via Express Entry | ~8 months | ~7–8 months |
Typically, after biometrics, you can expect about 4 to 5 months for CEC and 5 to 6 months for FSW, with PNP-linked taking a bit longer due to provincial-level steps.
Community posts corroborate IRCC data:
“After biometrics and medical results are submitted, there is generally a silent period of 1.5 to 2 months… Next stages: background and eligibility check”.
One full CEC case:
Bianca submitted biometrics on November 26, 2024, and received final decision by February 19–14, 2025, indicating a ~3 to 4 month wait after biometrics.
Another example:
Applicant AOR Oct 2024 → Biometrics mid-Nov → Final Decision early Feb 2025 → ~2.5–3 months post-biometrics.
While timelines can vary, these stories align with IRCC’s average.
Background checks & eligibility reviews — these take time depending on country security databases.
Case complexity — if flagged for additional verification, expect delays.
Program volume — surges in applications can slow processing; IRCC is targeting 485 k new immigrants in 2025.
Completeness — missing documents or unclear application details will delay verdicts.
CEC: 4–5 months to final decision after biometrics.
FSW: 5–6 months.
PNP‑EE: 7–8 months.
Community timelines suggest variability:
Some cases finalize in 2–3 months, others take closer to IRCC estimates.
A few outliers may stretch up to 8–9 months due to extensive checks.
Monitor your IRCC tracker: updates appear at each milestone.
Respond quickly to any requests for documents or medical exams.
Stay patient — most delays are procedural.
Seek case info via GCMS notes or IRCC webform if you pass average wait times (e.g., 8 weeks post-biometrics).
Once approved, you’ll receive eCOPR (Confirmation of PR). PR Card typically arrives 2–4 weeks later, depending on your location.
For 2025 Express Entry applicants:
Post-biometrics wait: expect 4 to 8 months depending on the stream and complexity.
Use averages to set realistic timelines: ~4–5 months for CEC, ~5–6 for FSW, ~7–8 for PNP‑EE.
Stay proactive with documentation, tracker checks, and communication to avoid unnecessary delays.
FAQ
How long does IRCC take after biometrics?
Typically 4–6 months, depending on your program.
Do biometrics speed up processing?
No — biometrics are essential to begin back-end checks and don’t shorten the overall timeline.
My case seems delayed—what now?
If you pass the standard timeframe (e.g., 6–8 months), consider requesting IRCC updates or a GCMS notes report.
Can biometrics expire?
Yes, biometrics remain valid for 10 years for PR applications—no need to redo if within that period.
