If the posted processing time has been passed and still your IRCC account shows “in progress”, it’s time to follow up with IRCC and find out what is causing the delay. IRCC processing delays affect hundreds of thousands of applicants every year, from Express Entry candidates to sponsored spouses to citizenship applicants, but the good news is, you have several options to follow up on your application.
Why Are IRCC Applications Getting Delayed?
Most delays happen for two reasons: IRCC has a backlog, or there’s an issue with your application.
1. System Backlogs
IRCC is dealing with many applications. Some immigration programs take much longer than their normal processing times, leaving applicants waiting for months or even years.
2. Problems with Your Application
Your file may also be delayed because of:
- Missing or unclear documents.
- Long background or security checks.
- Pending or expired medical exams.
- Your file being transferred between offices.
- Changes in your job or family situation that weren’t
- Previous refusals or other complications in your immigration history.
Knowing the reason for the delay can help you decide what to do next.
First, Check If Your Application Is Really Delayed
Before taking any action, check your application’s processing time on IRCC’s official website.
What the Posted Processing Time Actually Means
Remember, the posted processing time is not a deadline. It shows how long IRCC took to process 80% of similar applications. Some cases naturally take longer.
How Overdue Is Too Overdue?
- A few weeks overdue: usually not a concern. Keep monitoring.
- Several months overdue: if there are no updates, contact IRCC.
- Way beyond the normal time: consider stronger options, such as a demand letter or mandamus.
Also, check your IRCC account and email for any missed document requests. Sometimes, an application gets delayed because the applicant hasn’t responded to the IRCC.
Your Options When IRCC Delays Your Application
These steps work best in order. Each one builds a record that strengthens the next.
- Check Your Account Thoroughly First: Read every message in your IRCC portal. Update your address and contact details, and make sure your passport, medical and police certificates have not expired.
- Send a WebForm: Ask for a status update and include your application number and UCI. Keep it concise and to the point. Responses are often generic, but don’t skip this step. Courts later look at whether you tried to follow up.
- Ask for Urgent Processing: If you have a real reason, like a serious illness or a job with a fixed start date, you can request it with proof. IRCC decides case by case.
- Order Your GCMS notes: These are the officer’s notes on your file. They show which checks are done and whether anything has been flagged. For a stalled application, this is often the most useful step.
- Contact Your MP: Your local MP’s office can make inquiries with IRCC through a dedicated liaison channel. It won’t jump your file ahead of others, but it can sometimes get a more specific answer than the webform. It’s free and takes one email.
- Send a Formal Demand Letter: If follow-ups go nowhere, a licensed immigration lawyer or regulated consultant can send IRCC a formal demand letter. It sets out how long you’ve waited, the steps you’ve already taken, and how the delay is harming you, such as job loss, family separation, or expiring status. A well-built demand letter often gets a file moving on its own, and it’s a required step before most mandamus applications.
- Apply for a Writ of Mandamus: Mandamus is a Federal Court order that compels IRCC to make a decision on your application. It’s the strongest tool you have, and it’s usually the last resort.
What You Need to Prove for Mandamus
To succeed, you generally need to show that:
- Your application was complete and you met every requirement
- The delay is far beyond normal processing times
- You’re not responsible for the delay
- You followed up and made a clear demand for a decision
- IRCC has no satisfactory explanation for the wait
Mandamus Forces a Decision, Not an Approval
Mandamus forces a decision, not an approval. IRCC can still refuse, so your application should be strong before you go to court. Many cases settle before a hearing once IRCC agrees to decide within a set time.
Mistakes to Avoid While You Wait
- Apply to extend your work or study permit before it expires. A pending PR application doesn’t protect your status.
- Sending messages every few days won’t speed up your application. Keep communication professional.
- Check your IRCC account, email and spam folder regularly.
- Inform IRCC about changes in your job, marital status or family situation when required.
- A second application won’t restart the clock or move you ahead in the queue.
- Build a proper record of delays and communication before considering mandamus.
- Don’t pay anyone who guarantees faster processing. No one can guarantee that.
Need Help with a Delayed File?
You can handle webforms, GCMS requests and MP inquiries yourself. For demand letters and mandamus, professional help is strongly recommended. Mandamus is a Federal Court proceeding, so it requires a lawyer or careful self-representation. Immigration lawyers at CityLaw Group in Surrey can review your application, get your GCMS notes and guide you on the next steps. So, stop wasting your time and book a free consultation today.
