IRCC Reports Faster FSWP Processing, While Atlantic Immigration Program Delays Rise
April 2026 — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has published updated processing times across major immigration and citizenship categories, showing modest improvements in some streams and substantial delays in others.
According to the latest figures released on April 7, 2026, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) improved from 7 months to 6 months, marking the most notable positive development in this reporting period. Citizenship grant processing also improved, falling from 13 months to 12 months.
However, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) recorded the sharpest increase among the major economic immigration categories, rising from 33 months to 40 months. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) remained unchanged at 7 months.
At Jaggi Consultants, we provide immigration services and continue to monitor official immigration updates to help applicants better understand current processing trends and immigration planning considerations.
Express Entry Shows Mixed Movement
Among Express Entry-managed programs, the latest update reflects mixed outcomes:
| Program | Mar. 9, 2026 | Apr. 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 7 months | 7 months |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | 7 months | 6 months |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | N/A | N/A |
The reduction in FSWP processing time may offer encouragement to skilled worker applicants applying through the federal system, while the unchanged CEC timeline indicates ongoing pressure in that category.
Provincial Nominee Program Remains Stable
IRCC reported no change in Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) processing times:
| Program | Mar. 9, 2026 | Apr. 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced PNP | 7 months | 7 months |
| Base PNP | 13 months | 13 months |
For many applicants, provincial immigration pathways remain a key option, particularly where occupation demand and nomination opportunities align with program requirements. Jaggi Consultants provides immigration services to support applicants in evaluating both federal and provincial routes.
Atlantic Immigration Program Sees Largest Increase
The Atlantic Immigration Program posted the largest month-over-month increase in this update:
| Program | Mar. 9, 2026 | Apr. 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Immigration Program | 33 months | 40 months |
The rise to 40 months makes AIP one of the longest processing economic immigration streams currently listed by IRCC.
Quebec and Other Economic Categories
Processing times in Quebec categories were mostly unchanged, with one slight improvement:
| Program | Mar. 9, 2026 | Apr. 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) | 11 months | 11 months |
| Quebec Business Class | 80 months | 78 months |
Meanwhile, IRCC continues to list both the Start-Up Visa Program and the Federal Self-Employed Program at more than 10 years.
Citizenship Grant Improves to 12 Months
The latest citizenship update also included a modest improvement:
| Application Type | Mar. 9, 2026 | Apr. 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship grant | 13 months | 12 months |
| Citizenship certificate | 10 months | 10 months |
| Renunciation of citizenship | 10 months | 10 months |
| Search of citizenship records | 17 months | 17 months |
The new 12-month citizenship grant timeline aligns with IRCC’s service standard and may be viewed positively by permanent residents preparing to apply.
Outlook
The April 2026 processing update presents a mixed picture across Canada’s immigration system. While FSWP and citizenship grant timelines have improved, delays in AIP and other long-standing categories continue to present challenges.
As an immigration consultancy providing immigration services, Jaggi Consultants remains committed to helping clients stay informed about official updates and choose the most suitable immigration pathway based on their profile and timeline.
For personalised immigration advice, contact Jaggi Consultants.