(CANADA) Immigration lawyers across the country warn that a surge in Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) screenings is slowing the processing of citizenship, permanent residence, and asylum files. They say delays have climbed since 2023 as CSIS handles far more checks than before.
CSIS confirms the workload spike. In its 2024 annual report, the agency says it received over 538,000 security screening requests last year—up from roughly 300,000 annually before 2023. That’s nearly an 80% rise in two years, and officers say they will “take the time required” to complete checks.
What’s driving the increase
Lawyers and analysts point to rising numbers of asylum seekers as a key factor. Every claimant must pass a CSIS security assessment, so more claims mean more referrals.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also sends referrals for many permanent residence and citizenship files when risk questions arise. With higher volume, the queue grows and people already waiting get pushed further back.
How the delays show up for families
Clients in British Columbia and Ontario report extended waits with little explanation. For example, a Jordanian refugee who applied for citizenship has waited since May 2024 for a new screening result despite two earlier screenings.
Lawyers say cases like this aren’t rare: thousands of people ready for citizenship or permanent residence now sit in limbo. The lack of updates leaves families unsure about:
- Work plans
- Study options
- Travel
CSIS’s stance and government signals
CSIS stresses thoroughness over speed and has not announced steps to speed up reviews. Officials argue that careful checks protect national security and public safety.
While the federal government has lowered immigration targets for 2025–2027, experts say that alone won’t clear the backlog soon. The pipeline already holds many complex files, and as of August 2025 CSIS has not announced more resources or changed procedures.
CSIS says it will “take the time required” to complete security checks.
What legal experts are saying
Immigration lawyers describe a transparency gap. They say it’s hard to learn why a file is stuck or when it might move.
- Legal scholar Will Tao and others say these delays are “affecting thousands” and urge officials to increase resources and publish clearer timelines.
- Some analysts add that global security concerns have pushed more intensive checks, further stretching CSIS capacity.
- As reported by VisaVerge.com, calls are growing for better coordination between CSIS and IRCC to prevent long stalls that cause hardship without improving safety.
What applicants can expect right now
- Longer wait times for citizenship, permanent residence, and asylum decisions when a CSIS check is involved.
- Few status updates while a screening is pending.
- No formal expedited path for CSIS security checks.
- Possible impacts on benefits, travel, or job transitions while the file is paused.
Step-by-step view of the process
- Application submitted: You file your immigration, citizenship, or asylum application with IRCC. For refugees, protection claims go to IRCC or the border agency at entry.
- Referral to CSIS: If a security review is needed, IRCC or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) sends a security screening request to CSIS. These requests trigger background checks against law enforcement, intelligence, and international data.
- CSIS screening: CSIS reviews records, may conduct interviews, and evaluates national security risks. If more information is needed, the file can pause while CSIS gathers details.
- Result transmission: CSIS sends the result to IRCC or CBSA. CSIS does not approve or refuse immigration—it provides a security assessment. The decision remains with IRCC or the Immigration and Refugee Board.
- Application decision: IRCC or the Board continues processing, using the CSIS result along with medicals, biometrics, and other eligibility checks.
- Applicant notification: You receive the decision or requests for more information.
Practical steps to reduce stress while you wait
- Keep records current: Update your address, email, and phone with IRCC so you don’t miss messages.
- Check your online account regularly and respond promptly to any new requests.
- Talk to your lawyer: Ask whether an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request makes sense to see what stage the file is at (it may take time to get results).
- Prepare backup documents: Keep police certificates, passports, and civil documents valid in case they’re requested again.
- Ask your MP’s office: Constituency offices sometimes ask IRCC for status updates, which can be helpful if the file seems stuck.
Policy questions on the table
- Should CSIS receive more staffing or technology to handle volume?
- Can IRCC refine referral criteria so low-risk files move faster while higher-risk cases get deeper checks?
- Would a public service standard, even if broad, give families a clearer wait-time range?
- Could more detailed status notes—such as “screening in progress” with an estimated window—reduce anxiety?
Government resources for applicants
IRCC’s website offers case status tools, application guides, and forms. For example, citizenship applicants use the Application for Canadian Citizenship form; permanent residence routes vary by program.
To track progress and find official processing information, see IRCC’s Check application status page on the Government of Canada site. This single page links to many program areas and explains how officers move files forward.
When IRCC asks for biometrics or police certificates, follow the exact instructions and timelines in your online account. Always use official government sites to download forms and pay fees.
Impacts across different groups
- Asylum seekers: Delayed decisions extend uncertainty. Work permits may continue, but long waits can disrupt housing and schooling plans.
- Permanent residence applicants: Family reunification slows when principal applicants wait on security review. Employers may face staffing gaps.
- Citizenship applicants: People who meet all requirements may wait months for an oath date because the security note is pending.
- Students and graduates: Post-graduation plans tied to permanent residence can be harder to schedule when security steps run long.
What’s next
No official announcements have detailed added CSIS staffing or changed screening protocols. Advocacy groups push for transparency, more resources, and procedural reforms.
If delays worsen, Parliament could examine resourcing and standards, but no clear timeline exists.
Human stories behind the numbers
- A family in Surrey: the mother completed all tests for citizenship, but the file sits in security screening for months. Her passport from her home country expires soon, making travel to see an ill parent impossible.
- A tech worker in Toronto: passed eligibility for permanent residence and has a job offer tied to landing; each extra month raises the risk the employer moves on.
Small steps that can help
- Keep your work or study authorization valid while you wait.
- Document any hardship caused by delays; it may help when speaking to officials.
- If you change jobs, programs, or addresses, update IRCC quickly to avoid missed notices.
- Set reminders to check your account weekly.
One more note on forms and links
When IRCC asks for biometrics or police certificates, follow the exact instructions and timelines in your online account. Always use official government sites to download forms and pay fees.
For general application status help, use the Government of Canada’s official “Check application status” resource at canada.ca (choose the section that matches your program). If IRCC requests a specific form, use the link provided in your account or the relevant IRCC program page to avoid outdated versions.
Bottom line for families
The CSIS workload surge—fueled in part by increased asylum seekers—has slowed many files. CSIS will not rush checks, and there’s no quick lane. Stay informed, keep your documents current, and work with your lawyer on measured steps that protect your file while you wait.
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