Processing Times
What to expect after you mail your CIT0001 application.
Highly variable — some faster, some slower
Complex/PSU cases can take significantly longer
Application Status Flow
Delivered
Your package is physically in the IRCC mail room. No action needed from you.
AOR
Acknowledgement of Receipt — your documents are confirmed complete and you are in the system. You will receive a UCI number by mail.
In Process
IRCC is actively working on your application. This stage typically lasts 10–12 months for straightforward cases.
Decision Made
IRCC has reached a decision — most likely an approval. An electronic certificate typically arrives within ~48 hours.
You are now a citizen!
What is the PSU?
The Program Support Unit (PSU) is a secondary review queue at IRCC where "complex" applications are sent. This can happen for various reasons — incomplete documentation, unusual ancestry, or administrative routing. PSU cases can stall for months with no visible status update.
If you're stuck in PSU
- ✓ File an ATIP (Access to Information and Privacy) request to get your case notes
- ✓ Contact IRCC via webform (available after AOR — use your UCI number)
- ✓ Check the IRCC case tracker
ATIP Request
An ATIP (Access to Information and Privacy) request lets you see the internal notes IRCC has on your case. This can reveal why your application stalled, what's missing, or whether it's been escalated to the PSU.
File an ATIP Request ↗