Non-Routine Citizenship Applications (2024–2025) – Timelines

[Mas_32]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to connect with others who have non-routine Canadian citizenship applications, especially cases involving fingerprints, extended background/security checks, or delayed processing beyond standard timelines.

Here’s a quick snapshot of my timeline:

• Application submitted: 26 Feb 2025
• Test: Completed
• Criminality: Passed
• Background/Security: In progress
• Other stages (language, prohibitions, physical presence): Not started / pending
• Marked as non-routine (fingerprints requested)

I’ve also been informed that timelines may exceed standard processing due to additional verifications.

---

Would really appreciate if others can share:

• Application date
• When/if fingerprints were requested
• Time taken for background/security to clear
• When remaining steps (language, prohibitions, etc.) started after that
• Total time to oath (if completed)

---

Also curious:

• Has anyone successfully received urgent processing in a non-routine case (especially employment-related)?
• Did MP involvement help move things forward?

---

Trying to understand realistic timelines and patterns here — any data points would be really helpful.

Thanks in advance!

 

[armoured]

• Has anyone successfully received urgent processing in a non-routine case (especially employment-related)?

Since your employment-related request is to be employed outside of Canada by a non-Canadian company, I should think any request for urgent treatment would not be granted. YMMV.

 

[Ross88]

Hello IRCC. I would like to become a Canadian of convenience ASAP. Can I please ask for urgent processing?

 

[onward28332]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to connect with others who have non-routine Canadian citizenship applications, especially cases involving fingerprints, extended background/security checks, or delayed processing beyond standard timelines.

Here’s a quick snapshot of my timeline:

• Application submitted: 26 Feb 2025
• Test: Completed
• Criminality: Passed
• Background/Security: In progress
• Other stages (language, prohibitions, physical presence): Not started / pending
• Marked as non-routine (fingerprints requested)

I’ve also been informed that timelines may exceed standard processing due to additional verifications.

---

Would really appreciate if others can share:

• Application date
• When/if fingerprints were requested
• Time taken for background/security to clear
• When remaining steps (language, prohibitions, etc.) started after that
• Total time to oath (if completed)

---

Also curious:

• Has anyone successfully received urgent processing in a non-routine case (especially employment-related)?
• Did MP involvement help move things forward?

---

Trying to understand realistic timelines and patterns here — any data points would be really helpful.

Thanks in advance!

April 2025
no fingerprint requested
BG stuck, Prohibition not started

How do you find out if your application is Non-routine?

 

[armoured]

April 2025
no fingerprint requested
BG stuck, Prohibition not started

How do you find out if your application is Non-routine?

For the most part, "non-routine" in IRCC designation is a catch-all term that just means "delayed beyond normal timelines." (They may also use the term to refer to any application for which non-typical checks or steps needed, but less frequently encountered.)

So for the most part, it's a self-licking ice cream cone of a phrase: if you ask why it's delayed [beyond the usual estimated timeframe] and they tell you it's because it's non-routine, well, that's just a circular reference. It's obviously not the 'cause' of the delay.

The actual cause is often security checks but can be other reasons as well.

How do you find out? Well, when it goes much beyond the usual estimated timeframe, they'll probably call it non-routine.

 

[ZMS 76]

Type : Online application
Location : Scarborough.
Physical Presence Days : 1101.
Application Type : Single
Application sent : 2025/06/25.
Delivered : 2025/06/25.
AOR : 2025/08/05.
F.P Request : 2025/08/06.
F.P Submitted : 2025/08/06.
Test invitation email : 2025/11/17.
Test window : 2025/11/21 to 2025/12/20.
Test taken : 2025/11/21.
Test updated on tracker: 2025/11/25.
Language skills : 2025/12/15.
Physical presence :2025/12/15.

Non Routine File. stuck with CSIS from 2025-08-06. status showing "Grant clearance pending". No updates since 2025-12-15. Got GCMS Notes from CBSA and IRCC. No movement.

 

[dpenabill]

How do you find out if your application is Non-routine?

"Non-routine" has long been a description of applications subject to any inquiry or processing that is outside the standard processing of a citizenship application. It is not a status or a category of applications, even though many use the term that way, as something of a label.

IRCC says that they "consider your application complex or non-routine if some parts of your application need extra review or processing on our part."

If the applicant receives a request for additional information or documentation, that is non-routine. That includes fingerprint requests.

If the application is referred to a special processing unit or to another agency (such as CBSA/NSSD or CSIS), that is non-routine.

It does not necessarily mean there is any unusual or lengthy delay in processing.

So an application is "non-routine" even if there is just a simple fingerprint request which, for many, maybe for most applicants getting a FP request, should not delay processing by much, if at all (as long as FPs are promptly submitted).

So the OP's effort is overly broad in that it groups very different situations. There is little comparison in what is causing delays in processing times, or in how much delay is caused, for applicants getting FP requests compared to "complex" applications involving background inquiries or investigations referred to other agencies, such as applications flagged for criminality or security screening beyond the background clearances done in batches.

Note that IRCC appears to be transitioning its language, focusing more on referring to some applications as "complex" rather than "non-routine" to explain why processing is taking longer than norms or is otherwise outside service standards.

But the key thing is that it is not the label that matters. What really matters is what makes the application complex or non-routine. Simple FP requests, generally no big deal. Referral to CBSA/NSSD to investigate concerns about the applicant's reported travel history, attendant verifying physical presence, that could cause a significant delay. Referral to CBSA/NSSD for investigation of prohibitions, especially if in regards to suspected misrepresentation, criminality, or security concerns, that tends to involve even longer delays. And it seems like referrals to CSIS for focused security screening sometimes fall into a black hole.

THUS . . . finding out that IRCC considers your application to be non-routine does not mean much at all. That does not indicate what sort of delay there might be. Figuring out what makes your application complex or non-routine can give the applicant some idea as to whether to expect a lengthy delay. Figuring out if IRCC has a security concern, for example, that says something, and at least in terms of processing timelines something not good . . . and especially not good if it involves a referral to CSIS for a potential security issue.

 

[Nabeel37]

Can you guys please let us know your non-routine application is based on Single applicant ?

 

[Seym]

Can you guys please let us know your non-routine application is based on Single applicant ?

I mean, they can, but it's not a relevant information. Each adult application is processed separately, and potentially becomes non-routine regardless of family or single. It's as useful as asking for the favorite NHL team of applicants.

 

[Lucky2026]

"Non-routine" has long been a description of applications subject to any inquiry or processing that is outside the standard processing of a citizenship application. It is not a status or a category of applications, even though many use the term that way, as something of a label.

IRCC says that they "consider your application complex or non-routine if some parts of your application need extra review or processing on our part."

If the applicant receives a request for additional information or documentation, that is non-routine. That includes fingerprint requests.

If the application is referred to a special processing unit or to another agency (such as CBSA/NSSD or CSIS), that is non-routine.

It does not necessarily mean there is any unusual or lengthy delay in processing.

So an application is "non-routine" even if there is just a simple fingerprint request which, for many, maybe for most applicants getting a FP request, should not delay processing by much, if at all (as long as FPs are promptly submitted).

So the OP's effort is overly broad in that it groups very different situations. There is little comparison in what is causing delays in processing times, or in how much delay is caused, for applicants getting FP requests compared to "complex" applications involving background inquiries or investigations referred to other agencies, such as applications flagged for criminality or security screening beyond the background clearances done in batches.

Note that IRCC appears to be transitioning its language, focusing more on referring to some applications as "complex" rather than "non-routine" to explain why processing is taking longer than norms or is otherwise outside service standards.

But the key thing is that it is not the label that matters. What really matters is what makes the application complex or non-routine. Simple FP requests, generally no big deal. Referral to CBSA/NSSD to investigate concerns about the applicant's reported travel history, attendant verifying physical presence, that could cause a significant delay. Referral to CBSA/NSSD for investigation of prohibitions, especially if in regards to suspected misrepresentation, criminality, or security concerns, that tends to involve even longer delays. And it seems like referrals to CSIS for focused security screening sometimes fall into a black hole.

THUS . . . finding out that IRCC considers your application to be non-routine does not mean much at all. That does not indicate what sort of delay there might be. Figuring out what makes your application complex or non-routine can give the applicant some idea as to whether to expect a lengthy delay. Figuring out if IRCC has a security concern, for example, that says something, and at least in terms of processing timelines something not good . . . and especially not good if it involves a referral to CSIS for a potential security issue.

In my understanding all applications are sent to CSIS for security screening

 

[armoured]

In my understanding all applications are sent to CSIS for security screening

I don't think this is true, depending what you mean by 'security screeniung'. They definitely do have different levels of security screening, and CSIS itself presents numbers to parliament and public about how many immigration files are 'referred' to CSIS. And 'security screening' by CSIS does have a specific meaning - at least to them, in this context.

What's true - I believe - is that there is an approved framework between different agencies (eg those under Minister of Public Safety, immigration, global affairs, I'm sure Defence has weighed in to some degree) to define both procedures, things that are to be checked, some risk assessment framework to define what types of security screenings are needed, who signs off on which decisions, etc.

Some CSIS involvement in some of these decisions / assessments? Sure, even of course, depending what is meant. But does it mean an actual CSIS analyst looks at every single file to 'screen'? No way, not enough people or time.

'Screening' in the sense that all or substantially all of the names are run through databases to see if any 'hits' or links of concern? Sure. But that's like saying the RCMP 'screens' every application'; we pretty much know that the minimum is every name run through the criminality databases that RCMP maintains or has access to, but that doesn't mean an RCMP officer/analyst is looking in detail at every file.

Of course, the results of those searches will be used to decide what level of security checks are needed. If that's what you mean, then sure.

 

[dpenabill]

In my understanding all applications are sent to CSIS for security screening

All adult citizenship applications are referred to CSIS for a security background clearance. These are routine and done in batches (last I saw details these referrals were in batches of up to a hundred applicants). This is similar to the RCMP background clearance which is required for all adult applicants. These "clearances" do not ordinarily delay processing; in the past it was readily apparent that IRCC might have received the clearance for a given applicant but the notation of that in the applicant's file does not happen until a processing agent next works on the file; because of this sometimes the call centre will tell applicants their security clearance is outstanding or pending (even though CSIS has actually done and submitted the clearance) since the call centre only sees the same version of GCMS that is acessible to applicants/clients.

IRCC can make a specific referral to CSIS for . . . I forget the particular term the government uses but it is in effect an individually targeted or focused screening, an investigatory screening, which will involve a more extensive and in-depth background screening. In some cases involving non-routine processing IRCC refers the applicant to CBSA for additional screening, which can be for prohibitions or physical presence. CBSA can, when seen as warranted, further refer that case to CSIS. Additionally, instead of a routine clearance CSIS will identify some applicants for more extensive and in-depth scrutiny/investigation. All of these are the type of security screening that cause delays in processing . . . delays ranging from a few months to many years (there are several cases in which citizenship applications have been bogged down in security screening for more than a decade).

 

[Lucky2026]

All adult citizenship applications are referred to CSIS for a security background clearance. These are routine and done in batches (last I saw details these referrals were in batches of up to a hundred applicants). This is similar to the RCMP background clearance which is required for all adult applicants. These "clearances" do not ordinarily delay processing; in the past it was readily apparent that IRCC might have received the clearance for a given applicant but the notation of that in the applicant's file does not happen until a processing agent next works on the file; because of this sometimes the call centre will tell applicants their security clearance is outstanding or pending (even though CSIS has actually done and submitted the clearance) since the call centre only sees the same version of GCMS that is acessible to applicants/clients.

IRCC can make a specific referral to CSIS for . . . I forget the particular term the government uses but it is in effect an individually targeted or focused screening, an investigatory screening, which will involve a more extensive and in-depth background screening. In some cases involving non-routine processing IRCC refers the applicant to CBSA for additional screening, which can be for prohibitions or physical presence. CBSA can, when seen as warranted, further refer that case to CSIS. Additionally, instead of a routine clearance CSIS will identify some applicants for more extensive and in-depth scrutiny/investigation. All of these are the type of security screening that cause delays in processing . . . delays ranging from a few months to many years (there are several cases in which citizenship applications have been bogged down in security screening for more than a decade).

Thank you for your thorough response.
IMO, instead of leaving applicants in the dark without knowing what is happening with their applications, IRCC should provide clearer information about the reason for the delay. Many applicants who are placed into the “non-routine” category may have completely clean histories.


I have had zero security issues throughout my entire life. I have never been involved in any criminal or security-related activities, nor have I ever had any connection with a government agency or unlawful organization. Therefore, I am extremely surprised and disappointed that my application appears to be delayed because my security screening is still in progress.


I contacted IRCC directly, and the agent told me that my application is considered routine and that there is nothing wrong with my application. However, my MP’s office told me that IRCC considers it non-routine because the security screening is still being processed. This conflicting information is very difficult to understand. I do not know why CSIS or another third-party agency would need so much time to complete a security check when there are no security concerns in my background. The uncertainty and lack of information have been extremely stressful and have seriously affected me emotionally.


I simply hope IRCC can provide some clarity and, if there are no concerns with my application, allow the process to move forward.