Initial Processing Time
How long does Initial processing take? Real timelines from application to residence card, based on community reports.
Processing Time Summary
Median
57 days
Typical Range
21–120 days
Fastest
6 days
86 reports
86
By Processing Channel
In-Person
59 days
21–120 day range · 85 reports
Community Reports
Community Reports
+ Share your timelineShowing 192 records. Median: 57 days
| Type | Channel | Office | Days to Card | Confidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial | In-Person | — | — | Medium | Nomad Gate |
| Initial | In-Person | — | — | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | 14 days | Low | |
| Initial | In-Person | Lisboa / Alverca | — | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | — | Medium | Nomad Gate |
| Initial | In-Person | — | — | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | 37 days | High | Nomad Gate | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | 45 days | Medium | Nomad Gate |
| Initial | In-Person | — | — | High | Nomad Gate |
| Initial | In-Person | Lisboa | 213 days | High | Nomad Gate |
| Initial | In-Person | 243 days | High | Nomad Gate | |
| Initial | In-Person | 40 days | Medium | ||
| Initial | In-Person | 195 days | Medium | ||
| Initial | In-Person | — | — | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | — | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | 30 days | Medium | Nomad Gate |
| Initial | In-Person | Lisboa | — | Medium | Nomad Gate |
| Initial | In-Person | Lisboa | — | Medium | Nomad Gate |
| Initial | In-Person | 170 days | High | ||
| Initial | In-Person | 120 days | Medium | ||
| Initial | In-Person | — | — | Low | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | 30 days | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | Medium | ||
| Initial | In-Person | 60 days | Medium | ||
| Initial | In-Person | — | Medium |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does initial processing take?
Based on 86 community reports, the median processing time is 57 days. Most applicants wait between 21 and 120 days.
Is this data reliable?
Our data comes from real community reports posted on Reddit and submitted directly by users. Each report is assigned a confidence level (high, medium, or low) based on the specificity of dates provided. While not official AIMA data, it provides useful estimates based on actual experiences.
How can I speed up my application?
Based on community data, online portal submissions tend to be processed faster than in-person appointments. Ensure all documents are complete and correctly formatted to avoid delays. Check our comprehensive guide for more tips.
Other Processing Times
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