Initial Processing Time
How long does Initial processing take? Real timelines from application to residence card, based on community reports.
Processing Time Summary
Median
55 days
Typical Range
20–112 days
Fastest
6 days
107 reports
107
Duration measures from appointment or approval to card received. The typical range is the 25th–75th percentile (middle 50% of reports).
By Processing Channel
In-Person
57 days
19–113 day range · 106 reports
Community Reports
Community Reports
+ Share your timelineShowing 212 records. Median: 55 days
| Type | Channel | Office | Days to Card | Confidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial | In-Person | Lisboa | — | Medium | Nomad Gate |
| Initial | In-Person | — | — | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | 1460 days | Low | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | Medium | ||
| Initial | In-Person | — | 90 days | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | High | ||
| Initial | In-Person | — | 60 days | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | — | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | 90 days | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | 30 days | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | — | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | 30 days | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | — | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | — | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | — | Low | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | — | Low | |
| Initial | In-Person | — | 90 days | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | Lisboa | 14 days | Medium | |
| Initial | — | 30 days | Low | ||
| Initial | In-Person | — | 60 days | Low | |
| Initial | In-Person | 21 days | Medium | ||
| Initial | In-Person | — | 180 days | Low | |
| Initial | In-Person | 341 days | Low | ||
| Initial | In-Person | — | 270 days | Medium | |
| Initial | In-Person | 195 days | Medium |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does initial processing take?
Based on 107 community reports, the median processing time is 55 days. Most applicants wait between 20 and 112 days.
Is this data reliable?
Our data comes from real community reports shared across online forums 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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