How Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Processing Times Have Changed Since Mid-2025

Canada’s immigration system is constantly evolving, and one of the most critical factors for newcomers is how long their applications take to process. Since mid-July 2025, IRCC has updated processing times across multiple immigration categories — including permanent residence, temporary residence, and citizenship.

In this article, we break down these changes and explain how they could affect your plans to work, study, visit, or settle in Canada.

Permanent Residence Applications

Express Entry

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Still at 5 months

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Now 6 months (was 6 months)

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Still unavailable (IRCC hasn’t published timelines)

Real-world impact: Skilled professionals already working in Canada under a work permit can expect relatively steady timelines if applying through CEC. This helps them plan job transitions or PR-linked benefits like health coverage.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• Enhanced (via Express Entry): 8 months (unchanged)

• Base Stream: 19 months (previously 19 months)

Example: An IT worker nominated by Ontario through its Express Entry-linked stream can expect their federal PR approval in about eight months, which aligns with Canada’s goal of attracting tech talent quickly.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

• Current: 13 months (up from 12 months)

Example: Employers in Nova Scotia can still hire skilled workers faster than through other PR pathways, and applicants may obtain a special work permit to begin working while their AIP PR is processed.

Family & Spousal Sponsorship

• Inside Canada: 23 to 53 months (depending on residence province)

• Outside Canada: 15 to 41 months

• Parents and Grandparents: 26 to 41 months

Example: A Canadian citizen sponsoring their spouse living in India could wait up to 15 months for PR approval — highlighting why planning and complete documentation are crucial.

 Temporary Residence Applications

 Visitor Visa (TRV)

• India: 63 days (up from 28)

• Pakistan: 48 days (up from 36)

• Nigeria: 31 days (down from 56)

• Philippines: 71 days (down slightly)

• Inside Canada: 13 days (down from 25)

Example: Families planning to visit relatives in Toronto during holidays should apply well in advance, especially from high-volume countries like India.

Super Visa

• India: 139 days (unchanged)

• Pakistan: 112 days (was 126)

• Nigeria: 55 days (was 57)

 This allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs to visit for up to five years per entry, making it ideal for long family stays.

Work Permits

• India: 8 weeks (was 7 weeks)

• Pakistan: 12 weeks (up from 5 weeks)

• Nigeria: 22 weeks (up from 12 weeks)

• US: 3 weeks (was 4 weeks)

• Inside Canada: 190 days (was 182 days)

Example: A healthcare worker from Pakistan receiving a job offer in British Columbia must account for nearly 3 months of waiting time before starting work.

Study Permits

• India: 4 weeks (up from 3)

• Nigeria: 8 weeks (up from 5)

• US: 10 weeks (up from 7)

• Inside Canada: 6 weeks (down from 12)

Example: An international student already in Ontario applying for a permit extension can benefit from faster processing (about 6 weeks now), helping them maintain uninterrupted studies.

Citizenship Applications

• Citizenship Grants: 11 months (up from 10)

• Proof of Citizenship Certificates: 5 months (unchanged)

Example: A PR preparing to apply for citizenship in 2025 can expect around 11 months of processing, so they should plan around travel or passport needs.

Understanding Processing Times vs. Service Standards

• Processing times = How long IRCC is currently taking on average to finalize applications.

• Service standards = IRCC’s target (usually 80% of cases within that timeframe).

Key tip: Always monitor current processing times on the IRCC website, as they change weekly or monthly based on backlog and application volumes.

Final Thoughts

Canada continues to experience high demand across all immigration streams, which directly affects IRCC processing times. Applicants must prepare complete, accurate applications and plan timelines realistically.

Whether you are applying through Express Entry, PNP, AIP, family sponsorship, study/work permits, or citizenship, understanding these updated timelines will help you set expectations and reduce stress during your immigration journey.

Pro tip: Consider consulting a licensed Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) professional for personalized guidance.