Canada’s immigration system is constantly evolving, making it essential for applicants to stay updated on the latest processing times. Whether you’re applying for permanent residency (PR), Canadian citizenship, family sponsorship, or a work or study permit, understanding how long your application may take can help you plan better.
Table of Contents
In this detailed guide, we provide the latest IRCC processing times as of February 12, 2025, breaking down each category and what to expect.
📌 Why IRCC Processing Times Matter
✅ Plan Effectively: Knowing the latest processing times helps you coordinate your immigration journey—whether it’s transitioning jobs, enrolling in school, or reuniting with family.
✅ Avoid Delays: IRCC processing times fluctuate due to application volumes and backlogs. Staying informed allows you to prepare for potential delays and take action in advance.
✅ Increase Approval Chances: A complete and well-prepared application significantly reduces processing delays. Ensuring all required documents are included will boost your chances of faster approval.
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📊 How IRCC Calculates Processing Times
IRCC determines processing times based on how long it takes to process 80% of applications in a specific category. The time varies depending on:
✔ Completeness of the application – Missing documents can lead to longer wait times.
✔ Case complexity – Some applications require additional security or legal checks.
✔ Application volume – Higher demand can result in longer processing periods.
✔ Program-specific factors – Different immigration programs have unique requirements, impacting timelines.
🛂 Citizenship Processing Times (Updated Monthly)
Applying for Canadian citizenship? Here are the latest processing times:
- Citizenship Grant: 8 months (⬆ +1 month increase from January).
- Citizenship Certificate: 3 months (no change).
- Renunciation of Citizenship: 12 months (⬇ -4 months improvement).
- Search of Citizenship Records: 16 months (⬆ +9 months due to backlog).
📌 Update from IRCC: As of February 2025, acknowledgments of receipt (AORs) are being issued for applications received before January 10, 2025.
📄 Permanent Resident (PR) Card Processing Times (Updated Weekly)
If you’ve been approved for permanent residence, here’s how long it takes to get a PR card:
✔ New PR Card: 26 days (⬆ +2 days increase from last week).
✔ PR Card Renewal: 16 days (⬇ -1 day faster).
👨👩👧👦 Family Sponsorship Processing Times (Updated Monthly)
If you’re sponsoring a spouse, partner, or parent, expect the following processing times:
- Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Outside Canada, excluding Quebec): 10 months (unchanged).
- Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Outside Canada, Quebec): 36 months (delays due to provincial coordination).
- Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Inside Canada, excluding Quebec): 28 months (⬆ +4 months increase).
- Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Inside Canada, Quebec): 34 months (⬆ +2 months increase).
- Parents/Grandparents Sponsorship: 24 months (outside Quebec), 48 months (Quebec).
📌 Tip: Family sponsorship applications for Quebec take longer due to provincial-level processing.
💼 Economic Immigration Processing Times (Updated Monthly & Weekly)
🇨🇦 Express Entry & Skilled Worker Programs
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 5 months (unchanged).
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 6 months (unchanged).
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP – Express Entry): 6 months (unchanged).
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP – Non-Express Entry): 21 months (⬆ +1 month increase).
- Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW): 9 months (unchanged).
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 9 months (unchanged).
🏢 Business Immigration Programs
- Federal Self-Employed Persons: 48 months (due to complex assessment).
- Quebec Business Class: 71 months (unchanged).
- Start-Up Visa: 40 months (⬆ +1 month increase).
📌 Key Insight: Business immigration programs have significantly longer processing times due to detailed scrutiny of business plans and financial backgrounds.
🛂 Temporary Residency Processing Times (Updated Weekly)
✈️ Visitor Visa Processing Times
- India: 116 days (⬆ +10 days).
- USA: 27 days (⬇ -1 day).
- Nigeria: 152 days (⬇ -1 day).
- Pakistan: 15 days (⬇ -2 days).
- Philippines: 15 days (⬇ -3 days).
📜 Visitor Visa Extensions (Visitor Record)
- Inside Canada: 35 days (⬇ -5 days).
👵 Super Visa Processing Times
- India: 125 days (⬇ -3 days).
- USA: 225 days (unchanged).
- Nigeria: 43 days (⬇ -1 day).
- Pakistan: 89 days (⬆ +21 days).
- Philippines: 135 days (⬇ -1 day).
🎓 Study Permit Processing Times
- Outside Canada:
- India: 15 weeks (unchanged).
- USA: 7 weeks (⬇ -3 weeks).
- Nigeria: 7 weeks (⬇ -1 week).
- Pakistan: 10 weeks (⬆ +2 weeks).
- Philippines: 5 weeks (unchanged).
- Inside Canada: 3 weeks (⬇ -2 weeks).
📌 Tip: Study permits for U.S. applicants saw the biggest improvement (3 weeks faster).
💼 Work Permit Processing Times
- Outside Canada:
- India: 20 weeks (unchanged).
- USA: 15 weeks (unchanged).
- Nigeria: 15 weeks (unchanged).
- Pakistan: 8 weeks (⬇ -2 weeks).
- Philippines: 6 weeks (⬆ +1 week).
- Inside Canada (Including Extensions): 119 days (⬇ -1 day).
🛫 Other Temporary Residency Programs
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Immediate (5 minutes).
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): 10 days (⬆ +2 days).
- International Experience Canada (IEC): 2 weeks (⬇ -3 weeks).
🔍 Final Thoughts: Plan Your 2025 Canada Immigration Journey Smartly
With processing times fluctuating across categories, staying updated ensures you plan your move to Canada effectively.
✔ Apply early to avoid delays.
✔ Submit complete applications to reduce processing times.
✔ Track updates from IRCC for the latest changes.
📢 What are your thoughts on these updated processing times? Do they impact your plans? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️
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