January 2025 Immigration Processing Times for Canada

IRCC provides updates on processing times for immigration and temporary visa categories on a weekly and monthly basis. If you’re considering immigrating to Canada, it’s crucial to stay informed about the most current processing times for your application. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regularly adjusts these timelines to reflect changes in their workload and operational efficiency. This guide offers the latest information on Canadian immigration processing times as IRCC shares its first update for 2025, assisting you in planning your Canadian journey confidently.

Why It’s Important to Track IRCC Processing Times

Staying updated on Canadian immigration processing times is essential for several reasons:

• Efficient Planning: Whether applying for permanent residency, citizenship, or a temporary visa, knowing the expected processing times helps you manage your move, career, and finances more effectively.
• Anticipate Delays: Processing times can fluctuate based on the volume of applications IRCC receives. Regular updates help you foresee potential delays and avoid unexpected setbacks.
• Increase Your Success Rate: By familiarizing yourself with the timelines, you can ensure your application is well-prepared and submitted on time, minimizing complications during the process.

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How IRCC Determines Processing Times

The processing times for Canadian immigration are based on 80% of applications and can vary due to several influencing factors:

• Completeness of the Application: Incomplete or incorrect documentation can lead to delays.
• Case Complexity: Some applications may require further checks or reviews, which could extend processing time.
• Volume of Applications: A higher number of applications can slow down the processing times.
• Program-Specific Requirements: Different immigration programs have specific requirements that can affect the overall processing times.

Updated Citizenship Processing Times (Monthly)

• Citizenship Grant: 7 months (no change from December 2024)
• Citizenship Certificate: 3 months (no change)
• Renunciation of Citizenship: 16 months (no change)
• Search of Citizenship Records: 7 months (reduced by 4 months from December 2024)

Updated Permanent Resident (PR) Card Processing Times (Weekly)

• New PR Card: 22 days (increased by 2 days)
• PR Card Renewal: 28 days (reduced by 5 days)

Family Sponsorship Processing Times (Monthly)

• Spouse/Common-Law Partner Sponsorship (Outside Canada, excluding Quebec): 10 months (no change)
• Spouse/Common-Law Partner Sponsorship (Outside Canada, Quebec): 36 months (no change)
• Spouse/Common-Law Partner Sponsorship (Inside Canada, excluding Quebec): 24 months (increased by 12 months)
• Spouse/Common-Law Partner Sponsorship (Inside Canada, Quebec): 32 months (increased by 5 months)
• Parents/Grandparents Sponsorship (Excluding Quebec): 24 months (no change)
• Parents/Grandparents Sponsorship (Quebec): 48 months (no change)

Updated Economic Immigration Processing Times (Monthly and Weekly)

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 5 months (no change)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 6 months (increased by 1 month)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP—Express Entry): 6 months (no change)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP—Non-Express Entry): 20 months (increased by 7 months)
• Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW): 9 months (reduced by 2 months)
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 9 months (increased by 1 month)
• Federal Self-Employed Persons: 48 months (no change)
• Quebec Business Class: 71 months (no change)
• Start-Up Visa: 39 months (reduced by 1 month)

Updated Temporary Residency Processing Times (Weekly)

• Visitor Visa (Outside Canada)
  • India: 110 days (increased by 2 days)
  • United States: 25 days (increased by 1 day)
  • Nigeria: 164 days (reduced by 5 days)
  • Pakistan: 25 days (reduced by 5 days)
  • Philippines: 22 days (increased by 1 day)
• Visitor Visa (Inside Canada)
  • Online: 50 days (increased by 4 days)
• Super Visa
  • India: 137 days (unchanged)
  • United States: 116 days (reduced by 18 days)
  • Nigeria: 45 days (reduced by 4 days)
  • Pakistan: 75 days (reduced by 9 days)
  • Philippines: 111 days (reduced by 11 days)
• Study Permit (Outside Canada)
  • India: 9 weeks (increased by 4 weeks)
  • United States: 11 weeks (increased by 1 week)
  • Nigeria: 8 weeks (increased by 1 week)
  • Pakistan: 7 weeks (reduced by 1 week)
  • Philippines: 5 weeks (increased by 1 week)
• Study Permit (Inside Canada)
  • Processing Time: 7 weeks (reduced by 1 week)
• Study Permit Extension
  • Processing Time: 130 days (reduced by 15 days)
• Work Permit (Outside Canada)
  • India: 18 weeks (no change)
  • United States: 15 weeks (increased by 1 week)
  • Nigeria: 19 weeks (reduced by 2 weeks)
  • Pakistan: 11 weeks (no change)
  • Philippines: 4 weeks (no change)
• Work Permit (Inside Canada)
  • Including Extensions: 151 days (reduced by 11 days)
• Other Temporary Residency Programs
  • Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): 8 days
  • International Experience Canada (IEC): 8 weeks (increased by 2 weeks)
  • Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Immediate (5 minutes)

This detailed list of processing times will help you manage your immigration application more effectively. Regularly checking for updates ensures you’re prepared for any changes and can keep your plans on track.