Immigration Processing Times in Canada – February 2025 Update

Canada’s immigration landscape is constantly evolving, and staying updated on the latest IRCC processing times is crucial for anyone planning to relocate to this vibrant country.

This comprehensive guide provides you with the most recent IRCC processing times as of February 18, 2025, giving you insights into what to expect when applying for various immigration categories.

Why IRCC Processing Times Matter

• Effective Planning: Being aware of the latest processing times allows you to align your life plans with your immigration process. Whether it involves job transitions, education, or family reunification, knowing the timeline helps set realistic expectations.
• Avoiding Delays: Application volumes can fluctuate, impacting processing times. By understanding these fluctuations, you can anticipate potential delays and avoid surprises.
• Preparation for Success: Submitting a complete and accurate application is key to ensuring a smoother process. By submitting your application according to current processing times, you can ensure all your documents are in order, maximizing your chances of success.

How IRCC Calculates Processing Times

IRCC calculates processing times based on the completion of 80% of applications. Several factors influence these times:

• Completeness of Application: Incomplete or incorrect documentation can lead to delays.
• Case Complexity: Some cases require more thorough checks due to security or legal factors.
• Application Volume: A higher volume of applications may naturally extend processing times.
• Program-Specific Factors: Each program has unique requirements that can affect the processing time.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Citizenship Processing Times (Updated Monthly)

• Citizenship Grant: Now at 8 months, an increase of 1 month compared to January.
• Citizenship Certificate: Steady at 3 months.
• Renunciation of Citizenship: Reduced to 12 months, a decrease of 4 months.
• Search of Citizenship Records: Increased to 16 months, a 9-month rise, possibly due to higher demand or a backlog.

Note: The IRCC is currently acknowledging receipt for applications received before January 10, 2025.

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

• New PR Card: 24 days, down 2 days from last week.
• PR Card Renewal: Now at 15 days, a reduction of 1 day.

Family Sponsorship Processing Times (Updated Monthly)

• Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Outside Canada, excluding Quebec): Steady at 10 months.
• Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Outside Canada for Quebec): 36 months due to provincial coordination.
• Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Inside Canada, excluding Quebec): Now 28 months, a rise of 4 months compared to January.
• Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Inside Canada, Quebec): 34 months, an increase of 2 months.
• Parents/Grandparents Sponsorship: Steady at 24 months outside Quebec, 48 months for Quebec.

Economic Immigration Processing Times (Updated Monthly and Weekly)

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 5 months, providing a faster route for those with Canadian work experience.
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 6 months, an appealing option for skilled workers.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

• Express Entry: 6 months, unchanged.
• Non-Express Entry: 21 months, a 1-month increase.
• Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW): 9 months, stable.
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 9 months, steady.
• Federal Self-Employed Persons: 48 months, the longest due to the nature of the assessment.
• Quebec Business Class: 71 months, reflecting detailed scrutiny of business cases.

Start-Up Visa: Now 40 months, up by 1 month, likely due to increased applications or more complex reviews.

Temporary Residency Processing Times (Updated Weekly)

1. Visitor Visas (Outside Canada):
   • India: 114 days (down 2 days).
   • United States: 26 days (down 1 day).
   • Nigeria: 148 days (down 4 days).
   • Pakistan: 15 days (no change).
   • Philippines: 14 days (down 1 day).
2. Visitor Visa (Inside Canada): 23 days (down 12 days).
3. Visitor Visa Extension (Visitor Record): 119 days (down 3 days).
4. Super Visa:
   • India: 128 days (up 3 days).
   • United States: 222 days (down 3 days).
   • Nigeria: 44 days (up 1 day).
   • Pakistan: 61 days (down 28 days).
   • Philippines: 134 days (down 1 day).
5. Study Permit (Outside Canada):
   • India: 15 weeks (no change).
   • United States: 8 weeks (up 1 week).
   • Nigeria: 7 weeks (no change).
   • Pakistan: 9 weeks (down 1 week).
   • Philippines: 5 weeks (no change).
6. Study Permit (Inside Canada): 3 weeks (no change).
7. Study Permit Extension: 112 days (up 1 day).
8. Work Permit (Outside Canada):
   • India: 20 weeks (no change).
   • United States: 15 weeks (no change).
   • Nigeria: 15 weeks (no change).
   • Pakistan: 8 weeks (no change).
   • Philippines: 6 weeks (no change).
9. Work Permit (Inside Canada, including Extensions): 117 days (down 2 days).

Other Temporary Residency Programs

• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Immediate (5 minutes).
• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): 12 days (up 2 days).
• International Experience Canada (IEC): 1 week (down 1 week).

Key FAQs:

• How long does it take for a Canadian citizenship application in 2025? Approximately 8 months for adult citizenship grants.
• What is the Canadian PR card processing time now? 24 days for new PR cards, 15 days for PR card renewals.
• How long is the processing time for spousal sponsorship from outside Canada? 10 months for outside Quebec, 36 months for Quebec.
• How often are Canada processing times updated? Monthly for citizenship, family, and economic immigration; weekly for temporary residency and PR cards.

By staying informed about these processing times, you can better manage your expectations, plan your move to Canada, and prepare your documentation accordingly.

For the most accurate and current information, always refer to the official IRCC website.

Here’s to a successful and smooth start to your Canadian journey in 2025!