Stay Updated on Canada Immigration Processing Timelines
If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada, apply for a visa, or obtain citizenship, staying informed about the latest IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) processing times is crucial. As of March 5, 2025, IRCC has updated its processing timelines, with significant changes across various application categories.
We’ve compiled a detailed breakdown of these updates, comparing them with previous figures to help you understand what to expect when submitting your application.
IRCC Processing Time Updates – March 2025
IRCC has shifted its approach to processing time estimates, now reflecting actual case data rather than static service standards. Here’s a summary of the latest updates:
Citizenship and PR Card Processing Times (Updated Monthly & Weekly)
| Application Type | Current Processing Time (March 4, 2025) | Change Since Last Update |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship Grant | 9 months | Increased by 1 month |
| Citizenship Certificate | 4 months | Increased by 1 month |
| Renunciation of Citizenship | 10 months | Reduced by 2 months |
| Search of Citizenship Records | 16 months | No Change |
| New PR Card | 16 days | Reduced by 8 days |
| PR Card Renewal | 14 days | Reduced by 1 day |
Key Update: IRCC is issuing Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letters for citizenship applications submitted around February 10, 2025.
Family Sponsorship Processing Times (Updated Monthly)
| Application Type | Current Processing Time (March 4, 2025) | Change Since Last Update |
| Spouse/Common-Law (Outside Canada, excl. Quebec) | 11 months | Increased by 1 month |
| Spouse/Common-Law (Outside Canada, Quebec) | 35 months | Reduced by 1 month |
| Spouse/Common-Law (Inside Canada, Non-Quebec) | 24 months | Reduced by 4 months |
| Spouse/Common-Law (Inside Canada, Quebec) | 35 months | Increased by 1 month |
| Parents/Grandparents PR (Non-Quebec) | 33 months | Reduced by 1 month |
| Parents/Grandparents PR (Quebec) | 48 months | No Change |
Insight: Quebec-specific applications generally experience longer processing times compared to other regions.
Canadian Passport Processing Times (No Changes Noted)
| Application Type | Processing Time |
| In-Canada New Passport (In-Person, Regular) | 10 business days |
| In-Canada New Passport (Mail, Regular) | 20 business days |
| Urgent Pick-Up | By next business day |
| Express Pick-Up | 2-9 business days |
| Regular Passport (Mailed from Outside Canada) | 20 business days |
Permanent Residency Economic Class (Updated Monthly)
| Application Type | Processing Time (March 4, 2025) | Change Since Last Update |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 5 months | No Change |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | 5 months | Reduced by 1 month |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry | 7 months | Increased by 1 month |
| Non-Express Entry PNP | 21 months | No Change |
| Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW) | 9 months | No Change |
| Start-Up Visa | 40 months | No Change |
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Processing Times (Updated Weekly)
Processing times for temporary visas vary by country. Here are some key updates:
| Country | Visitor Visa Processing Time (March 5, 2025) | Change Since Last Update |
| India | 105 days | Reduced by 9 days |
| United States | 22 days | Reduced by 4 days |
| Nigeria | 145 days | Reduced by 3 days |
| Pakistan | 16 days | Increased by 1 day |
| Philippines | 14 days | No Change |
Additional updates include:
- Visitor Visa (Inside Canada): 18 days (Reduced by 5 days)
- Visitor Extension (Visitor Record): 116 days (Reduced by 3 days)
- Super Visa Processing Time: Varies by country, with notable increases in the U.S. and Pakistan.
Work & Study Permit Processing Times
- Study Permit (Outside Canada): Varies by country (e.g., 5 weeks for U.S., 15 weeks for India)
- Study Permit (Inside Canada): 3 weeks (No Change)
- Study Permit Extension: 112 days (No Change)
- Work Permit (Outside Canada): Processing times depend on country of origin (e.g., 20 weeks for India, 81 weeks for the U.S.)
- Work Permit (Inside Canada): 114 days (Reduced by 3 days)
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): 12 days (No Change)
- International Experience Canada (IEC): 2 weeks (Increased by 1 week)
Why These Processing Times Matter in 2025
IRCC processing times provide crucial insight into how long immigration and visa applications may take. These timelines help individuals and families plan their relocation, work, and study plans effectively.
Key takeaways:
- Expect Delays: Timelines are estimates, and individual cases may take longer due to various factors.
- Regular Updates: IRCC now updates processing times weekly (for TRVs) and monthly (for PR & citizenship applications).
- Plan Accordingly: Applicants should prepare documents in advance and stay informed to avoid unexpected delays.
Stay Informed – Bookmark This Page! For the latest IRCC processing time updates, visit the IRCC official website.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends and family planning their journey to Canada!
Disclaimer: Processing times are estimates based on available data and may vary depending on individual circumstances, application volume, and IRCC’s operational capacity.
