Canada’s immigration system continues to evolve, and applicants must keep up with the latest IRCC processing times to plan their journey effectively. On October 1, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released its updated timelines across major immigration categories including citizenship, permanent residency, work permits, study permits, and visitor visas.
These timelines are not just numbers — they directly affect when newcomers can reunite with family, start their studies, begin employment, or secure permanent residency in Canada. Below is a breakdown of the latest processing times as of October 2025 and what applicants should expect.
Why Processing Times Matter
Processing times are critical for applicants because they determine how long you may have to wait for:
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Family reunification through sponsorship programs
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Starting studies at Canadian universities or colleges
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Beginning work in Canada under a skilled immigration program
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Securing PR or Canadian citizenship
Since 2022, IRCC’s online tool has been based on 80% of real cases processed, offering a more accurate picture than the older, fixed timelines. However, applicants should remember that these are estimates, not guarantees. Delays can still occur due to background checks, workload, or country of application.
October 2025 IRCC Processing Times
🔹 Citizenship Applications (Updated Monthly)
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Citizenship Grant: 13 months (⬆ increased by 2 months)
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Citizenship Certificate: 7 months (⬆ increased by 2 months)
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Renunciation of Citizenship: 10 months (no change)
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Search of Citizenship Records: 13 months (no change)
📌 Note: Delays for certificates are common when requested outside Canada or the U.S.
🔹 Permanent Resident (PR) Cards (Updated Weekly)
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New PR Card: 56 days (⬆ up by 10 days)
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PR Card Renewal: 32 days (⬇ reduced by 1 day)
🔹 Family Sponsorship (Updated Monthly)
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Spouse/Common-Law Outside Canada (non-Quebec): 15 months (no change)
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Inside Canada (non-Quebec): 24 months (⬆ increased by 1 month)
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Parents/Grandparents (non-Quebec): 26 months (no change)
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Quebec cases: Generally longer due to extra provincial approvals (up to 44 months).
🔹 Economic Class Permanent Residency (Updated Monthly)
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 6 months (⬆ up by 1 month)
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Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 5 months (⬇ reduced by 1 month)
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Provincial Nominee Program (Express Entry): 7 months (⬇ reduced by 1 month)
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Non-Express Entry PNP: 19 months (no change)
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Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW): 11 months (no change)
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Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 13 months (no change)
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Start-Up Visa: 53 months (no change)
👉 Key Insight: Federal Skilled Worker and Express Entry PNP timelines have improved, while CEC applicants face slightly longer waits.
🔹 Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Processing Times (Updated Weekly)
Visitor Visas (Outside Canada):
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India: 75 days (⬆ +2 days)
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U.S.: 23 days (⬇ -5 days)
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Nigeria: 28 days (no change)
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Pakistan: 46 days (⬆ +1 day)
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Philippines: 18 days (no change)
Other Temporary Categories:
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Visitor Visa (Inside Canada): 15 days (no change)
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Super Visa (India): 153 days (⬆ +10 days)
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Super Visa (Pakistan): 151 days (⬆ +18 days)
🔹 Study Permits
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India: 4 weeks (no change)
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Pakistan: 9 weeks (no change)
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Nigeria: 8 weeks (no change)
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U.S.: 10 weeks (no change)
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Philippines: 5 weeks (no change)
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Inside Canada (new): 6 weeks (⬇ reduced by 1 week)
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Extensions: 171 days (⬆ +2 days)
🔹 Work Permits
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India: 8 weeks (⬇ reduced by 1 week)
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Nigeria: 11 weeks (⬇ reduced by 1 week)
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Pakistan: 12 weeks (⬆ +1 week)
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Philippines: 7 weeks (⬆ +1 week)
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U.S.: 3 weeks (no change)
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Inside Canada (Initial/Extension): 196 days (⬆ +4 days)
Special Programs:
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Seasonal Agricultural Worker: 70 days (⬆ +2 days)
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International Experience Canada (IEC): 5 weeks (no change)
🔹 Canadian Passport Processing Times
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In-Canada (In-Person, Regular): 10 business days (no change)
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Mail-in Passport (Canada or Abroad): 20 business days (no change)
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Urgent Pick-Up: Next business day (no change)
What These Updates Mean for Applicants
The October 2025 IRCC update shows a mixed picture:
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Some programs, like Federal Skilled Worker and Express Entry PNP, are getting faster.
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Others, like Citizenship and Super Visa applications, are taking longer.
Applicants should plan ahead, expect possible delays, and always apply early to avoid unexpected setbacks.
🌟 How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada
At ICC Immigration, we understand that processing times can create uncertainty for applicants. Our mission is to guide you through the right pathways and ensure your application is managed with care and expertise.
Our Services Include:
✅ Permanent Residency Applications – Through Express Entry, PNPs, or other programs, we streamline your PR application.
✅ Work & Study Permits – Build your career or education in Canada while working towards PR.
✅ Family Sponsorships – Reunite with loved ones through efficient sponsorship processing.
✅ Expert Legal Advice – Our RCIC experts provide professional legal guidance, ensuring compliance with current IRCC rules and maximizing success rates.
Instead of relying on uncertain routes like asylum claims, we help you choose a secure and stable immigration pathway with a clear path to Canadian Permanent Residency.
📞 Contact ICC Immigration today to start your journey with confidence.
Final Thoughts
The IRCC processing times October 2025 update highlights the importance of staying informed and making well-planned decisions. With timelines shifting regularly, applicants should track updates, prepare documentation early, and seek professional help where needed.
ICC Immigration is here to support your immigration journey — whether you’re applying for PR, a study permit, or family sponsorship. With expert advice and tailored strategies, you can move forward with clarity and confidence.