If you’re planning to move to Canada or are already navigating your immigration journey, staying updated on IRCC’s processing times is critical. In April 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will update timelines across all major immigration categories. Whether you’re applying for permanent residency, a work or study permit, or sponsoring a loved one, knowing what to expect can help you plan smarter and move forward with confidence.
Citizenship Applications – Faster Than Ever
Canada continues to streamline its citizenship processing to encourage permanent residents to become full citizens. Here are the latest timelines:
- Citizenship Grant: 8 months
- Citizenship Certificate: 3 months
- Renunciation of Citizenship: 8 months
- Search of Citizenship Records: 15 months
Tip: Processing may take longer if applying from outside Canada or the U.S.
Permanent Resident Cards – Quick Turnarounds
Whether you’re receiving your first PR card or renewing it, the process has sped up in April 2025:
- New PR Cards: 14 days
- PR Card Renewals: 11 days
These quick turnarounds are welcome news for new immigrants and long-term residents planning international travel.
Family Sponsorship Processing Times – Region Matters
Family reunification remains a pillar of Canada’s immigration system. However, the province of Quebec often sees longer wait times.
Current wait times for sponsorship:
- Spouse/Common-law Partner (Outside Canada): 11 months (Non-Quebec) | 35 months (Quebec)
- Spouse/Common-law Partner (Inside Canada): 24 months (Non-Quebec) | 36 months (Quebec)
- Parents/Grandparents Sponsorship: 36 months (Non-Quebec) | 48 months (Quebec)
If you’re sponsoring a family from abroad, it’s wise to plan accordingly and explore faster pathways if available.
Economic Immigration – Express Entry Leads the Way
Economic immigrants, including skilled workers and provincial nominees, make up a large portion of newcomers to Canada.
Here are the latest processing times:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 5 months
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 6 months
- Express Entry via PNP: 6 months
- Non-Express Entry PNP: 21 months
- Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW): 9 months
- Start-Up Visa: 40 months
- Federal Self-Employed Class: 50 months
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 11 months
- Quebec Business Class: 72 months
Temporary Visas – Country-by-Country Variations
Processing times for visitor, study, and work permits vary depending on your country of application. Here are highlights from April 2025:
Visitor Visas (Outside Canada)
- India: 18 days
- U.S.: 17 days
- Nigeria: 109 days
- Pakistan: 22 days
- Philippines: 19 days
Study Permits (Outside Canada)
- India: 9 weeks
- U.S.: 5 weeks
- Nigeria: 6 weeks
- Pakistan: 8 weeks
- Philippines: 7 weeks
Work Permits (Outside Canada)
- India: 18 weeks
- U.S.: 81 weeks
- Nigeria: 16 weeks
- Pakistan: 8 weeks
- Philippines: 5 weeks
Inside Canada
- Visitor Visas: 15 days
- Study Permits: 3 weeks
- Work Permits: 201 days
- Study Permit Extensions: 163 days
- Visitor Visa Extensions: 133 days
Super Visa Processing (for Parents/Grandparents)
- India: 114 days
- U.S.: 171 days
- Nigeria: 57 days
- Pakistan: 142 days
- Philippines: 92 days
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Instantly in most cases (up to 72 hours in rare cases)
Why Trust ICC Immigration with Your Journey
With ever-changing immigration rules and complex timelines, having a trusted immigration partner makes all the difference. ICC Immigration is here to help you make the smartest, safest move toward your future in Canada.
How We Can Help
- Permanent Residency Applications
Whether it’s Express Entry, PNPs, or Quebec pathways, we help you choose and prepare the right route based on your profile. - Work and Study Permits
We guide you through short-term permits that can lead to PR. We also help with LMIA-supported jobs and DLI-approved study programs. - Family Sponsorships
Our team ensures your loved ones reunite with you faster. From spouse applications to parental sponsorships, we handle the paperwork and timelines. - Expert Legal Guidance
Our legal experts ensure your case is compliant with Canadian immigration policies, helping you avoid rejections and delays.
Secure your future the right way—avoid the unpredictability of asylum claims and choose a legal, stable route to Canadian PR with ICC Immigration.
Strategize Before You Apply
In 2025, Canada will continue to welcome skilled immigrants, international students, and family members. However, application backlogs, incomplete documentation, or using the wrong immigration stream can cost you valuable time.
That’s where we come in. At ICC Immigration, we don’t just submit forms—we create a strategy. From evaluating eligibility to representing your case with precision, our personalized approach gives you the best chance at success.
Conclusion
Immigration to Canada remains promising, but success depends on understanding the process. With IRCC updating processing times monthly, you need to stay informed and prepared. Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, seeking PR through Express Entry, or reuniting with family, timing and accuracy matter.
Let ICC Immigration be your trusted partner in this life-changing journey. We’re committed to helping you build a secure, fulfilling future in Canada—one step at a time.