Canada’s immigration landscape continues to evolve, and the latest IRCC processing times released on November 19, 2025, offer crucial insight for anyone planning to apply for a visa, study permit, work permit, citizenship, or permanent residency. These real-time updates help applicants prepare better, avoid delays, and choose the right immigration pathway.

IRCC recently updated its processing tool to reflect true, real-world timelines for 80% of applications, replacing older fixed targets that no longer matched current volumes. With Canada processing immigration at record levels, keeping track of updated processing times is more important than ever.

Below is a comprehensive summary of the latest timelines, major changes, and what these updates mean for newcomers.


📌 Citizenship Processing Times – November 2025

Demand for citizenship remains high, with nearly 290,700 applicants currently waiting.

  • Citizenship Grant: 13 months (no change)

  • Citizenship Certificate: 9 months (+1 month)

  • Renunciation: 22 months (+12 months)

IRCC is now issuing AORs for applications submitted around July 28, 2025.


📌 Permanent Resident Card Processing Times

Updated weekly:

  • New PR Card: 58 days (slightly higher by 5 days)

  • PR Card Renewal: 30 days (no change)

Renewals show modest improvements, while first-time cards take longer due to heavy demand.


📌 Family Sponsorship Processing Times – Still Among the Longest

Family reunification continues to face the biggest delays:

  • Spousal Sponsorship Outside Canada (non-Quebec): 14 months (-1 month)

  • Spousal Sponsorship Inside Canada: 20 months (-2 months)

  • Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP): Up to 42–50 months, depending on the region

Quebec applications remain the slowest due to dual provincial and federal approvals.


📌 Humanitarian & Protected Persons – The Slowest Category

Some of the longest wait times in the entire system:

  • H&C Applications: More than 10 years

  • Protected Persons: 100–106 months

  • Dependents: 50 months

These timelines highlight how complex humanitarian processing remains across Canada.


📌 Canadian Passport Processing Times

Passport issuance stays predictable:

  • In-person: 10 business days

  • Mail (inside Canada): 20 business days

  • Urgent pick-up: Next business day

No major changes reported in November.


📌 Economic Class PR – Mixed Trends

Economic immigration remains a top priority for IRCC, but some programs are slowing:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program: 6 months (stable)

  • Canadian Experience Class: 7 months (+1 month)

  • Express Entry PNP: 6 months (improved)

  • Non-Express Entry PNP: 16 months

  • Atlantic Immigration Program: 37 months

  • Start-Up Visa Program: More than 10 years

Business immigration continues to be the slowest due to intensive background and security checks.


📌 Visitor Visa Processing Times (Updated Weekly)

Visitor visa times vary significantly by country:

  • India: 106 days (+20 days)

  • United States: 35 days

  • Pakistan: 85 days (+29 days)

  • Philippines: 21 days

  • Inside Canada: 18 days

Super Visa timelines also differ:

  • India: 171 days

  • Pakistan: 202 days

  • U.S.: 58 days (faster by 18 days)


📌 Study Permit Processing Times

Consistent improvements observed worldwide:

  • India: 4 weeks

  • United States: 4 weeks

  • Nigeria: 7 weeks

  • Pakistan: 7 weeks (faster by 3 weeks)

Inside Canada, however, extensions now take 157 days.


📌 Work Permit Processing Times

As of November 19, 2025:

  • India: 10 weeks

  • Philippines: 6 weeks

  • Pakistan: 8 weeks (+2 weeks)

  • Inside Canada (Initial & Extension): 229 days (+3 days)

IEC (International Experience Canada) remains relatively fast at 5 weeks.


Why IRCC Processing Times Matter More in 2025

With Canada’s immigration levels at all-time highs and regional backlogs growing, real-time processing updates allow applicants to:

✔ Build realistic timelines
✔ Prepare complete and accurate applications
✔ Avoid unnecessary delays
✔ Choose faster alternative pathways

Quebec programs continue to experience the slowest timelines due to coordination between federal and provincial processing.


✨ How ICC Immigration Helps You Navigate Canada’s Complex Processing Times

The shifting immigration landscape can feel overwhelming. At ICC Immigration, we help you choose the most reliable and fastest pathway for your future in Canada—while avoiding the uncertainty of asylum claims.

Our Services Include:

✔ Permanent Residency Applications

Whether through Express Entry, PNPs, family sponsorship, or economic programs, we ensure your file is accurate, complete, and optimized for fast approval.

✔ Work Permits & Study Permits

We help you select temporary options that strengthen your long-term PR pathway.

✔ Family Sponsorships

Reunite with your spouse, children, or parents through expert-guided applications.

✔ Expert Legal Advice

We simplify IRCC regulations, help you avoid mistakes, and make sure your application meets the latest requirements.

Choosing a stable pathway—not asylum—offers long-term security, a predictable process, and a clear road to Canadian Permanent Residency.

ICC Immigration is here to support you every step of the way, whether you’re already in Canada or planning to arrive soon.