Staying updated with the latest IRCC processing times is essential for anyone planning to study, work, or settle permanently in Canada. As of December 10, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released new estimates for applications across all major categories—including citizenship, PR cards, family sponsorship, economic immigration, and temporary visas.

These timelines help newcomers plan major milestones such as reuniting with family, starting a job, beginning school, or renewing important documents.

IRCC’s modernized online tool now provides processing estimates based on the actual experience of 80% of applicants, replacing the previous target-based system. While these numbers offer helpful guidance, applicants should remain flexible, as timelines can vary due to security checks, country of application, documentation completeness, and IRCC workload.

1. Citizenship Processing Times — December 2025

Updated monthly, citizenship applications continue to see stable timelines:

Citizenship Grant: 13 months
Citizenship Certificate: 9 months
Renunciation: 11 months

IRCC is currently issuing Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) for applications submitted around September 15, 2025.

2. Permanent Resident (PR) Card Processing Times

Updated weekly, PR card processing shows minor fluctuations:

New PR Cards: 58 days
PR Card Renewals: 35 days

New cards are taking slightly longer, while renewals have improved.

3. Family Sponsorship Processing Times

Family sponsorship remains one of the most backlogged immigration categories:

Spouse/Common-Law – Outside Canada: 14 months
Spouse/Common-Law – Inside Canada: 20 months
Parents & Grandparents: 40–49 months depending on province

Applications in Quebec continue to take longer due to the required provincial approval before federal review.

4. Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) and Protected Persons

These categories remain among the slowest in the entire immigration system:

H&C Applications: Over 10 years (inside and outside Quebec)
Protected Persons: 103–108 months
Dependents of Protected Persons: 51 months

The long processing times make it crucial for applicants to consider more reliable pathways, especially if they qualify for economic immigration or family sponsorship programs.

5. Canadian Passport Processing

Passport processing is one of IRCC’s most stable services:

In-person applications: 10 business days
Mail applications: 20 business days
Urgent/Express options: 1–9 business days

6. Economic Class Permanent Residency

Express Entry categories remain steady:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 7 months
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): 6 months
PNP (Express Entry): 6 months
Non-Express Entry PNP: 16 months
Quebec Skilled Worker: 11 months

However, business immigration programs continue to experience extreme delays:

Start-Up Visa: Over 10 years
Federal Self-Employed: Over 10 years
Quebec Business Programs: Up to 84 months

7. Temporary Visa Processing Times

Visitor Visas (Outside Canada)

India: 117 days
U.S.: 31 days
Pakistan: 86 days
Nigeria: 27 days
Philippines: 20 days
Inside Canada visitor visa processing is 17 days.

Super Visa

India: 182 days
Pakistan: 198 days
U.S.: 42 days

Study Permits

India/Pakistan/Philippines: 4–5 weeks
Study permit extensions: 140 days

Work Permits

India: 10 weeks
Pakistan: 5 weeks
Inside Canada: 218 days

Programs like Seasonal Agricultural Workers and IEC remain faster.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Navigate IRCC Processing Times

Whether you are applying for temporary status, permanent residency, or exploring long-term settlement options, delays can significantly impact your plans. This is where ICC Immigration, led by experienced professionals and RCIC Kamal Deep Singh, steps in to help you secure your future with confidence.

✓ Permanent Residency Applications

ICC Immigration assists with Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Quebec programs, and family-based PR applications. They ensure your application is complete, accurate, and aligned with current IRCC requirements—helping minimize delays and avoid costly refusals.

✓ Work Permits & Study Permits

Whether you plan to study in Canada, transition to a work permit, or switch to a PR pathway later, ICC Immigration guides you through the most suitable temporary options.

✓ Family Sponsorship

Reuniting with your loved ones is a top priority. ICC Immigration supports applications for spouses, partners, children, parents, and grandparents, ensuring every requirement is met to avoid unnecessary delays.

✓ Expert Legal Advice

Canadian immigration policies evolve constantly. ICC Immigration provides professional, RCIC-licensed legal guidance, helping you avoid risks such as misrepresentation or relying on uncertain pathways like asylum claims.

Choose Stability Over Uncertainty

Instead of depending on uncertain asylum claims, choose a pathway that leads to security, long-term stability, and Permanent Residency in Canada. ICC Immigration is committed to walking with you from the first consultation to the final approval.

Conclusion

The December 2025 IRCC processing times reveal an immigration system that is moving steadily in some categories and significantly delayed in others. With so many variables affecting processing—security checks, documentation, provincial requirements, and IRCC workload—having proper guidance is more important than ever.

ICC Immigration ensures that you follow the most reliable pathway toward Canadian Permanent Residency, keeping your future secure and your journey stress-free.