Navigating the Canadian immigration system can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding processing times for various applications. As of May 20, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its latest processing time updates. These insights are crucial for applicants planning to study, work, settle, or reunite with family in Canada. This blog will break down the current IRCC processing times, explain what they mean for you, and show how ICC Immigration can help you secure your future in Canada with expert guidance.

Understanding IRCC’s Latest Processing Times

IRCC processing times indicate how long it takes for different types of applications to be processed. These times are estimates based on recent data and can fluctuate due to application volumes and IRCC’s capacity. Since 2022, IRCC has been using an advanced tool that provides more accurate, real-time updates. Temporary visas and PR cards are updated weekly, while citizenship, PR applications, and family sponsorships are updated monthly.

Why Are Processing Times Important?

• Planning: Knowing processing times helps applicants plan their travel, work, or studies.

• Expectations: They provide a realistic timeline to manage expectations.

• Preparation: Understanding delays can encourage applicants to submit complete and accurate applications, reducing chances of delays.

IRCC Processing Times Breakdown (May 2025)

Citizenship Processing

Citizenship application processing times have slightly increased, reflecting the growing demand and complexity.

• Citizenship Grant: 10 months (previously 8 months)

• Citizenship Certificate: 4 months (previously 3 months)

• Renunciation of Citizenship: 7 months (previously 8 months)

• Search of Citizenship Records: 15 months (unchanged)

Note: Citizenship certificates requested outside Canada or the U.S. may face additional delays.

Permanent Residency (PR) Card Processing

The demand for PR cards has pushed processing times up modestly:

• New PR Card: 47 days (up from 35 days)

• PR Card Renewal: 12 days (up by 2 days)

Pro tip: Submit complete applications to avoid further delays.

Family Sponsorship

Family sponsorship times vary widely, especially between Quebec and other provinces, due to Quebec’s unique immigration agreements.

• Spouse/Common-Law (Outside Canada, Non-Quebec): 10 months (down from 11 months)

• Spouse/Common-Law (Outside Canada, Quebec): 36 months (up from 35 months)

• Spouse/Common-Law (Inside Canada, Non-Quebec): 29 months (up from 24 months)

• Spouse/Common-Law (Inside Canada, Quebec): 36 months (unchanged)

• Parents/Grandparents (Non-Quebec): 36 months (unchanged)

• Parents/Grandparents (Quebec): 48 months (unchanged)

Quebec’s longer timelines should be factored into your family sponsorship planning.

Canadian Passport Processing

Passport applications remain steady with options for expedited service:

• New Passport (In-Person): 10 business days

• New Passport (Mail): 20 business days

• Urgent Pick-Up: Next business day

• Express Pick-Up: 2–9 business days

Economic Class PR Processing

This category includes Express Entry and other skilled worker programs:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 5 months

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 5 months (down from 6)

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry: 5 months (down from 6)

• Non-Express Entry PNP: 20 months (down from 21)

• Quebec Skilled Workers: 9 months (unchanged)

• Federal Self-Employed: 53 months (up from 50)

• Atlantic Immigration Program: 11 months

• Start-Up Visa: 41 months (up from 40)

Temporary Resident Visas

Processing times vary by visa type and country of application:

• Visitor Visa Outside Canada (India): 19 days

• Visitor Visa Inside Canada: 23 days (up from 20)

• Study Permit Outside Canada (India): 10 weeks (up by 1 week)

• Work Permit Outside Canada (India): 15 weeks (down by 1 week)

• Work Permit Inside Canada: 238 days (up by 1 day)

Other Temporary Visas

• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program: 18 days (up by 5 days)

• International Experience Canada: 5 weeks (unchanged)

• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Usually 5 minutes, up to 72 hours in some cases

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

Navigating immigration can be overwhelming without expert advice. ICC Immigration is committed to helping individuals like you find the best pathways to settle in Canada securely and efficiently. Here’s how we can assist:

Permanent Residency Applications

Whether through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or other PR routes, our experts ensure your application is strong and error-free for smooth processing.

Work and Study Permits

We help temporary residents and international students explore work or study permits that can open doors to permanent residency in Canada.

Family Sponsorship

Our team supports you in the family reunification process, helping you sponsor relatives with the best chance of success.

Expert Legal Guidance

Our professional immigration lawyers guide you through the complexities of Canadian immigration law, ensuring compliance and reducing risk.

Choosing ICC Immigration means you avoid uncertain and risky paths like asylum claims, opting instead for trusted, strategic immigration solutions.

Final Thoughts

IRCC’s latest processing time updates reflect ongoing challenges and demand within Canada’s immigration system. Staying informed helps you plan your immigration journey more effectively. Remember, these are estimates—individual cases may vary depending on circumstances.

ICC Immigration is here to guide you at every step, making your Canadian dream a reality with personalized, expert assistance. Whether you’re applying for PR, extending your study permit, or sponsoring family members, you can count on us for reliable support.