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IRCC Processing Times Update: What Applicants Need to Know in 2025

ICC Immigration Inc > Blogs > Announcement > IRCC Processing Times Update: What Applicants Need to Know in 2025

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its application processing times since mid-July 2025, with several key changes affecting permanent residency, work permits, study permits, temporary resident visas, and citizenship applications. Knowing how these timelines shift is crucial for planning your next steps toward living, working, or studying in Canada.

Below is a clear summary of the changes — and how ICC Immigration can help you navigate them successfully.

1. Permanent Residency (PR) Applications

IRCC’s flagship immigration streams have seen mixed changes:

  • Express Entry:

    • Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Still at 5 months.

    • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Increased from 6 to 7 months.

    • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): No published times due to limited data.

  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP):

    • Enhanced PNP: Remains 8 months.

    • Base PNP: Increased from 19 to 20 months.

  • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Increased from 12 to 13 months.

  • Family Sponsorships:
    Spousal/Common-Law Partner applications now range between 36–41 months, up 2–4 months since July depending on location and class.

Key takeaway: Most PR streams are experiencing either steady or slightly longer waits. Applicants should factor these changes into their timelines and submit complete, well-prepared applications to avoid further delays.

2. Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs)

TRV processing times now vary widely:

  • India: 28 → 58 days

  • Pakistan: 36 → 48 days

  • Nigeria: 56 → 32 days (improved)

  • Philippines: 33 → 20 days (improved)

  • United States: 21 → 23 days

Inside Canada, TRV processing dropped from 18 days to 14 days, offering quicker turnaround for in-country applicants.

3. Work Permits

Processing times for work permits have shifted unevenly:

  • Outside Canada:

    • India: 7 → 8 weeks

    • Pakistan: 5 → 9 weeks

    • Nigeria: 12 → 11 weeks

    • US: 4 → 3 weeks

    • Philippines: steady at 6 weeks

  • Inside Canada: Increased from 182 days to 188 days.

Tip: Applying early and ensuring a complete application can minimize delays.

4. Study Permits and Extensions

Study permit processing times are changing both outside and inside Canada:

  • Outside Canada:

    • India: steady at 3 weeks

    • Pakistan: 11 → 9 weeks

    • Nigeria: 5 → 8 weeks

    • Philippines: 10 → 7 weeks

    • US: 7 → 10 weeks

  • Inside Canada: Decreased from 12 weeks to 10 weeks.

  • Study Permit Extensions: Dropped from 180 to 164 days.

This is good news for students already in Canada who need to extend their permits.

5. Visitor Records

Processing times decreased from 193 days to 176 days, offering faster resolution for those seeking to extend or change their status in Canada.

6. Citizenship and Proof of Citizenship

No major changes since July 2025:

  • Citizenship Grants: Remain at 10 months.

  • Proof of Citizenship Certificates: Still at 5 months.

7. Processing Times vs. Service Standards

IRCC’s service standards are its internal targets (e.g., 180 days for Express Entry). Processing times, on the other hand, reflect the real-world averages based on recent data. Applicants should always plan for potential delays and submit complete documentation to stay within expected timelines.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

Navigating IRCC’s shifting timelines can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. ICC Immigration provides expert guidance tailored to your situation.

Our Services Include:

  • Permanent Residency Applications: Whether via Express Entry, PNPs, or Atlantic Immigration Program, we streamline your PR application and minimize errors that can delay approval.

  • Work Permits and Study Permits: We help you explore temporary immigration options that can lead to permanent residency.

  • Family Sponsorships: We support Canadians and permanent residents in sponsoring their loved ones while complying with the latest IRCC requirements.

  • Expert Legal Advice: Our experienced team provides up-to-date guidance on changing immigration policies and ensures your application complies with Canada’s immigration regulations.

Rather than relying on risky or uncertain routes like unfounded asylum claims, ICC Immigration helps you choose pathways offering stability, security, and a clear route to permanent residency. Whether you’re inside Canada or planning from abroad, we’ll guide you step-by-step.

Why Acting Now Matters

With IRCC processing times shifting upward in many categories, early and accurate applications are more important than ever. By working with a trusted immigration consultant like ICC Immigration, you gain a partner who understands the system, tracks weekly updates, and provides strategies to reduce delays.