Canada Immigration Processing Times: Update 2025

If you submitted an immigration application to IRCC and feel like you have been waiting forever, you are not alone. One of the most common concerns we hear from clients is about long and unpredictable processing times. As of April 2025, IRCC has made some changes and published new processing time estimates across a range of programs. But as with most things in immigration, how long your application will take depends on several factors.

This article will walk you through what influences Canadian immigration processing times, which programs are experiencing delays, what to expect in 2025, and how you can stay ahead in your immigration journey.

What Affects Canadian Immigration Processing Times?

Several moving parts influence how long it takes IRCC to process applications. While average timelines are published, real-world wait times vary based on:

• IRCC backlog and staffing levels: After several years of fluctuating staffing and policy shifts, some programs remain slower than others.

• Application accuracy and completeness: Incomplete applications or missing documents can lead to significant delays or refusals.

• Biometrics and medical exam delays: If your country has limited access to panel physicians or biometric centres, this may affect your timeline.

• Applicant’s country of origin: Processing times can vary depending on where your application is processed and local workloads.

• Type of immigration application: Whether you are applying for a visitor visa, permanent residency, or citizenship, each category has its own timeline.

IRCC 2025 Processing Time Updates: What’s New This Year?

In 2025, IRCC has committed to improving transparency and timelines. Here are some of the main changes:

• Digital case tracking tools: Applicants now receive more frequent status updates, particularly for Express Entry and family sponsorship streams.

• Online vs paper-based applications: Online applications are consistently processed faster than paper applications. This is true across all immigration categories.

• Priority processing categories: Healthcare workers, in-Canada family sponsorships, and permanent residents applying from within Canada are being prioritized.

• Processing time begins: IRCC now calculates processing time from the day your complete application is received—not from when you create a profile or express interest.

Processing Times by Immigration Category (April 2025)

Let’s take a closer look at the latest processing times, broken down by category. These timelines reflect average waits as of Q2 2025, but actual results may vary based on individual circumstances.

Express Entry (FSWP, CEC, FST)

Express Entry remains one of the fastest ways to become a permanent resident, particularly through:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

As of April 2025, most Express Entry applications are being processed in about 6-8 months, though some applicants report faster results, particularly under the Canadian Experience Class. Backlogs from 2022 and 2023 have largely been resolved.

See our guide on the Express Entry process

Family Sponsorships: Spouses, Children, Parents, Grandparents

Family reunification continues to be a priority for IRCC. Inland spousal sponsorships are currently being processed within 34 months, while overseas applications average 12-14 months. Parent and grandparent sponsorships are still backlogged, with most applications taking 18-24 months.

If you are sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner from inside Canada, you may also qualify for an open work permit while waiting.

Read about spousal sponsorship options

Work Permits: Employer-Specific vs Open

Work permit processing times vary widely:

• Employer-specific work permits (requiring LMIA): 10-12 weeks after LMIA approval

• Open work permits (for spouses of students or workers): 6-10 weeks for most applicants inside Canada

• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): Timelines depend on country of origin and employer compliance

If you are applying from outside Canada, processing can take longer due to local visa office delays or biometrics appointments.

Study Permit Processing in 2025: What Students Should Know

With the fall 2025 intake approaching, study permit processing remains a hot topic. Applications can take 6-10 weeks, depending on country of residence and medical exam requirements.

Study permit approval rates have stabilized but are lower on average with more PAL's being offered with fewer allotted study permits per year, but applicants should apply as early as possible, ideally by May for September admission.

Need help with your study permit application? Start here

Visitor Visas & Super Visas

Processing for visitor visas and super visas continues to fluctuate. As of spring 2025:

• Tourist visa applications average 40-60 days for most countries

• Super visas (for parents/grandparents) are taking 8-10 weeks, with some faster processing for applicants from visa-exempt countries

Delays often arise from incomplete financial documentation or missing medical insurance coverage for super visa applicants.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has two streams:

• Express Entry-linked PNP: Processed in about 6-8 months after nomination

• Non-Express Entry PNP (paper-based): These are still slow, often taking 18-22 months

Processing times vary by province. Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia currently have the shortest average wait times.

Explore PNP and employer sponsorship options

Citizenship Applications

If you are applying for Canadian citizenship, average processing times are around 13-16 months. This includes time for:

• Reviewing your physical presence

• Verifying your language skills

• Scheduling and writing the citizenship test

• Attending the oath ceremony

Delays may occur if there are issues with your travel history, incomplete documents, or citizenship records.

PR Card Renewals and Permanent Resident Cards

New permanent residents usually receive their PR cards within 2-3 months of landing. However, PR card renewals and replacement cards are taking 4-6 months on average.

If your PR card is expired or expiring soon, you can still apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to re-enter Canada while your new card is processed.

Citizenship Certificates

Processing times for citizenship certificates (proof of citizenship) are currently 5 months. This applies to individuals who were born abroad to a Canadian parent and are applying for their status to be recognized.

Delays are often tied to missing documents, name discrepancies, or unclear evidence of Canadian parentage.

Why Is My Application Taking Longer Than Expected?

If you are wondering why your immigration application is delayed, here are five common reasons:

1. Incomplete or inaccurate documents: A missing signature or out-of-date form can set your application back by months.

2. Background or security screening: If you have a complex travel history or previous immigration issues, additional screening may apply.

3. Medical inadmissibility or pending results: IRCC may delay decisions until a medical exam is completed or cleared.

4. Visa application centre delays: For applicants outside Canada, processing is often bottlenecked at the local embassy or VAC.

5. Volume of applications in your category: Some streams are simply overwhelmed—especially during peak intake periods.

How to Avoid or Reduce Wait Times

While you cannot control IRCC’s workload, there are steps you can take to reduce your own processing delays:

• Submit a complete and accurate application with all required supporting documents

• Use IRCC’s online tools to apply rather than paper

• Book biometrics and medical exams early

• Respond to IRCC requests quickly and clearly

• Consider legal support to avoid preventable mistakes or delays

When and How to Contact IRCC

You can check estimated processing times on IRCC’s website, but if your application is past the normal timeline, you can:

• Submit a webform to request a status update

• Call the IRCC Call Centre (if you are inside Canada)

• Submit an ATIP request if your application has been delayed for over 12 months

• Work with a representative who can escalate your file appropriately

Quebec and Region-Specific Processing Notes

If you are applying through Quebec, processing timelines are generally longer. The Quebec Skilled Workers and Quebec Business Class programs require additional provincial steps before federal processing even begins.

Similarly, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers faster pathways in some cases, especially for designated employers and healthcare-related occupations.

Temporary Resident Extensions

If you are in Canada on a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit and want to extend your stay, submit your extension application at least 30 days before your current permit expires. Processing times for visitor record extensions are about 60 days in most cases.

Stay Ahead with AKM Law

At AKM Law, we work with individuals and families across every type of immigration application. Whether you are applying for permanent residency, renewing your PR card, or sponsoring a spouse from outside Canada, we can help ensure your application is complete, correct, and positioned for success.

Our team keeps up to date on the latest Canada immigration processing times updates, application strategies, and evolving IRCC policies. We help our clients stay ahead, avoid costly mistakes, and find solutions when applications are delayed or refused.

Book a consultation today to discuss your case with a Canadian immigration Lawyer.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, consult the relevant legislation or regulations, or contact our immigration lawyers directly.