Last Updated On 7 May 2025, 6:08 PM EDT (Toronto Time)
New IRCC update: Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its latest processing time updates as of May 6, 2025.
These processing times offer critical insights for those applying for visas, permanent residency (PR), citizenship, or passports.
Whether you’re planning to study, work, or settle, or you are already in Canada applying for extensions or status change, these timelines can help you understand the process.
IRCC’s processing times are dynamic, reflecting real-time data to provide accurate estimates for 80% of applications.
Since 2022, IRCC has used an advanced tool to deliver precise timelines, replacing outdated standards.
Updates are now released weekly for temporary visas and PR cards and monthly for citizenship, PR, and family sponsorships.
These estimates adjust based on application volumes and IRCC’s processing capacity, making them essential for planning your next move.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the newest IRCC processing times, designed to keep you informed and boost your chances of a smooth application process.
Stay ahead with the latest data, comparisons, and expert insights to navigate the Canadian immigration system in 2025.
Key Note: These are estimates, not guarantees. Your wait time may vary depending on your application’s complexity or additional verification requirements.
IRCC Update On Processing Times For May 2025
IRCC has increased processing times for citizenship applications. Here’s the latest:
- Citizenship Grant: 10 months (up from 8 months)
- Citizenship Certificate: 4 months (up from 3 months)
- Renunciation of Citizenship: 7 months (down from 8 months)
- Search of Citizenship Records: 15 months (unchanged)
- Resumption of Citizenship: Insufficient data for an estimate
Alert: If you applied for citizenship around March 24, 2025, expect an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) notice soon.
Delays may occur for citizenship certificate requests from outside Canada or the U.S.
PR card processing times have seen slight increases, reflecting higher demand. Check the latest updates:
- New PR Card: 35 days (up from 19 days)
- PR Card Renewal: 10 days (unchanged)
Pro Tip: Ensure your application is complete to avoid delays, as incomplete submissions can extend processing.
Family sponsorship timelines vary by region and application type, with Quebec often facing longer waits due to additional provincial requirements.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 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 PR (Non-Quebec): 36 months (unchanged)
- Parents/Grandparents PR (Quebec): 48 months (no change)
Insight: Quebec’s extended timelines stem from its unique immigration agreements with the federal government.
Therefore, if you are sponsoring family members in Quebec, make plans accordingly.
Passport processing remains consistent, with options for urgent or express services:
- New Passport (In-Person): 10 business days (no change)
- New Passport (Mail): 20 business days (no change)
- Urgent Pick-Up: By the end of the next business day
- Express Pick-Up: 2–9 business days
- Regular Passport (Mailed from Outside Canada): 20 business days (no change)
Economic class PR programs, such as Express Entry, cater to skilled workers and entrepreneurs.
Here’s the latest:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 5 months (no change)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 5 months (down from 6 months)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Insufficient data
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry: 5 months (down from 6 months)
- Non-Express Entry PNP: 20 months (down from 21 months)
- Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW): 9 months (no change)
- Quebec Business Class: Not enough data
- Federal Self-Employed: 53 months (up from 50 months)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 11 months (No change)
- Start-Up Visa: 41 months (up from 40 months)
Temporary visa processing times vary by country and visa type. Below are key updates for May 6, 2025:
1. Visitor Visa (Outside Canada)
- India: 19 days (up from 18 days)
- United States: 18 days (up from 17 days)
- Nigeria: 89 days (down from 93 days)
- Pakistan: 25 days (up from 23 days)
- Philippines: 27 days (up from 25 days)
2. Visitor Visa (Inside Canada)
3. Visitor Extension
4. Super Visa (Parents/Grandparents)
- India: 119 days (down from 127 days)
- United States: 74 days (down from 94 days)
- Nigeria: 68 days (up from 61 days)
- Pakistan: 172 days (up from 138 days)
- Philippines: 116 days (down from 3 days)
5. Study Permit (Outside Canada)
- India: 8 weeks (no change)
- United States: 5 weeks (up from 4 weeks)
- Nigeria: 5 weeks (down from 6 weeks)
- Pakistan: 9 weeks (up from 8 weeks)
- Philippines: 11 weeks (up from 10 weeks)
6. Study Permit (Inside Canada)
7. Study Permit Extension
8. Work Permit (Outside Canada)
- India: 18 weeks (no change)
- United States: 17 weeks (No change)
- Nigeria: 9 weeks (no change)
- Pakistan: 8 weeks (no change)
- Philippines: 7 weeks (no change)
9. Work Permit (Inside Canada)
- Processing Time: 233 days (up from 227 days)
10. Other Temporary Visas
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): 11 days (no change)
- International Experience Canada (IEC): 5 weeks (up from 4 weeks)
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): 5 minutes (some cases may take up to 72 hours)
Understanding IRCC processing times is crucial for planning your immigration journey, whether you’re reuniting with family, pursuing a career, or becoming a Canadian citizen.
These updates provide a data-driven roadmap to help you anticipate wait times and prepare for your next steps.
For over four years, our team has tracked IRCC’s processing data, delivering reliable, up-to-date insights.
We source information directly from IRCC’s official channels, ensuring accuracy and relevance for your immigration plans.
This guide is your go-to resource for navigating the Canadian immigration system in 2025.
Share it with friends, family, or anyone planning their Canadian journey.
Follow us for the latest IRCC updates, immigration tips, and expert advice to make your immigration move a success!
Ready to start your Canadian journey? Visit the IRCC website for official tools and resources, and check back here for the next processing time update.
Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC
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