Latest Canada Visa and PR Timelines for Indians – May 2025 Update

If you’re planning to visit, study, work, or move to Canada, the latest update from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), released on April 30, 2025, brings some important news. Whether you’re waiting for your visa or thinking about applying soon, here’s what you need to know.

Fast Canada Visitor Visas for Indians

Good news if you’re planning a trip! Indian citizens are currently getting visitor visas for Canada in just 18 days. That’s less than three weeks, making it a great time to apply for tourism or family visits.

Student Visas Still Steady

For students applying from outside Canada, the processing time for a study permit is now around 8 weeks. That’s about 2 months. It’s one week faster than before, which is helpful for students looking to start classes on time.

Permanent Residency Applications Now Faster for Skilled Workers

If you’re applying under economic immigration programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), here’s what to expect:

• CEC applications are being processed in 5 months
• FSWP applications are taking 6 months (1 month longer than last update)

This means if you’re working in Canada or applying from abroad with work experience, your PR process may be done in under 6 months.

IRCC Now Uses Real-Time Processing Updates

Since 2022, IRCC has started using real-time data to estimate visa and PR processing times. This means the numbers are now more accurate and are updated more frequently based on how many people are applying and how many officers are working.

• Citizenship, family sponsorships, and PR applications are updated every month
• PR cards and temporary visas (like visitor visas) are updated every week

Citizenship Timelines – Slightly Faster Now

If you’re applying for Canadian citizenship, things are moving faster:

• Citizenship grant now takes 8 months (1 month quicker)
• Citizenship proof certificate takes 3 months (1 month quicker)
• Renouncing citizenship now takes 8 months
• Searching citizenship records may take 15 months

However, delays can happen for those applying from outside Canada or the U.S.

Permanent Resident (PR) Cards Processing

• New PR cards: 19 days
• Renewing PR cards: 10 days

This is just a slight increase by 1 day each, so overall timelines remain short.

Family Sponsorship – Still a Long Wait

For those sponsoring their spouse, parents, or grandparents, here are the current times:

• Spouse outside Canada (non-Quebec): 11 months
• Spouse inside Canada (non-Quebec): 24 months
• Parents/grandparents: 36 to 48 months, depending on Quebec or non-Quebec

These haven’t changed much since last month. Family reunification continues to be one of the longer wait areas.

Canadian Passport Times Stay the Same

If you’re inside Canada:

• In-person applications take 10 business days
• By mail takes 20 business days
• Urgent and express options are still available for quicker processing

Permanent Residency Through Economic Programs

Here’s how long each economic immigration program is currently taking:

Visitor Visa Times by Country

For visitors applying from inside Canada, the process takes 17 days, while extensions are taking about 140 days.

Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents

Study Permits – India Sees Faster Movement

If you’re applying from inside Canada, it still takes around 4 weeks, and study permit extensions are currently taking 220 days, which is longer than before.

Work Permits – No Major Change for India

From inside Canada, work permits take around 227 days. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) applications are processed very quickly—just 11 days.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Most eTAs are processed within 5 minutes, though some can take up to 72 hours. This is still one of the fastest options available.

FAQs – Canada Immigration Processing Times

1. What does “real-time” processing update mean?
It means Canada now shows current wait times based on recent applications instead of fixed yearly averages. So you’re getting more accurate info.

2. How accurate are these timelines?
IRCC says these timelines apply to about 80% of applicants. It may be faster or slower depending on your specific case and documents.

3. Why does family sponsorship take so long?
Because it involves checking many documents, verifying relationships, and medical/security checks. It’s also high in demand.

4. Can I speed up my visa application?
No, there’s no official way to fast-track most applications unless you’re eligible for urgent processing (like medical or compassionate reasons).

5. How do I stay updated on my application?
You can check your account on the IRCC website or subscribe to Ask Kubeir’s Instagram and Telegram for weekly immigration updates.

Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today!

📌 If you believe your VISA application should be showcased in the most favorable light when submitting to immigration, feel free to book our services.

📌 To book an appointment with Kubeir – Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, click the “Book Appointment”

📲 You may also reach us at this number for all immigration-related services:

• (+𝟭) 𝟰𝟯𝟳-𝟳𝟳𝟳-𝟯𝟳𝟳𝟳 (Canada)
• +971 45 26 4646 (Dubai)

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.

Credit: The Economic Times