If you’re planning to move to Canada or are already in the process of applying for a visa, PR, or citizenship, this update is for you. As of May 20, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has shared the latest processing times for various applications. These timelines give you a better idea of how long your application might take.
Since 2022, IRCC has been using a smart online tool to give more accurate estimates based on 80% of recently completed applications. But remember—these are only estimates. Real processing times can be shorter or longer depending on your personal case, how complete your documents are, and how busy IRCC is.
Latest Citizenship Application Timelines
If you’re applying for Canadian citizenship, here are the current processing times:
- Citizenship Grant takes 10 months
- Citizenship Certificate takes 4 months
- Renouncing Citizenship takes 7 months
- Search for Citizenship Records takes 15 months
- Resumption of Citizenship has no available estimate yet
These timelines have increased slightly since the last update.
Permanent Resident (PR) Cards
Once you become a permanent resident, you’ll need a PR card. These are the latest processing times:
- New PR Card: 47 days
- Renewal of PR Card: 12 days
Delays may happen if demand is high, so apply early if your PR card is expiring soon.
Family Sponsorship Applications
Sponsoring a family member to live in Canada depends on whether they live in or outside Quebec. Quebec has additional steps, which can make the process longer.
Here’s how long it may take:
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner outside Canada (Outside Quebec) | 10 months |
| Spouse/Partner inside Canada (Outside Quebec) | 29 months |
| Spouse/Partner outside Canada (In Quebec) | 36 months |
| Spouse/Partner inside Canada (In Quebec) | 36 months |
| Parents or Grandparents (Outside Quebec) | 36 months |
| Parents or Grandparents (In Quebec) | 48 months |
Canadian Passport Processing Times
If you need a Canadian passport, here’s how long it may take based on how you apply:
- In-person application: 10 business days
- Mailed from outside Canada: 20 business days
- Urgent Pick-up: Next business day
- Express Pick-up: 2 to 9 business days
These times haven’t changed and are fairly consistent.
Economic Class PR Applications
Skilled workers, business investors, and entrepreneurs apply through different economic immigration streams. Here’s how long these applications are taking right now:
- Atlantic Immigration Program: 11 months
- Canadian Experience Class (via Express Entry): 5 months
- Provincial Nominees (via Express Entry): 5 months
- Other Provincial Nominees: 20 months
- Federal Skilled Workers (via Express Entry): 5 months
- Federal Skilled Trades: Not enough data
- Federal Self-Employed Persons: 53 months
- Skilled Workers (Quebec): 9 months
- Start-up Visa: 40 months
- Quebec Business Class: Not enough data
Visitor Visa (Outside Canada)
If you’re applying for a visitor visa from outside Canada, here are the current processing times:
| Country | Visitor Visa Time |
|---|---|
| India | 19 days |
| UAE | 33 days |
| USA | 19 days |
| Nigeria | 100 days |
| Pakistan | 27 days |
| Philippines | 29 days |
Visitor Visa (Inside Canada)
- Processing Time: 23 days
Super Visa (Parents/Grandparents)
Planning to bring your parents or grandparents on a Super Visa? Here’s how long it may take:
| Country | Super Visa Time |
|---|---|
| India | 82 days |
| UAE | 211 days |
| USA | 94 days |
| Nigeria | 61 days |
| Pakistan | 172 days |
| Philippines | 116 days |
Study Permit (Outside Canada)
If you’re planning to study in Canada, here are the current timelines:
| Country | Study Permit Time |
|---|---|
| India | 10 weeks |
| UAE | 7 weeks |
| USA | 5 weeks |
| Nigeria | 5 weeks |
| Pakistan | 11 weeks |
| Philippines | 17 weeks |
Work Permit (Outside Canada)
Here’s how long it takes to get a work permit if you apply from outside Canada:
| Country | Work Permit Time |
|---|---|
| India | 15 weeks |
| USA | 9 weeks |
| Nigeria | 12 weeks |
| Pakistan | 6 weeks |
| Philippines | 6 weeks |
Work Permit (Inside Canada)
- Processing Time: 238 days
This is currently taking longer, so it’s important to apply early.
Other Temporary Visas
Here are a few more timelines you may find useful:
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): 18 days
- International Experience Canada (IEC): 5 weeks
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): 5 minutes
What You Should Know
IRCC wants applicants to know that these are only estimates, not fixed deadlines. Actual processing times can change depending on your personal situation, how well your application is prepared, and whether additional documents or background checks are needed. Always double-check IRCC’s official website weekly for the latest updates.
1. Are these processing times guaranteed?
No. These are only average times based on recent applications. Your case may be faster or slower.
2. How can I make my application faster?
Submit all required documents correctly the first time. Incomplete or incorrect applications can delay your processing.
3. Why is Quebec taking longer for some applications?
Quebec has its own immigration rules and extra steps, which makes the process longer compared to other provinces.
4. How often are these times updated?
IRCC usually updates them weekly, so check back regularly if you’re planning to apply soon.
5. What if there’s no data for a specific program?
It means there haven’t been enough recent applications for IRCC to estimate a timeline accurately.
If you’re planning to apply for Canada PR, a visitor visa, study permit, or family sponsorship, staying informed is the first step toward success. Ask Kubeir is here to guide you through each step with expert advice and application support.
Let us help you make Canada your new home—faster and smarter.
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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.