When applying for Canadian immigration, one of the biggest concerns is the processing time for your application. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regularly updates these processing times to keep applicants informed. The amount of time it takes for applications to be processed can change due to various factors, including application volumes, staffing changes, and new immigration policies.
In this blog, we will take a deep dive into how IRCC’s processing times have changed over the last year for different types of applications. Whether you are applying for permanent residency, temporary residency, or citizenship, understanding these changes is crucial to preparing for your immigration journey.
Permanent Residency Applications: Key Changes in Processing Times
Express Entry:
Express Entry is one of the most popular pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers in Canada. The system includes three key programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Over the past year, the processing times for these programs have remained relatively stable, particularly for the CEC and FSWP categories, with processing times still at an average of 5 months. However, the FSTP doesn’t have available data for the current processing times, but it took 6 months to process last year.
- Service Standard: 180 days (6 months)
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
PNP allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency through provincial nominations. The processing time for PNP applications has fluctuated depending on whether the applicant applies through Express Entry or not.
- Express Entry-aligned PNP applications: Processing time remains 5 months.
- Non-Express Entry PNP applications: The processing time has nearly doubled, from 11 months last year to 20 months today.
- Service Standards:
- Base PNP (online applications): 11 months
- Express Entry PNP (electronic submissions): 6 months
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP):
For individuals seeking to settle in Atlantic Canada, the AIP provides a pathway to permanent residency. Over the past year, the processing time for AIP has significantly improved, from 11 months last year to 7 months this year.
Spousal Sponsorship: Significant Shifts in Processing Times
Spousal sponsorships have seen the most dramatic changes over the past year. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residency. However, the processing times vary significantly depending on the region.
- For those applying under the SCLPC (Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class) intending to reside outside Quebec, the processing time has increased nearly 20 months, from 10 months to 29 months.
- For those intending to live in Quebec, there has been a slight decrease in processing times, from 36 months last year to 34 months.
- Service Standard: 12 months (Family Class Overseas – priority)
Read More : How PNP Closures in 2025 Are Creating New Opportunities for Skilled Workers in Canada
Temporary Residence Applications: Visitor Visas, Work Permits, and Study Permits
Visitor Visas:
Processing times for visitor visas vary based on the country of origin. Over the past year, there has been a significant decrease in processing times, especially for countries like India and Nigeria.
- India: Reduced from 44 days to 19 days
- Nigeria: Reduced from 100 days to 177 days
- Service Standard: 14 days (outside Canada)
Work Permits:
The processing times for work permits have shown mixed results.
- Inside Canada: Processing time for work permit applications has doubled, from 101 days last year to 238 days today.
- Outside Canada: While processing times have generally decreased for countries like India, Nigeria, and the United States, applicants from countries like Pakistan and the Philippines are seeing longer delays.
- Service Standards:
- Inside Canada: 120 days
- Outside Canada: 60 days
Study Permits:
Canada continues to attract international students, and the processing times for study permits have seen dramatic improvements.
- Inside Canada: Processing time has reduced from 14 weeks to just 5 weeks.
- Outside Canada: Although country-specific data is not available, processing times for many countries have shown improvements.
- Service Standards: 60 days (outside Canada)
Citizenship and Proof of Citizenship: What’s Changed?
Citizenship Grants:
The processing time for citizenship grants has slightly increased, rising from 8 months last year to 10 months today.
- Service Standard: 12 months
Citizenship Certificates:
Citizenship certificate processing times have remained fairly stable, with slight increases for applicants living outside Canada or the U.S. It’s important to note that if you’re applying from outside these regions, you may experience additional delays.
- Service Standard: Varies based on location
What Does This All Mean for Applicants?
Tracking changes in IRCC’s processing times is essential to planning your Canadian immigration journey. Whether you’re applying for permanent residency, temporary visas, or citizenship, staying up-to-date with processing times can help manage your expectations and ensure you’re prepared for any delays.
Key Insights for 2025:
- Express Entry processing times have remained relatively steady, especially for the Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Worker Program.
- Provincial Nominee Program applications, particularly those not aligned with Express Entry, have seen significant delays.
- Spousal sponsorships have witnessed huge increases in processing times, especially for those applying outside Quebec.
- Temporary residence applications, like visitor visas and work permits, have experienced improvements in processing times for several countries, though certain countries are still facing longer delays.
- Citizenship grants have seen a small increase in processing times over the past year.
Conclusion
As processing times continue to evolve, applicants must stay informed and prepared. While some immigration pathways have seen improvements, others have faced significant delays. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, be sure to visit the IRCC website regularly or consult with a licensed immigration professional.
Need help navigating Canada’s changing immigration timelines? Contact The Millennium Immigration today for a personalized assessment!
FAQs
Why have processing times increased for spousal sponsorships?
The increase in processing times is mainly due to higher volumes of applications, evolving immigration policies, and the complexity of individual cases.
How can I track the processing time for my application?
You can check the official IRCC website, which updates processing times regularly based on the current volume of applications.
Do processing times differ by country of application?
Yes, processing times can vary depending on the country from which you apply, especially for work and study permits.
What should I do if my application exceeds the expected processing time?
If your application is delayed beyond the expected processing time, you should contact IRCC or consult with an immigration professional to understand your options.
Are there any ways to speed up my immigration process?
While you cannot control the general processing time, ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and submitted promptly can help avoid delays.