IRCC Releases New Visa Processing Times
IRCC Releases Updated Processing Times Across Immigration Programs
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of Canada released the most recent information on processing times for some of its immigration classes, such as permanent residence, temporary residence, and citizenship applications.
The revised figures, based on information up until October 1, 2025, reflect both advancements and steps backward through a myriad of pathways for immigration, with shifts being seen for spousal sponsorship, applications for dependent children, and some work permits.
Overview: Key Amendments After September 2025
Processing time has witnessed a number of alterations with IRCC’s most recent data, from the ones released on September 10, 2025.
Permanent Residence Applications
1. Express Entry Streams
| Application Type | Current Processing Time | Processing Time (Sept 10, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 6 months | 5 months |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | 5 months | 6 months |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | N/A | N/A |
Standard processing time: 6 months for all Express Entry streams.
While the CEC now matches its official service target, the FSWP has slightly improved, marking a one-month reduction in processing duration.
Express Entry : Who can apply
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
| Application Type | Current Processing Time | Processing Time (Sept 10, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Through Express Entry (Enhanced) | 7 months | 8 months |
| Non-Express Entry (Base) | 19 months | 19 months |
Enhanced PNP applications have shown progress, dropping by one month, whereas base applications remain steady.
IRCC’s target timelines: 6 months for enhanced streams and 11 months for base streams.
3. Quebec Skilled Worker Program (PSTQ)
| Stream | Current Processing Time | Processing Time (Sept 10, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Quebec Skilled Worker Selection (PSTQ) | 11 months | 11 months |
Although Quebec’s PSTQ program remains unchanged, IRCC continues to handle a backlog of around 24,000 applications, indicating that applicants may still experience extended waits beyond the 6-month service benchmark.
4. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
| Current Processing Time | Processing Time (Sept 10, 2025) |
|---|---|
| 13 months | 13 months |
The AIP’s processing timeline remains stable but exceeds its 11-month service standard.
Family Sponsorship Applications
| Application Type | Current Processing Time | Processing Time (Sept 10, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Common-law Partner (Inside Canada – outside Quebec) | 24 months | 23 months |
| Spouse/Common-law Partner (Inside Canada – Quebec) | 37 months | 53 months |
| Spouse/Common-law Partner (Outside Canada – outside Quebec) | 15 months | 15 months |
| Spouse/Common-law Partner (Outside Canada – Quebec) | 41 months | 41 months |
| Parents and Grandparents (outside Quebec) | 26 months | 26 months |
| Parents and Grandparents (Quebec) | 44 months | 41 months |
IRCC’s target service time: 12 months for out-of-Canada spousal sponsorships; other categories currently lack official targets.
Also Read : Apply for Sponsorship
Dependent Child Sponsorship
Within Canada
| Current Processing Time | Processing Time (Sept 10, 2025) |
|---|---|
| 12 months | 29 months |
Outside Canada
| Country | Current Processing Time | Processing Time (Sept 10, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| India | 6 months | N/A |
| Nigeria | 18 months | N/A |
Previous timelines were unavailable for comparison, but both fall under IRCC’s 12-month service target for out-of-country dependent sponsorships.
Temporary Residence Applications (Visitor Visas)
| Country | Current Processing Time | Processing Time (Sept 10, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | 15 days | 13 days |
| India | 75 days | 63 days |
| Pakistan | 46 days | 48 days |
| Nigeria | 28 days | 31 days |
| United States | 23 days | 24 days |
Processing times have lengthened for India and Nigeria but remain near the 14-day service goal for most other countries.
Work Permits
| Country | Current Processing Time | Processing Time (Sept 10, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | 196 days | 190 |
| India | 8 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Pakistan | 12 weeks | 12 weeks |
| Nigeria | 11 weeks | 22 weeks |
| United States | 3 weeks | 3 weeks |
Service standards: 120 days for in-Canada applications; 60 days for outside Canada, and 56 days for International Experience Canada (IEC).
Also Read : Apply For A Canada Work Permit
Study Permits
| Country | Current Processing Time | Processing Time (Sept 10, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Canada* | 7 weeks | 6 weeks |
| India | 4 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Pakistan | 9 weeks | 9 weeks |
| Nigeria | 8 weeks | 8 weeks |
| United States | 10 weeks | 10 weeks |
*In-Canada times reflect initial applications. As of October 1, study permit extensions take 171 days to process.
Target timelines: 120 days (in Canada) and 60 days (abroad). Apply For Study Visa
Super Visa
| Country | Current Processing Time | Processing Time (Sept 10, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| India | 153 days | 139 days |
| Pakistan | 151 days | 112 days |
| Nigeria | 52 days | 55 days |
| United States | 78 days | 89 days |
Pakistan saw the largest jump, nearly six additional weeks, since the last update.
Service standard: 112 days.
Also Read : Apply for Super Visa from Canada
Citizenship Applications
| Application Type | Current Processing Time | Processing Time (Sept 10, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship Grant | 13 months | 11 months |
| Citizenship Certificate (Proof) | 7 months | 5 months |
Economic Immigration
Express Entry
| Stream | Latest processing time | Processing time as of July 23, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 5 months | 5 months |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | 6 months | 6 months |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | N/A | N/A |
How IRCC Measures Processing Time
IRCC follows a forward-looking method for its processes, so the estimate relies on how much time it takes for a new application received on the day of interest. Processing rates are affected by:
- Historical data for the last 80% of processed documents
- Current application inventory
- Expected monthly completals
Metro Areas Now Ineligible for Low-Wage LMIA Applications
The following Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) now fall under the exclusion list due to jobless rates exceeding the 6% threshold:
| Family Size | Minimum Required Funds (Annual) |
|---|---|
| 1 person (student only) | CAD $22,895 |
| 2 people | CAD $28,502 |
| 3 people | CAD $35,040 |
| 4 people | CAD $42,543 |
| 5 people | CAD $48,252 |
| 6 people | CAD $54,420 |
| 7 people | CAD $60,589 |
| Additional family member | CAD $6,170 |
These figures represent a significant increase from the earlier requirement of CAD $20,635 for a single applicant, which had been in effect since January 1, 2024.
Proof of Citizenship Service Standards Elaborated
Service standards are IRCC internal instructions that indicate how long it takes for the department to process 80% of applications. The remaining 20% of applications take longer due to some factors, such as background verification or missing documents.
Even if programs do not have a specific, formal service standard, such criteria enable applicants to have a realistic expectation of typical processing times.
Final Takeaway
IRCC’s report for October 2025 provides a mixed picture: a thumbs up for sponsoring dependent children, some work permits, but stuck-in-queue spousal sponsorship files for Quebecers, and delayed citizenship awards. It is recommended that applicants remain proactive—filing full applications, reacting on time when IRCC makes requests, and following public announcements can prevent unwarranted hold-ups.
Recent News
- Canada’s 2026-2028 Immigration Plan to Introduce New PR Pathway for Temporary Residents
- Manitoba Conducts Specialized PNP Draw to Invite Skilled Workers on Facilitated Work Permits
- Prince Edward Island Holds Special Immigration Draw Targeting International Graduates
- IRCC Conducts New Major French-Language Express Entry Draw
- IRCC Holds New Express Entry Draw Targeting CEC Applicants
