The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its first update of 2025 on immigration processing times, effective as of January 8, 2025. These updates provide clarity on the current timelines for various visa categories, including permanent residency, citizenship, and temporary visas.

For anyone planning to immigrate to Canada, staying informed about processing times is essential to plan effectively. IRCC updates these timelines regularly, reflecting their workload and operational efficiency.

This comprehensive breakdown of the latest IRCC processing times will help you understand the expected durations for different immigration processes, enabling better preparation for your Canadian journey.

Why Tracking IRCC Processing Times is Crucial

Keeping up with Canada’s immigration processing times is vital for:

  1. Effective Planning:
  2. Whether applying for permanent residency (PR), a study permit, or work authorization, knowing the timelines helps in scheduling your move, finances, and career.

  3. Avoiding Delays:
  4. Processing times often vary depending on the volume of applications. Staying informed minimizes surprises.

  5. Enhanced Preparedness:
  6. Understanding timelines allows you to organize and submit all required documents in advance, reducing the risk of delays due to missing information.

How Does IRCC Calculate Processing Times?

Processing times are influenced by various factors, including:

  1. Application Completeness:
  2. Missing or inaccurate documents can result in delays.

  3. Complexity of the Case:
  4. Some applications may require additional security or background checks.

  5. Volume of Applications:
  6. Higher volumes can lead to longer processing times.

  7. Program-Specific Priorities:
  8. Different visa categories may have varying priority levels, influencing timelines.

Latest IRCC Processing Times – January 2025

Citizenship Applications (Updated Monthly)
Application Type Processing Time Change Since Last Update
Citizenship Grant 7 months Unchanged
Citizenship Certificate 3 months No Change
Renunciation of Citizenship 16 months Unchanged
Search of Citizenship Records 7 months Reduced by 4 months
Permanent Resident (PR) Card Applications (Updated Weekly)
Application Type Processing Time Change Since Last Update
New PR Card 22 days Increased by 2 days
PR Card Renewal 28 days Reduced by 5 days
Family Sponsorship Applications (Updated Monthly)
Sponsorship Type Processing Time Change Since Last Update
Spouse/Common-Law (Outside Canada) 10 months Unchanged
Spouse/Common-Law (Inside Canada) 24 months Increased by 12 months
Parents/Grandparents (Excluding Quebec) 24 months No Change
Economic Immigration Applications (Updated Monthly/Weekly)
Program Name Processing Time Change Since Last Update
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 5 months Unchanged
Federal Skilled Worker Program 6 months Increased by 1 month
Provincial Nominee Program (Non-Express Entry) 20 months Increased by 7 months

Temporary Residency Applications (Updated Weekly)

Visa Type Country Processing Time Change Since Last Update
Visitor Visa (Outside Canada) India 110 days Increased by 2 days
Study Permit (Outside Canada) Philippines 5 weeks Increased by 1 week
Work Permit (Outside Canada) Nigeria 19 weeks Reduced by 2 weeks

Frеquеntly Askеd Quеstions (FAQs) on IRCC Processing Times


  1. Citizenship grants take approximately seven months on average.

What are the PR card processing times?

  1. New PR cards take 22 days, while renewals take 28 days.

How often does IRCC update processing times?

  1. Updates for citizenship, family sponsorship, and economic immigration occur monthly, while PR cards and temporary residency programs are updated weekly.

How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help

Visa Solutions 4u specializes in guiding applicants through Canada’s complex immigration processes. From filing accurate applications to ensuring timely document submission, their expert team helps minimize delays and increases your chances of success.

Services Include:

  1. Comprehensive case evaluation.
  2. Assistance with application completion and submission.
  3. Updates on changing IRCC policies and timelines.
  4. Customized solutions tailored to your immigration goals.

Ready to make Canada your home? Contact Visa Solutions 4u today and turn your dream into reality!