Processing Times Overview

📈 Key Data Points

According to the latest IRCC data, processing times for various applications saw significant fluctuations between July and September 2025. 80% of applications experienced changes in processing benchmarks, reflecting a surge in applications and system optimizations.

842,800
Total Backlogged Applications
Pending applications as of July 2025
317,800
Study Permits Processed
Study permit applications (including extensions) processed from January to July 2025
825,600
Work Permits Processed
Work permit applications (including extensions) processed from January to July 2025
266,800
Permanent Residency Decisions
Total permanent residency decisions from January to July 2025

Permanent Residency Processing Time Changes

🎯
Express Entry System
  • Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) 6 months (stable)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 6 months (stable)
  • Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Data insufficient
🏛️
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
  • Enhanced (Express Entry-linked) 6 months (optimized)
  • Base (non-Express Entry) 18 months (increased)
  • Processing Advantage Express Entry faster
🌊
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
  • Current Processing Time 25 months
  • Yearly Increase +5 months
  • Special Work Permit 2-year validity
⚠️ Significant Change

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) processing time has increased by 5 months compared to last year, the largest increase among permanent residency categories. Applicants can apply for a special work permit to work while waiting.

Temporary Residency Permit Processing Time Changes

Application Type Current Processing Time Trend Main Factors
Study Permit Extension 220 days Significant Increase Surge in applications
Work Permit Extension 227 days Notable Increase Policy adjustments
Visitor Visa (India) 3 weeks Stable Processing optimization
Visitor Visa (USA) Decreased Improved System upgrades
Visitor Visa (Nigeria) Significantly Reduced Significant Improvement Process optimization
📊 Key Finding

Study permit extensions processing times have tripled over the past year, from about 70 days to 220 days. Work permit extensions also face significant delays.

Family Reunification Processing Times

💕
Spouse/Partner Sponsorship
  • Outside Quebec 11 months
  • Quebec 38 months
  • Regional Difference Significant Gap
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Parents/Grandparents Sponsorship
  • Outside Quebec 36 months
  • Quebec 48 months
  • Processing Complexity Very High
📋 Quebec Special Case

Family reunification applications in Quebec take significantly longer due to the dual approval process: initial approval by the Quebec government followed by federal approval.

Canadian Citizenship Application Processing Times

🍁
Citizenship Applications
  • Citizenship Application 8-10 months
  • Citizenship Certificate 3-5 months
  • Renunciation of Citizenship 7-8 months
  • Citizenship Record Search 15 months
📄
Passport Applications
  • In-Person Application 10 business days
  • Mail Application 20 business days
  • Urgent Pickup Next day
  • Express Pickup 2-9 business days
✅ Positive Improvement

Citizenship applications and certificate processing times have shortened in recent months, reflecting improved efficiency by IRCC in this category.

Processing Time Change Timeline

July 2024 – July 2025
Key Annual Changes

Study permit extensions saw the most significant increase, from about 70 days to 220 days, a 200%+ rise. Express Entry remains relatively stable, demonstrating system maturity.

July 2025 – September 2025
Recent Trends

Visitor visas processing times improved for most countries, with Nigeria seeing the largest reduction. PR card renewals slightly increased from 18 to 20 days.

September 2025 – Present
Current Status

IRCC continues to update weekly for temporary residency and PR card processing times, and monthly for citizenship, permanent residency, and family sponsorship categories, providing more accurate estimates.

Processing Time Trends Chart

Note: Chart data is illustrative, based on IRCC trends. For accurate data, refer to the IRCC website.

Key Factors Affecting Processing Times

📈
Surge in Applications

The 2025 immigration target of 485,000, combined with global economic changes, has significantly increased application volumes, particularly for temporary residency extensions.

⚙️
Policy Adjustments

IRCC policy changes and system optimizations have impacted processing times, such as streamlined visitor visa processes and backlogs in study permit extensions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can use the IRCC processing time tool on the IRCC website by entering your application type and submission date.
Study permit extension times have increased due to a surge in applications in 2025, overwhelming IRCC’s processing capacity.
Express Entry processing times are currently stable at 6 months but may fluctuate due to policy changes or increased application volumes.
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) allows applicants to apply for a 2-year work permit to work in Canada while awaiting permanent residency.
Quebec’s family reunification applications require dual approval from the provincial and federal governments, significantly extending processing times.
Ensure complete documentation and promptly respond to IRCC requests for additional information to minimize delays.
Yes, visitor visa processing times vary by country, e.g., 3 weeks for India, with significant improvements for Nigeria.
PR card renewals currently take about 20 days, slightly longer than last year.
IRCC’s processing time benchmark is the estimated time to process 80% of applications, reflecting average processing speed.
Yes, incomplete documentation can lead to IRCC requesting additional files, significantly extending processing times.
You can track your application status through your IRCC online account or by contacting IRCC customer service with your application number.
Work permit extension delays are due to policy changes and increased application volumes, with IRCC prioritizing new applications.
Replacing a citizenship certificate requires an application, typically taking 3-5 months, depending on the case.
Urgent passport applications can be processed the next day with proof of urgency.
Enhanced PNP applications, processed via Express Entry, take about 6 months; Base PNP applications, processed separately, take 18 months.
IRCC typically sends updates via online accounts or email; regularly check your application status.
Yes, you can resubmit after addressing the rejection reasons with complete documentation; consulting an immigration advisor is recommended.
Apply early, ensure complete documentation, and consider applying for temporary resident status to maintain legal stay.
Yes, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has annual quotas, typically allocated via a lottery system.
Contact IRCC via their website’s contact page or customer service hotline, providing your application number for inquiries.

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