New IRCC Update On Processing Times As Of May 2025

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New IRCC update: Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its latest processing time updates as of May 20, 2025.

These processing times offer critical insights for those applying for visas, permanent residency (PR), citizenship, or passports.

Whether you’re planning to study, work, or settle, or you are already in Canada applying for extensions or status change, these timelines can help you understand the process.

IRCC’s processing times are dynamic, reflecting real-time data to provide accurate estimates for 80% of applications.

Since 2022, IRCC has used an advanced tool to deliver precise timelines, replacing outdated standards.

Updates are now released weekly for temporary visas and PR cards and monthly for citizenship, PR, and family sponsorships.

These estimates adjust based on application volumes and IRCC’s processing capacity, making them essential for planning your next move.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the newest IRCC processing times, designed to keep you informed and boost your chances of a smooth application process.

Stay ahead with the latest data, comparisons, and expert insights to navigate the Canadian immigration system in 2025.

Key Note: These are estimates, not guarantees. Your wait time may vary depending on your application’s complexity or additional verification requirements.

IRCC Update On Processing Times For May 2025

IRCC has increased processing times for citizenship applications. Here’s the latest:

Citizenship Grant: 10 months (up from 8 months)
Citizenship Certificate: 4 months (up from 3 months)
Renunciation of Citizenship: 7 months (down from 8 months)
Search of Citizenship Records: 15 months (unchanged)
Resumption of Citizenship: Insufficient data for an estimate

Alert: If you applied for citizenship around April 7, 2025, expect an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) notice soon.

Delays may occur for citizenship certificate requests from outside Canada or the U.S.

PR card processing times have seen slight increases, reflecting higher demand. Check the latest updates:

Pro Tip: Ensure your application is complete to avoid delays, as incomplete submissions can extend processing.

Family sponsorship timelines vary by region and application type, with Quebec often facing longer waits due to additional provincial requirements.

Here’s the breakdown:

Spouse/Common-Law (Outside Canada, Non-Quebec): 10 months (down from 11 months)
Spouse/Common-Law (Outside Canada, Quebec): 36 months (up from 35 months)
Spouse/Common-Law (Inside Canada, Non-Quebec): 29 months (up from 24 months)
Spouse/Common-Law (Inside Canada, Quebec): 36 months (unchanged)
Parents/Grandparents PR (Non-Quebec): 36 months (unchanged)
Parents/Grandparents PR (Quebec): 48 months (no change)

Insight: Quebec’s extended timelines stem from its unique immigration agreements with the federal government.

Therefore, if you are sponsoring family members in Quebec, make plans accordingly.

Passport processing remains consistent, with options for urgent or express services:

New Passport (In-Person): 10 business days (no change)
New Passport (Mail): 20 business days (no change)
Urgent Pick-Up: By the end of the next business day
Express Pick-Up: 2–9 business days
Regular Passport (Mailed from Outside Canada): 20 business days (no change)

Economic class PR programs, such as Express Entry, cater to skilled workers and entrepreneurs.

Here’s the latest:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 5 months (no change)
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 5 months (down from 6 months)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Insufficient data
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry: 5 months (down from 6 months)
Non-Express Entry PNP: 20 months (down from 21 months)
Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW): 9 months (no change)
Quebec Business Class: Not enough data
Federal Self-Employed: 53 months (up from 50 months)
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 11 months (No change)
Start-Up Visa: 41 months (up from 40 months)

Temporary visa processing times vary by country and visa type. Below are key updates from May 20, 2025:

1. Visitor Visa (Outside Canada)

India: 19 days (no change)
United States: 19 days (increases by 1 day)
Nigeria: 100 days (increases by 4 days)
Pakistan: 27 days (increases by 1 day)
Philippines: 29 days (increases by 1 day)

2. Visitor Visa (Inside Canada)

3. Visitor Extension

Processing Time: 161 days (reduces by 8 days since last week)

4. Super Visa (Parents/Grandparents)

India: 82 days (reduces by 23 days)
United States: 94 days (increases by 15 days)
Nigeria: 61 days (reduces by 8 days)
Pakistan: 172 days (reduces by 1 day)
Philippines: 116 days (increases by 3 days)

5. Study Permit (Outside Canada)

India: 10 weeks (increases by 1 week)
United States: 5 weeks (unchanged)
Nigeria: 5 weeks (no change)
Pakistan: 11 weeks (reduces by 1 week)
Philippines: 17 weeks (increases by 2 weeks)

6. Study Permit (Inside Canada)

7. Study Permit Extension

8. Work Permit (Outside Canada)

India: 15 weeks (reduces by 1 week)
United States: 9 weeks (reduces by 2 weeks)
Nigeria: 12 weeks (increases by 2 weeks)
Pakistan: 6 weeks (reduces by 1 week)
Philippines: 6 weeks (no change)

9. Work Permit (Inside Canada)

Processing Time: 238 days (increases by 1 day)

10. Other Temporary Visas

Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): 18 days (increases by 5 days)
International Experience Canada (IEC): 5 weeks (no change)
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): 5 minutes (some cases may take up to 72 hours)

Understanding IRCC processing times is crucial for planning your immigration journey, whether you’re reuniting with family, pursuing a career, or becoming a Canadian citizen.

These updates provide a data-driven roadmap to help you anticipate wait times and prepare for your next steps.

For over four years, our team has tracked IRCC’s processing data, delivering reliable, up-to-date insights.

We source information directly from IRCC’s official channels, ensuring accuracy and relevance for your immigration plans.

This guide is your go-to resource for navigating the Canadian immigration system in 2025.

Share it with friends, family, or anyone planning their Canadian journey.

Ready to start your Canadian journey? Visit the IRCC website for official tools and resources, and check back here for the next processing time update.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.