IRCC Processing Times Update for March 2025: Key Changes and Trends
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced significant updates to processing times as of March 18, 2025, bringing changes that are important for anyone navigating the Canadian immigration system. Whether you are applying for a visa, permanent residency, or citizenship, knowing these processing timelines is crucial for planning your immigration journey.
Since 2021, we have consistently tracked updates to IRCC processing times to help applicants stay informed. With the IRCC’s revamped processing tool, applicants now have more realistic and data-driven insights into their application timelines.
This article breaks down the key updates and provides detailed information on how long different immigration applications might take, comparing the latest numbers with previous updates.
Overview of IRCC Processing Times in 2025: Monthly and Weekly Updates
The IRCC now updates processing times on a monthly basis for permanent residency, citizenship, family sponsorship, and economic-class immigration applications. Meanwhile, temporary resident visa processing times are updated on a weekly basis. Here’s an overview of the changes:
- Permanent Residency and Citizenship: Processing times now represent the duration for 80% of cases, giving applicants a more accurate picture of what to expect.
- Temporary Resident Visas: Updated weekly based on country-specific data and fluctuating volumes.
- PR Cards and Citizenship Certificates: These timelines are also regularly updated for better clarity.
Latest IRCC Processing Times for March 2025
Citizenship and PR Card Processing Times
The citizenship and PR card processing times have been updated with several key changes. Here’s a breakdown of the latest durations and adjustments.
| Application Type | Current Processing Time (March 18, 2025) | Change Since Last Update |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship Grant | 9 months | +1 month |
| Citizenship Certificate | 4 months | +1 month |
| Resumption of Citizenship | Not enough data | No change |
| Renunciation of Citizenship | 10 months | -2 months |
| Search of Citizenship Records | 16 months | No change |
| New PR Card | 16 days | -8 days |
| PR Card Renewals | 14 days | -1 day |
Key Insight: There has been an increase in the processing time for Citizenship Grants and Citizenship Certificates. However, PR Card processing times have improved, reducing the waiting period by several days.
Citizenship Update: For those who submitted citizenship applications (both paper and online) around February 24, 2025, the IRCC is now issuing Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letters/emails.
Family Sponsorship Processing Times
The latest family sponsorship processing times show notable changes in both spouse/common-law sponsorships and parents/grandparents sponsorships.
| Application Type | Current Processing Time (March 18, 2025) | Change Since Last Update |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Common-Law (Outside Canada, excluding Quebec) | 11 months | +1 month |
| Spouse/Common-Law (Outside Canada, for Quebec) | 35 months | -1 month |
| Spouse/Common-Law (Inside Canada, Non-Quebec) | 24 months | -4 months |
| Spouse/Common-Law (Inside Canada, for Quebec) | 35 months | +1 month |
| Parents/Grandparents PR (Non-Quebec) | 33 months | -1 month |
| Parents/Grandparents PR (Quebec) | 48 months | No change |
Key Insight: The processing times for spouse/common-law applications are generally increasing for applications outside Canada, while some reductions were noted for applications inside Canada and outside Quebec.
Canadian Passport Processing Times
For those applying for a Canadian passport, the following are the latest processing times:
| Application Type | Current Processing Time (March 18, 2025) | Change From Last Update |
|---|---|---|
| In-Canada New Passport (In-Person, Regular) | 10 business days | No change |
| In-Canada New Passport (Mail, Regular) | 20 business days | No change |
| In-Canada Urgent Pick-Up | By end of next business day | No change |
| In-Canada Express Pick-Up | 2 to 9 business days | No change |
| Regular Passport (Mailed from Outside Canada) | 20 business days | No change |
Key Insight: There are no significant changes in Canadian passport processing times. All options for passport services remain consistent.
Permanent Residency Economic Class Processing Times
The processing times for various permanent residency economic classes have seen some fluctuations. The following table highlights the changes:
| Application Type | Current Processing Time (March 18, 2025) | Change Since Last Update |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 5 months | No change |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | 5 months | -1 month |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) | Not enough data | No change |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry | 7 months | +1 month |
| Non-Express Entry PNP | 21 months | No change |
| Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW) | 9 months | No change |
| Quebec Business Class (Entrepreneurs/Investors) | 71 months | No change |
| Federal Self-Employed | 49 months | No change |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | 10 months | +1 month |
| Start-Up Visa | 40 months | No change |
Key Insight: There has been a slight reduction in the processing times for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), while programs like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) have experienced slight increases.
Temporary Resident Visas Processing Times
Temporary Resident Visa processing times are updated weekly and vary by country. Here are the latest times for visitor visas and super visas from some major countries:
| Country | Visitor Visa Processing Time (March 18, 2025) | Change Since Last Update |
|---|---|---|
| India | 83 days | -13 days |
| United States | 20 days | No change |
| Nigeria | 132 days | -9 days |
| Pakistan | 17 days | +1 day |
| Philippines | 14 days | No change |
| Country | Super Visa Processing Time (March 18, 2025) | Change Since Last Update |
|---|---|---|
| India | 133 days | +6 days |
| United States | 241 days | -21 days |
| Nigeria | 40 days | +4 days |
| Pakistan | 118 days | +30 days |
| Philippines | 119 days | -1 day |
Why IRCC Processing Times Matter in 2025
The importance of understanding the IRCC processing times cannot be overstated. For individuals applying for permanent residency, family sponsorship, or citizenship, being aware of these timelines helps set realistic expectations and plan effectively. Whether you’re reuniting with family, seeking work, or pursuing citizenship, knowing the approximate processing times is crucial.
With the IRCC’s monthly updates, applicants gain transparency into current trends and shifting durations.
Stay informed, and feel free to share this page with friends or family navigating Canada’s immigration system. As we continue to track and provide updates, you’ll be ready for the next steps in your Canadian journey.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
