IRCC Processing Times: July 2025 Update Shows Major Delays in Key Immigration Categories
Canada’s immigration processing times have seen significant changes since July 2024. The latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals both improvements and sharp delays across permanent residence, temporary residence, and citizenship applications.
These changes are critical for individuals planning their immigration journey to Canada, especially those preparing to submit applications or awaiting decisions. A thorough understanding of the current timelines is essential for strategy, compliance, and expectation management.
1. Express Entry: Mostly Stable with Minor Increases
The Express Entry system remains relatively consistent. However, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) has increased to a 6-month average, up from 5 months in July 2024. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) remains at 5 months.
No timelines are available for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) due to insufficient data.
IRCC Service Standard: 180 days (6 months)
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Extended Processing Times
Significant delays have emerged in the base PNP stream, which now takes 19 months compared to 11 months last year.
Enhanced PNP (through Express Entry) also slowed to 8 months from 6 months.
IRCC Service Standards:
- Base PNP (non-Express Entry): 11 months (online)
- Enhanced PNP: 180 days
3. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Slower by Five Months
Applicants under AIP are now experiencing a 12-month processing time, compared to 7 months in July 2024. This program does not have a defined service standard.
4. Spousal Sponsorship: Substantial Delays for In-Canada Applicants
The most concerning increases have been observed in the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (SCLPC):
- SCLPC (outside Quebec): 34 months (was 11)
- SCLPC (in Quebec): 38 months (was 28)
Family Class applications outside Canada increased only slightly:
- Family Class (outside Quebec): 11 months (was 10)
- Family Class (in Quebec): 37 months (was 32)
IRCC Service Standard: 12 months for Family Class overseas
5. Visitor Visas: Faster Processing for Overseas Applicants
Application times have decreased for most countries:
Outside Canada:
- India: 28 days (was 51)
- Pakistan: 36 days (was 47)
- Nigeria: 56 days (was 182)
- Philippines: 33 days (was 27)
- United States: 21 days (was 29)
Inside Canada:
Current timeline is 18 days, down from 25 days in July 2024.
IRCC Service Standard: 14 days (outside Canada)
6. Visitor Records: Delays Are Increasing
Applicants inside Canada are now waiting 193 days for visitor record decisions, compared to 108 days a year ago.
This extension impacts those seeking to maintain or modify temporary status while remaining in the country.
7. Work Permits: Significant Improvements for Overseas Applicants
Outside Canada:
- India: 7 weeks (was 19)
- Pakistan: 5 weeks (was 24)
- Nigeria: 12 weeks (was 14)
- Philippines: 6 weeks (was 9)
- United States: 4 weeks (was 18)
Inside Canada:
Processing time has increased substantially to 182 days from 109 days.
IRCC Service Standards:
- 60 days (outside Canada)
- 120 days (inside Canada)
8. Study Permits: Application Processing Fluctuates
Outside Canada:
- India: 3 weeks (was 4)
- Pakistan: 11 weeks (was 9)
- Nigeria: 5 weeks (unchanged)
- Philippines: 10 weeks (was 8)
- United States: 7 weeks (was 9)
Inside Canada:
- Current: 12 weeks (was 10)
Study Permit Extensions:
Processing time has risen to 180 days, up from 58 days—a threefold increase.
IRCC Service Standards:
- 60 days (outside Canada)
- 120 days (inside Canada)
9. Citizenship Applications: Longer Processing Across the Board
Citizenship Grants:
- Now: 10 months (was 7)
Proof of Citizenship (Certificates):
- Now: 5 months (was 3)
Applicants outside Canada or the US should expect 3–4 additional months.
IRCC Service Standard (Citizenship Grants): 12 months
No published service standard for certificates
10. Understanding Processing Times vs. Service Standards
- Processing Time: An estimate based on past application data and current inventory. These times fluctuate depending on demand, staffing, and procedural updates.
- Service Standard: IRCC’s target to process 80% of applications within a specific timeframe. These are goals—not guarantees—and allow for exceptions in complex cases.
Conclusion: Why These Changes Matter
The increase in wait times, especially for inland spousal sponsorship, study permit extensions, and in-Canada work permits, demonstrates the importance of strategic planning and timely submissions. While some areas have improved—particularly overseas visa and work permit processing—others have deteriorated, with delays up to 23 months longer than last year.
For individuals and families navigating Canada’s immigration system, these evolving timelines underscore the value of experienced guidance, accurate documentation, and proactive status management.
CAD Immigration remains committed to helping you make informed, compliant, and successful immigration decisions.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
