IRCC Releases New Processing Times – What Applicants Need to Know in August 2025
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially updated its application processing times as of August 20, 2025.
These updates affect citizenship, permanent residency (PR), passports, sponsorships, study/work permits, and visitor visas.
Processing times are based on 80% of applications and serve as estimates — not guarantees. Applicants should note that incomplete documents, high application volumes, or additional checks may lead to longer wait times.
Here’s the category-wise breakdown and insights:
Citizenship Applications (Updated Monthly)
- Citizenship Grant: 10 months (no change)
- Citizenship Proof (Certificate): 5 months (no change)
- Renunciation of Citizenship: 5 months (2 months faster)
- Search of Records: 14 months (1 month faster)
If you applied before June 16, 2025, expect your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) soon.
Permanent Residency (PR) Cards (Updated Weekly)
- New PR Card: 36 days (1 day faster)
- PR Card Renewal: 31 days (1 day longer)
Apply early if planning international travel.
Family Sponsorship (Updated Monthly)
- Spousal Sponsorship (Outside Canada, Non-Quebec): 13 months (2 months longer)
- Spousal Sponsorship (Outside Canada, Quebec): 41 months (3 months longer)
- Inland Sponsorship (Non-Quebec): 36 months
- Parents/Grandparents Sponsorship: 36–48 months
Quebec cases remain longest due to dual federal–provincial process.
Canadian Passports (Updated August 6, 2025)
- In-person: 10 business days
- Mail: 20 business days
- Urgent Pick-up: Next business day
- Express Pick-up: 2–9 business days
For urgent travel, opt for express/urgent pick-up services.
Economic Class PR (Updated Monthly)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 5 months (fastest)
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP): 7 months
- Provincial Nominee Program (Express Entry): 8 months
- Non-Express Entry PNP: 20 months (1 month longer)
- Federal Self-Employed: 60 months (2 months longer)
- Start-Up Visa: 52 months (1 month longer)
Express Entry streams remain the quickest pathway.
Temporary Resident Visas (Updated Weekly)
Visitor Visas (Outside Canada):
- India: 45 days (+4)
- U.S.: 24 days (+1)
- Pakistan: 48 days (+1)
- Philippines: 22 days (−2)
Study Permits:
- India: 3 weeks (no change)
- U.S.: 9 weeks (+2)
- Philippines: 7 weeks (−1)
- Inside Canada: 6 weeks (−1)
Work Permits (Outside Canada):
- India: 7 weeks (no change)
- U.S.: 3 weeks (fastest)
- Pakistan: 7 weeks (−1)
Work Permits (Inside Canada): ~185 days (slight increase)
Super Visa:
- India: 138 days (+4)
- Pakistan: 126 days (+1)
- U.S.: 89 days (+10)
Other:
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program: 45 days (+4)
- IEC (Youth Work Program): 5 weeks (stable)
- eTA: 5 minutes to 72 hours
Visitor extensions inside Canada are now processed in 183 days (faster than before).
Key Takeaways:
- Citizenship timelines are stable, with faster processing for renunciations.
- PR cards are slightly quicker for new applicants but renewals face delays.
- Quebec sponsorships continue to take the longest (up to 41–48 months).
- Express Entry (CEC/FSWP/PNP) is still the fastest PR route.
- Study permits for India remain quick (3 weeks).
- Work permit extensions inside Canada are the slowest (6+ months).
Expert Tips to Avoid Delays:
- Submit complete applications (use IRCC checklists).
- Track your file with IRCC’s Client Status Tool.
- Apply well in advance if you plan travel/work.
- Quebec applicants should prepare for longer waits.
- For complex programs (Start-Up Visa, Self-Employed), consider RCIC support.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
