IRCC’s December update: faster processing for many study-permit and PGP files, but delays persist for some family categories
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published its December processing-time snapshot and the news is mixed. Several temporary-residence streams — notably certain study and work permits — and the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) have seen meaningful improvements since mid-November. At the same time, sponsorship of dependent children has experienced the largest single month-over-month increase in wait time.
Overall, IRCC’s latest figures show modest progress in clearing backlogs for some high-volume files while chronic delays remain for other family and regional programs. Below we summarise the most important changes, explain what they mean for applicants, and offer clear steps you can take now to reduce the risk of further wait-time setbacks.
Headline changes at a glance
- Study permits (in-Canada initial applications): Processing times improved substantially — in-Canada initial study permit timelines have fallen from about 12 weeks to 8 weeks. Study permit extensions also recovered, with current estimates of 140 days (down 42 days from the prior snapshot).
- Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP): The PGP saw a notable improvement: processing times dropped to 40 months for applicants intending to live outside Quebec (previously 42 months). Quebec-intending PGP files remain lengthy.
- Work permits: Most markets are stable; Canada-based work-permit processing improved slightly (now 218 days for in-Canada files), while some overseas queues remain steady. The United States saw a small increase in outside-Canada work-permit processing times.
- Dependent child sponsorship: The biggest deterioration: some dependent-child streams increased by four months, with particular spikes for applications from India.
- Express Entry and PNP: Express Entry streams remain within IRCC’s published service expectations (CEC ~7 months; FSWP ~6 months); enhanced PNP applications are around 6 months, while base PNP applications continue to take longer (≈16 months).
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Still exceptional — AIP processing time remains extremely long at approximately 37 months.
- Citizenship: Grant applications remain around 13 months; proof-of-citizenship certificates about 9 months.
Context: why some streams improved and others did not
IRCC calculates processing times by balancing current inventory against monthly finalizations. Improvements generally reflect either increased processing capacity, fewer incoming new applications for a category, or targeted prioritization (for example, essential worker and study streams). Conversely, longer wait times for family streams and certain regional pilots reflect persistent demand, administrative complexity, and resource allocation pressures.
Notable patterns in 2025 show IRCC favouring program- and category-specific selection (Express Entry categories, large French draws, and healthcare draws) and prioritizing essential occupations for faster processing. However, family-class categories continue to be stretched by application volume and complexity.
Practical implications for applicants
- If you’re applying for a study permit: Expect faster decisions for initial in-Canada applications — however, allow time for biometrics, medicals, and school confirmations. If you need an extension, plan for roughly 140 days processing and arrange finances and employer/education contingencies accordingly.
- If you’re sponsoring parents or grandparents: Although the PGP timeline has improved slightly, the process remains measured in years. Early preparation (complete forms, translated documents, proof of income and relationships) remains essential.
- If you’re sponsoring a dependent child: Expect longer processing in some countries. Where timelines have spiked, ensure your file is immaculate: correct fees, complete identity documents, and any required country-specific paperwork.
- If you’re pursuing Express Entry or a PNP: Enhanced PNP and Express Entry online applications are moving closer to IRCC service standards; keep profiles updated and have police certificates, medicals and reference letters ready to avoid processing delays if you receive an ITA.
- If you need quick work-authorizations: IRCC is still prioritizing essential occupations — double-check whether your job falls into a priority category for faster handling.
Quick checklist — actions applicants should take now
- Keep documents current and digital: valid passports, up-to-date language tests, police certificates and medicals ready.
- Prepare supporting files before you apply: missing documents are a common cause of processing delays or refusals.
- Monitor program-specific rules: IRCC’s priorities change — check your program’s eligibility and documentation requirements frequently.
- Use official channels to update applications: if something changes after submission, use IRCC’s web form to add documents or flag updates.
- Consider contingency plans: for long processes (PGP, AIP), plan housing, finances and employment options while waiting.
- Seek professional help: complex family, humanitarian or multi-jurisdictional files benefit from expert review to avoid procedural errors.
Bottom line
December’s processing times bring encouraging movement for several temporary-residence streams and a modest improvement for the PGP, but persistent delays remain for family-class and regional programs. Applicants who prepare comprehensive, accurate files and act quickly on document requests will be best positioned to benefit from the improvements IRCC has announced.
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