Latest IRCC Processing Times – September 2025 Update

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its updated processing timelines as of September 2025, covering everything from temporary visas to permanent residency and citizenship applications. These updates are crucial for international students, skilled workers, families, and entrepreneurs planning their Canadian journey.

Processing times are calculated based on 80% of finalized applications and serve as helpful benchmarks, though actual outcomes can vary due to seasonal demand, incomplete files, or additional background checks.

Below is a breakdown of the latest timelines and key changes.

1. Citizenship Applications

Becoming a Canadian citizen is a milestone for many newcomers. Updated timelines show slight shifts:
 

📌 Note: Applicants who submitted before July 7, 2025, should receive their Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) soon.

2. Permanent Resident (PR) Cards

PR cards are vital for new arrivals and renewals.

 

Observation: Faster turnaround for first-time PR cards shows IRCC’s efforts to improve efficiency.

3. Family Sponsorships

Family reunification remains a central goal of Canadian immigration.

Observation: Processing in Quebec continues to take longer due to additional provincial requirements.

4. Passport Applications

Travel documents continue to be processed steadily.

5. Permanent Residency Applications (Economic Streams)

Observation: Express Entry streams remain the quickest pathways for skilled applicants.

6. Temporary Resident Visas & Permits

Visitor Visas (Outside Canada – Selected Countries)

• India: 63 days (+9 days)

• USA: 24 days (no change)

• Nigeria: 31 days (-5 days)

• Pakistan: 48 days (+1 day)

• Philippines: 19 days (-1 day)

Visitor Visas (Inside Canada)

• 13 days (reduced by 2 days)

Visitor Extensions

• 170 days (reduced by 10 days)

Super Visa (Parents/Grandparents)

• India: 139 days (no change)

• USA: 89 days (+2 days)

• Nigeria: 55 days (-2 days)

• Pakistan: 112 days (-14 days)

• Philippines: 71 days (-3 days)

7. Study Permits

• India: 4 weeks (+1 week)

• USA: 10 weeks (no change)

• Nigeria: 8 weeks (+2 weeks)

• Pakistan: 9 weeks (no change)

• Philippines: 6 weeks (-1 week)

• Inside Canada: 6 weeks (no change)

• Study Permit Extension: 163 days (-10 days)

8. Work Permits

• India: 8 weeks (no change)

• USA: 3 weeks (-1 week)

• Nigeria: 22 weeks (+12 weeks)

• Pakistan: 12 weeks (+5 weeks)

• Philippines: 6 weeks (no change)

• Inside Canada (including extensions): 190 days (-3 days)

9. Other Temporary Visas

• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): 70 days (+17 days)

• International Experience Canada (IEC): 5 weeks (no change)

• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): 5 minutes – 72 hours (no change)

Key Takeaways

• Express Entry programs remain the fastest economic immigration option.

• Family sponsorship timelines vary greatly, with Quebec cases taking significantly longer.

• Study permits show moderate delays depending on the applicant’s country.

• Super Visa timelines differ widely, emphasizing the importance of country-specific checks.

• Backlogs remain high, with over 901,700 pending applications as of August 2025.

Reminder: These are estimated averages, not guaranteed timelines. Processing may take longer due to complex cases, peak periods, or additional verifications.