IRCC Announces New Processing Times for May 2025

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released updated processing times for various immigration applications, including those for visas, permanent residency (PR), citizenship, and passports, as of May 6, 2025. These updates provide essential insights for applicants navigating Canada’s immigration system.

What’s New in the Latest IRCC Update?

IRCC’s processing times are designed to offer real-time data, reflecting the latest application volumes and processing capacity. Since 2022, the department has used an advanced tool that gives accurate timelines, replacing older, less reliable estimates. The new system provides estimates for 80% of applications, offering a clear understanding of wait times.

Updates are released weekly for temporary visas and PR cards, and monthly for citizenship, permanent residency, and family sponsorships. However, applicants should remember that these times are estimates, and delays may occur based on the complexity of their cases or additional verification processes.

Citizenship Application Processing Times

As of May 1, 2025, the processing times for citizenship applications have seen an increase. Here are the latest details:

• Citizenship Grant: 10 months (up from 8 months)
  
• Citizenship Certificate: 4 months (up from 3 months)
  
• Renunciation of Citizenship: 7 months (down from 8 months)
  
• Search of Citizenship Records: 15 months (unchanged)
  

Applicants who filed around March 24, 2025, can expect an acknowledgment soon. Be aware that requests for citizenship certificates from outside Canada or the U.S. may face delays.

Permanent Residency (PR) Card Processing Times

Processing times for PR cards have seen slight increases due to higher demand. The new estimates are:

• New PR Card: 35 days (up from 19 days)
  
• PR Card Renewal: 10 days (unchanged)
  

To avoid delays, ensure your application is complete, as incomplete submissions can prolong the process.

Family Sponsorship Processing Times

Family sponsorship applications vary based on the region and the applicant's location. Quebec, in particular, has longer wait times due to additional provincial requirements. Here’s an overview of the latest processing times:

• Spouse/Common-Law (Outside Canada, Non-Quebec): 10 months (down from 11 months)
  
• Spouse/Common-Law (Inside Canada, Quebec): 36 months (unchanged)
  
• Parents/Grandparents PR (Non-Quebec): 36 months (unchanged)
  
• Parents/Grandparents PR (Quebec): 48 months (no change)
  

If you're sponsoring family members in Quebec, it's crucial to plan accordingly due to these extended timelines.

Canadian Passport Processing Times

Passport processing remains steady. Here are the options:

• New Passport (In-Person): 10 business days (no change)
  
• New Passport (Mail): 20 business days (no change)
  
• Urgent Pick-Up: By the next business day
  
• Express Pick-Up: 2–9 business days
  

Economic Class PR Programs

For skilled workers and entrepreneurs applying through the Economic Class, the following updates are important:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 5 months (no change)
  
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 5 months (down from 6 months)
  
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry: 5 months (down from 6 months)
  

Some programs have seen changes in processing time, with some like the Federal Self-Employed Program increasing to 53 months.

Temporary Resident Visa Processing Times

Temporary visa processing times also vary depending on the country and visa type. Here are some updates for May 6, 2025:

• Visitor Visa (Outside Canada):
  
  • India: 19 days (up from 18 days)
    
  • United States: 18 days (up from 17 days)
    
  • Nigeria: 89 days (down from 93 days)
    
• Study Permits:
  
  • India: 8 weeks (no change)
    
  • United States: 5 weeks (up from 4 weeks)
    
• Work Permits:
  
  • India: 18 weeks (no change)
    
  • United States: 17 weeks (no change)
    

For temporary visa applicants, check the country-specific updates to plan ahead.

The IRCC’s new processing times give applicants a clear idea of what to expect when applying for Canadian immigration services. These timelines are crucial for anyone looking to reunite with family, start a new career, or settle in Canada. By staying informed with the latest updates, you can better plan your immigration journey and avoid unnecessary delays.