The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its processing times as of March 18, 2025, introducing significant changes that impact visa, permanent residency, and citizenship applicants. Understanding these timelines is crucial for planning your immigration journey, and we’ve compiled the latest data along with key insights to keep you informed.
Why IRCC Processing Times Matter in 2025
IRCC’s processing times determine how long applications for various immigration pathways take. The updated system ensures applicants get realistic timelines based on actual case processing data rather than fixed service standards.
What Has Changed?
- Permanent residency and citizenship processing times now reflect 80% of cases.
- PR cards and temporary residence visas are updated weekly.
- Citizenship, family sponsorship, and economic-class PR updates are released monthly.
- Timelines vary based on application volume and IRCC’s operational capacity.
Latest IRCC Processing Times (March 2025 Update)
Citizenship and PR Cards (Updated Monthly & Weekly)
| Application Type | Processing Time (March 4, 2025) | Change Since Last Update |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship Grant | 9 months | Increased by 1 month |
| Citizenship Certificate | 4 months | Increased by 1 month |
| New PR Card | 16 days | Reduced by 8 days |
| PR Card Renewals | 14 days | Reduced by 1 day |
Note: Citizenship certificates may take longer for applicants outside Canada and the U.S.
Family Sponsorship (Updated Monthly)
| Application Type | Processing Time (March 4, 2025) | Change Since Last Update |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Common-Law (Outside Canada) | 11 months | Increased by 1 month |
| Parents/Grandparents PR (Non-Quebec) | 33 months | Reduced by 1 month |
| Parents/Grandparents PR (Quebec) | 48 months | No Change |
Permanent Residency (Economic Class – Updated Monthly)
| Program | Processing Time (March 4, 2025) | Change Since Last Update |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 5 months | No Change |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | 5 months | Reduced by 1 month |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry | 7 months | Increased by 1 month |
| Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW) | 9 months | No Change |
Temporary Resident Visas (Updated Weekly)
Visitor Visa Processing Times
| Country | Processing Time (March 18, 2025) | Change Since Last Update |
|---|---|---|
| India | 83 days | Reduced by 13 days |
| Nigeria | 132 days | Reduced by 9 days |
| Pakistan | 17 days | Increased by 1 day |
Work & Study Permit Processing Times
| Application Type | Processing Time (March 12, 2025) | Change Since Last Update |
|---|---|---|
| Study Permit (Nigeria) | 7 weeks | No Change |
| Work Permit (India) | 20 weeks | No Change |
| Work Permit (Nigeria) | 15 weeks | Reduced by 1 week |
What These Changes Mean for Applicants
With IRCC’s monthly and weekly updates, applicants now have a more realistic expectation of processing times. However, these figures are estimates and not guarantees—individual circumstances can still affect timelines.
How to Stay Updated
- Visit the IRCC official website regularly for the latest updates.
- Check Fulrez insights for breakdowns and expert insights on immigration trends.
By staying informed, you can better plan your application process and avoid unnecessary delays. Need help with your application? Follow Fulrez for more insights on Canada immigration, visas, and PR updates.
