Canada’s immigration system has entered a new update cycle, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) releasing its latest processing times as of October 1, 2025. These changes impact multiple streams, including citizenship, permanent residency (PR), family sponsorship, work permits, study permits, visitor visas, and Canadian passports.

Processing times are critical because they directly shape the plans of thousands of international students, skilled workers, and families hoping to settle in Canada. Whether you are applying for a study permit from India, waiting for your PR card renewal, or sponsoring your spouse, these timelines provide a realistic view of how long the journey might take.

Let’s take a closer look at the key updates across categories.

Citizenship Processing Times (Updated Monthly – October 1, 2025)

Citizenship applications remain a top priority for IRCC, but applicants are experiencing longer wait times in some areas.
  • Citizenship grant: 13 months (+2 months since last update)
  • Citizenship certificate: 7 months (+2 months)
  • Resumption of citizenship: Not enough data (no change)
  • Renunciation of citizenship: 10 months (no change)
  • Search of citizenship records: 13 months (no change)
As of October 1, 2025, IRCC is issuing Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letters for applications submitted around July 21, 2025.

Permanent Resident (PR) Card Processing (Updated Weekly – October 1, 2025)

For many newcomers, the PR card is essential proof of residency. Current processing times are as follows:
  • New PR card: 56 days (+10 days)
  • PR card renewal: 32 days (–1 day)
The rise in new PR card issuance timelines highlights growing demand and backlog management.

Family Sponsorship Processing Times (Updated Monthly – October 1, 2025)

Family reunification continues to be a cornerstone of Canadian immigration, but processing delays vary across provinces.
  • Spouse/Common-law (Outside Canada, non-Quebec): 15 months (no change)
  • Spouse/Common-law (Outside Canada, Quebec): 41 months (no change)
  • Spouse/Common-law (Inside Canada, non-Quebec): 24 months (+1 month)
  • Spouse/Common-law (Inside Canada, Quebec): 37 months (–1 month)
  • Parents/Grandparents (non-Quebec): 26 months (no change)
  • Parents/Grandparents (Quebec): 44 months (no change)
This means Quebec-based applicants still face some of the longest wait times in Canada.

Canadian Passport Processing Times – October 1, 2025

Passport processing has largely stabilized across Canada:
  • In-person (regular): 10 business days (no change)
  • Mail (regular): 20 business days (no change)
  • Urgent pick-up: Next business day (no change)
  • Express pick-up: 2–9 business days (no change)
  • Outside Canada (mailed): 20 business days (no change)
For travelers, these steady processing times are good news.

Economic Class PR Processing (Updated Monthly – October 1, 2025)

Economic immigration is at the heart of Canada’s skilled migration system.
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 6 months (+1 month)
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 5 months (–1 month)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Not enough data (no change)
  • Provincial Nominee Program (Express Entry): 7 months (–1 month)
  • Non-Express Entry PNP: 19 months (no change)
  • Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW): 11 months (no change)
  • Quebec Business Class: Not enough data (no change)
  • Federal Self-Employed: 61 months (no change)
  • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 13 months (no change)
  • Start-Up Visa: 53 months (no change)

Applicants under programs like the Federal Self-Employed and Start-Up Visa continue to face some of the longest waits in the system.

Visa Processing for Indians (Updated Weekly – October 1, 2025)

India remains one of Canada’s largest sources of immigration applicants. Processing times for Indian nationals are closely monitored by students, workers, and families.

  • Visitor visas: 75 days (+2 days)
  • Visitor visa (inside Canada): 15 days (no change)
  • Visitor record (extension): 165 days (no change)
  • Super Visa: 153 days (+10 days)
When it comes to study permits, the timelines remain relatively stable:
  • Study permit (outside Canada): 4 weeks (no change)
  • Study permit (inside Canada): 6 weeks (–1 week)
  • Study permit extension: 171 days (+2 days)
Work permit processing continues to be quicker than many other streams:
  • Work permit (outside Canada): 8 weeks (–1 week)

For electronic travel authorizations (eTA), most applicants receive approval in just 5 minutes. However, in some cases, it may take up to 72 hours if additional checks are required.

What These Processing Times Mean for Applicants

The new updates show mixed results across categories. While some programs have seen minor improvements, others, such as citizenship grants and PR card issuance, are facing longer delays.

For applicants, the key takeaway is to plan ahead. Delays in PR cards or study permit extensions can affect travel, work opportunities, or enrollment deadlines. For families, especially those applying under sponsorship programs, the wait may continue to test patience.

India-specific delays in visitor and super visas highlight ongoing backlogs, making it important for Indian applicants to apply as early as possible.

Conclusion

The October 1, 2025 update from IRCC provides a clear picture of the current state of Canada’s immigration system. With fluctuating timelines across multiple streams, applicants need to stay alert, gather documents in advance, and be prepared for both shorter and longer wait times depending on their chosen pathway.

Stay Updated on IRCC Announcements

IRCC’s processing times are updated weekly for PR cards and visas and monthly for citizenship and economic immigration streams. Regular monitoring is essential for applicants who want to make informed decisions about their applications.

If you are planning to apply for study, work, or immigration to Canada, it is recommended to consult a licensed immigration consultant or expert who can guide you through the requirements and help minimize delays.

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