If you’re planning to move to Canada this year, understanding current processing times is crucial for your immigration journey. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect in 2025 for PR cards, citizenship applications, and temporary visas.
Citizenship Application Processing
The wait time for standard citizenship grants remains steady at 7 months, unchanged since December 2024. Those applying for citizenship certificates can expect processing within 3 months, while renunciation cases take significantly longer at 16 months.
Good news for applicants requesting citizenship records – processing times have improved by 4 months, now taking just 7 months. Currently, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is sending acknowledgment letters for applications received during the week of December 18, 2024.
Permanent Residence Updates
For new permanent residents awaiting their PR cards, processing now takes 22 days – a slight 2-day increase from last month. Those renewing their PR cards will see faster service, with processing times reduced by 5 days to 28 days total.
Family sponsorship applications show mixed trends. While spousal applications from outside Canada (excluding Quebec) maintain a 10-month timeline, in-Canada applications now take 24 months – a full year longer than previously. Quebec continues to have longer processing times across all family sponsorship categories.
Economic Immigration Programs
The Canadian Experience Class maintains its 5-month processing time, while Federal Skilled Worker applications now take 6 months (up 1 month). Provincial Nominee Program timelines vary dramatically – Express Entry-linked applications process in 6 months, while non-Express Entry cases now take 20 months (a 7-month increase).
The Start-Up Visa program shows slight improvement at 39 months (down 1 month), but Quebec business class applications remain the slowest at 71 months.
Temporary Resident Applications
Visitor visa processing shows country-specific variations:
- Nigerian applicants see faster processing at 164 days (5-day improvement)
- Indian applicants face slightly longer waits at 110 days (2-day increase)
- U.S. applications process quickest at just 25 days
Study permit processing has slowed for Indian applicants (now 9 weeks, up 4 weeks), while Nigerian applicants see a modest 1-week increase to 8 weeks. Inside Canada study permit processing improved slightly to 7 weeks.
Work permit processing shows Nigeria leading improvements with a 2-week reduction to 19 weeks, while U.S. applicants face a 1-week increase to 15 weeks.
Key Takeaways for 2025 Applicants
1. Plan for longer processing if applying through non-Express Entry PNP (20 months)
2. In-Canada spousal sponsorships now take twice as long (24 months)
3. Nigerian applicants benefit from improved visitor visa and work permit times
4. Study permit applicants from India should anticipate longer waits
Remember these timelines represent how long it takes to process 80% of applications, and individual cases may vary. For the most current information, always check the official IRCC website before submitting your application.
Pro tip: Consider applying through programs with stable or improving processing times (like the Canadian Experience Class) if your situation allows for flexibility in immigration pathways.
Let Worldbridge Immigration Services be your guide to a successful future in Canada
Contact us:
Website: www.theworldbridge.ca
Email: info@theworldbridge.ca
Phone/WhatsApp: +1-416-727-7766 Social Media: @worldbridgeHQ
