IRCC releases latest processing time update with notable shifts across key immigration categories
IRCC released its newest processing time update on November 12, 2025, showing contrasting trends across immigration categories
The latest processing time update from IRCC includes new data across permanent residence, citizenship, family sponsorship, study permits, work permits, and PR cards. IRCC notes that its updated tool reflects actual processing durations rather than legacy targets, providing applicants with a clearer picture of expected wait times.
1. Citizenship Applications: Longer waits for certificates and renunciation cases
- Citizenship Grant: 13 months (≈290,700 people waiting), no change
- Citizenship Certificate: 9 months (+1 month)
- Renunciation of Citizenship: 22 months (+12 months)
- IRCC is currently issuing AORs for applications submitted around July 28, 2025
2. Permanent Resident Cards: Minor improvements for renewals
| Application Type | Processing Time | Change Since Oct 29 |
|---|---|---|
| New PR Card | 61 days | -2 days |
| PR Card Renewal | 29 days | -1 day |
3. Family Sponsorship: Parents and grandparents see major increases
Family sponsorship continues to be one of the longest-processing categories in the entire IRCC system. Quebec applications remain significantly slower due to mandatory provincial approval.
Family Sponsorship Processing Times (as of November 6, 2025)
| Sponsorship Category | People Waiting | Processing Time | Change Since October |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner (Outside Canada, non-Quebec) | ~45,200 (-700) | 14 months | -1 month |
| Spouse/Partner (Outside Canada, Quebec) | ~20,100 (-200) | 37 months | -2 months |
| Spouse/Partner (Inside Canada, non-Quebec) | ~49,900 (+400) | 20 months | -2 months |
| Spouse/Partner (Inside Canada, Quebec) | ~12,200 (+100) | 37 months | -2 months |
| Parents/Grandparents (non-Quebec) | ~47,100 (+5,600) | 42 months | +16 months |
| Parents/Grandparents (Quebec) | ~12,900 (+1,100) | 50 months | +6 months |
The most significant increases were seen in the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), with non-Quebec applications rising to 42 months and Quebec applications reaching 50 months.
4. Economic Immigration: Express Entry stable, but business programs remain severely backlogged
Economic immigration streams show a split trend:
- Express Entry (FSWP, PNP-EE) remains stable
- CEC increased slightly
- Business immigration (SUV, Self-Employed) continues to face waits of a decade or more
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) remains one of the slowest PR pathways
Economic Class Processing Times (as of November 6, 2025)
| Program | People Waiting | Processing Time | Change Since October |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | ~19,800 (+1,900) | 7 months | +1 month |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | ~24,500 (+700) | 6 months | No change |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) | Not available | Not enough data | No change |
| PNP (Express Entry) | ~10,700 (-800) | 6 months | -1 month |
| PNP (non-Express Entry) | ~96,000 (+1,300) | 16 months | No change |
| Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) | ~26,400 (+1,600) | 11 months | No change |
| Quebec Business Class | ~4,100 | 84 months (7 years) | No change |
| Federal Self-Employed | ~8,500 (-100) | More than 10 years | No change |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | ~13,300 (+200) | 37 months | No change |
| Start-Up Visa (SUV) | ~43,800 (+600) | More than 10 years | No change |
SUV and federal self-employed remain the slowest immigration pathways in Canada’s entire system.
5. Study Permit Processing: Many countries see faster times
| Country | Processing Time | Change Since Oct 29 |
|---|---|---|
| India | 4 weeks | -1 week |
| United States | 4 weeks | -1 week |
| Nigeria | 8 weeks | No change |
| Pakistan | 7 weeks | -3 weeks |
| Philippines | 4 weeks | -1 week |
6. Work Permit Processing: Modest improvements in some regions
| Country | Processing Time | Change Since Oct 29 |
|---|---|---|
| India | 10 weeks | No change |
| United States | 4 weeks | No change |
| Nigeria | 9 weeks | -1 week |
| Pakistan | 6 weeks | -2 weeks |
| Philippines | 6 weeks | No change |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How often does IRCC update processing times?
- PR and citizenship categories: monthly
- Temporary residence (work permits, study permits, visitor visas, PR cards): weekly
2. Are processing times guaranteed?
No. They are estimates only. Actual processing depends on background checks, program demand, document review, and the visa office’s workload.
3. Why is family sponsorship slower in Quebec?
Because Quebec requires an additional provincial approval stage, making the process longer and more complex.
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