Canada New Immigration Processing Times January 2025 & More

As of January 8, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released the latest processing times for various immigration applications. These updates occur weekly and monthly, depending on the immigration category. Staying informed about these timelines is crucial, especially if you plan to relocate to Canada.

Importance of Tracking Processing Times

Keeping up with IRCC processing times is essential for several reasons:

• Firstly, effective Planning: Knowing the processing times aids in planning your move. Whether you seek permanent residency, citizenship, or a temporary visa, awareness of timelines helps you manage your career and finances.
• Also, avoid Delays: Processing times can vary based on application volumes. By staying informed, you can anticipate potential delays and prepare accordingly.
• Additionally, prepare for Success: Understanding the timelines enables you to gather the necessary documents and submit applications on time. This preparation increases the likelihood of a smooth process.

How IRCC Determines Processing Times

IRCC calculates processing times based on 80% of applications. Several factors influence these times:

• Completeness of Applications: Missing or incorrect documentation can slow down processing.
• Case Complexity: Some applications require additional security checks, prolonging the timeline.
• Volume of Applications: High numbers of submissions can lead to longer processing times.
• Program-Specific Factors: Different immigration programs may have unique requirements that affect processing.

Citizenship Processing Times

The IRCC updates citizenship processing times monthly. Here are the current times:

• Citizenship Grant: 7 months
• Citizenship Certificate: 3 months
• Renunciation of Citizenship: 16 months
• Search of Citizenship Records: 7 months (reduced by 4 months)

IRCC is currently sending an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) letters for applications received during the week of December 18, 2024.

Permanent Resident Card Processing Times

Processing times for PR cards are updated weekly:

• New PR Card: 22 days (increased by 2 days)
• PR Card Renewal: 28 days (reduced by 5 days)

Family Sponsorship Processing Times

Family sponsorship processing times are also updated monthly:

• Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Outside Canada, excluding Quebec): 10 months
• Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Outside Canada, Quebec): 36 months
• Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Inside Canada, excluding Quebec): 24 months (increased by 12 months)
• Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Inside Canada, Quebec): 32 months (increased by 5 months)
• Parents/Grandparents Sponsorship (Excluding Quebec): 24 months
• Parents/Grandparents Sponsorship (Quebec): 48 months

Economic Immigration Processing Times

These times are updated monthly and weekly:

• Canadian Experience Class: 5 months
• Federal Skilled Worker Program: 6 months (increased by 1 month)
• Provincial Nominee Program (Express Entry): 6 months
• Provincial Nominee Program (Non-Express Entry): 20 months (increased by 7 months)
• Quebec Skilled Workers: 9 months (reduced by 2 months)
• Atlantic Immigration Program: 9 months (increased by 1 month)

Temporary Residency Processing Times

Temporary residency processing times are updated weekly. Here are some highlights:

Visitor Visa (Outside Canada):

• India: 110 days
• United States: 25 days
• Nigeria: 164 days
• Pakistan: 25 days
• Philippines: 22 days

Study Permit (Outside Canada):

• India: 9 weeks (increased by 4 weeks)
• United States: 11 weeks (increased by 1 week)

Work Permit (Inside Canada): 151 days (reduced by 11 days)

Staying updated on these processing times is vital for successful immigration planning. By keeping track of the latest updates, you can navigate the Canadian immigration system with greater confidence.