IRCC Updates Application Processing Times for Permanent Residence, Temporary Residence, and Citizenship

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released updated processing times for permanent residence, temporary residence, and citizenship applications.
These updates reflect changes as of October 1, 2025, compared to the previous data from September 10, 2025.

The most notable changes can be seen in spousal sponsorship applications for those living in Canada and planning to settle in Quebec, as well as in-Canada dependent child sponsorship applications.

Permanent Residence Applications

Express Entry

IRCC’s service standard for all Express Entry programs remains 6 months.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The service standard for Enhanced PNP applications is 6 months, while Base PNP applications generally follow a 11-month standard.
Processing times for Base PNPs can vary depending on when the application was submitted.

Quebec Immigration

The official service standard for PSTQ applications is 6 months, though nearly 24,000 applications are still waiting to be processed.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The service standard for AIP applications is 11 months.

Family Sponsorship

The biggest shift is a 16-month increase for spousal sponsorship applications from within Canada for applicants planning to reside in Quebec.

The standard processing time for spousal sponsorship (outside Canada) is 12 months.

Dependent Child Sponsorship

Within Canada

Processing time for in-Canada dependent child sponsorship applications has decreased by 17 months, marking a significant improvement.

Outside Canada

IRCC’s service standard for outside-Canada dependent child sponsorships is 12 months.

Temporary Residence Applications

Visitor Visas

The service standard for visitor visas applied from outside Canada is 14 days.

Work Permits

Nigeria saw the most significant improvement in processing times, with its average time cut nearly in half.

IRCC’s service standard for in-Canada work permits is 120 days, while outside-Canada applications are typically processed within 60 days (or 56 days for IEC permits).

Study Permits

Study permit extensions within Canada currently take 171 days to process.
IRCC’s service standard for study permit applications is 120 days (in Canada) and 60 days (outside Canada).

Super Visas

Processing times for super visa applications from Pakistan increased by nearly six weeks.
The service standard remains 112 days.

Citizenship Applications

IRCC’s service standard for citizenship grants is 12 months.

How IRCC Calculates Processing Times

IRCC’s published processing times show how long it is expected to take to finalize a new application received today.
They are based on:

• Historical data
• The current number of applications in progress
  
  

Processing time begins when IRCC receives your application and ends when a decision is made.
For mailed applications, it starts when the package arrives at IRCC’s mailroom. For online submissions, it starts immediately after submission.

Factors that can impact your processing time include:

• Completeness of your application
• Timely response to IRCC’s information requests
• Verification time for supporting documents
  
  

Historical vs. Forward-Looking Processing Times

• Historical processing times: Based on how long it took IRCC to process 80% of similar applications in the past. Updated weekly.
• Forward-looking processing times: Based on current backlogs and projected monthly completions.
  
  

Application types using forward-looking times include:

• Express Entry programs (CEC, FSWP, PNP)
• Quebec PSTQ
• Family sponsorship (spouse, common-law partner, PGP)
• Citizenship grants and proof of citizenship
  
  

Service Standards Explained

Service standards are IRCC’s internal benchmarks.
They represent the time within which the department aims to process 80% of applications in each category.
However, 20% of applications may take longer due to additional complexities or verification requirements.

Not all immigration programs have published service standards, but IRCC updates processing times weekly to help applicants better plan their immigration timelines.

In summary, IRCC’s latest update shows progress in some areas—such as dependent child sponsorship—while other streams, including Quebec-based spousal sponsorship, are experiencing longer wait times.
Applicants are encouraged to check IRCC’s website regularly for the most current information and to ensure all applications are complete before submission to avoid unnecessary delays.