Latest IRCC Processing Times – March 2025 Update
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its latest processing times for March 2025. If you’re applying for a visa, permanent residency, or citizenship, knowing these timelines can help you plan better.
Since 2021, Immigration News Canada (INC) has been closely monitoring IRCC’s processing times, ensuring applicants stay informed. In 2022, IRCC updated its system to provide more realistic timelines based on actual processing data. Now, they update processing times every month for permanent residency, citizenship, and family sponsorship applications. PR cards and temporary resident visa timelines are updated weekly.
It’s important to remember that these are estimated processing times. While 80% of applications are processed within these timelines, individual cases may take longer due to various factors.
Latest Processing Times
Citizenship and PR Cards (Updated Monthly & Weekly)
| Application Type | Processing Time (March 4, 2025) | Change |
| Citizenship Grant | 9 months | +1 month |
| Citizenship Certificate | 4 months | +1 month |
| Renunciation of Citizenship | 10 months | -2 months |
| Search of Citizenship Records | 16 months | No Change |
| New PR Card | 16 days | -8 days |
| PR Card Renewal | 14 days | -1 day |
Update: IRCC is now issuing Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) for citizenship applications submitted around February 24, 2025.
Family Sponsorship (Updated Monthly)
| Application Type | Processing Time (March 4, 2025) | Change |
| Spouse/Common-Law (Outside Canada, Non-Quebec) | 11 months | +1 month |
| Spouse/Common-Law (Outside Canada, Quebec) | 35 months | -1 month |
| Spouse/Common-Law (Inside Canada, Non-Quebec) | 24 months | -4 months |
| Spouse/Common-Law (Inside Canada, Quebec) | 35 months | +1 month |
| Parents/Grandparents PR (Non-Quebec) | 33 months | -1 month |
| Parents/Grandparents PR (Quebec) | 48 months | No Change |
Note: Quebec’s processing times are different from the rest of Canada due to regional variations.
Canadian Passport Processing (No Change)
| Application Type | Processing Time |
| In-Canada (Regular, In-Person) | 10 business days |
| In-Canada (Regular, By Mail) | 20 business days |
| Urgent Pick-Up | Next business day |
| Express Pick-Up | 2-9 business days |
| Regular Passport (Mailed from Outside Canada) | 20 business days |
Permanent Residency Economic Class (Updated Monthly)
| Application Type | Processing Time (March 4, 2025) | Change |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 5 months | No Change |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | 5 months | -1 month |
| Provincial Nominee Program (Express Entry) | 7 months | +1 month |
| Non-Express Entry PNP | 21 months | No Change |
| Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) | 9 months | No Change |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | 10 months | +1 month |
| Start-Up Visa | 40 months | No Change |
Temporary Resident Visas (Updated Weekly)
Visitor Visa (Outside Canada)
| Country | Processing Time (March 18, 2025) | Change |
| India | 83 days | -13 days |
| United States | 20 days | No Change |
| Nigeria | 132 days | -9 days |
| Pakistan | 17 days | +1 day |
| Philippines | 14 days | No Change |
Other Temporary Visas
- Visitor Visa (Inside Canada): 15 days (-1 day)
- Visitor Record (Extension): 119 days (+3 days)
- Super Visa for Parents/Grandparents: Processing varies by country:
- India: 133 days (+6 days)
- U.S.: 241 days (-21 days)
- Nigeria: 40 days (+4 days)
- Pakistan: 118 days (+30 days)
- Philippines: 119 days (-1 day)
Study Permit Processing Times
| Country | Processing Time (March 12, 2025) | Change |
| India | 15 weeks | No Change |
| U.S. | 5 weeks | No Change |
| Nigeria | 7 weeks | No Change |
| Pakistan | 8 weeks | No Change |
| Philippines | 5 weeks | No Change |
- Study Permit (Inside Canada): 3 weeks (No Change)
- Study Permit Extension: 114 days (+2 days)
Work Permit Processing Times
| Country | Processing Time (March 12, 2025) | Change |
| India | 20 weeks | No Change |
| U.S. | 81 weeks | No Change |
| Nigeria | 15 weeks | -1 week |
| Pakistan | 8 weeks | -1 week |
| Philippines | 5 weeks | No Change |
- Work Permit (Inside Canada – Initial & Extension): 111 days (-1 day)
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): 12 days (No Change)
- International Experience Canada (IEC): 2 weeks (No Change)
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Usually 5 minutes (Some cases may take up to 72 hours)
Why These Processing Times Matter
Understanding these timelines helps individuals and families plan their immigration journey better. Whether you are applying for a work permit, permanent residency, or citizenship, these updates provide a clearer picture of expected wait times.
The IRCC updates these figures regularly, so it’s essential to check for the latest information before making any major decisions. For further queries visit Asif Consulting.
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