How have IRCC’s processing times changed since mid-July?

Since mid-July 2025, the processing times for various immigration applications through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have seen notable changes across categories. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of these changes, focusing on permanent residence applications, work permits, study permits, temporary resident visas (TRVs), and citizenship applications. This summary will help readers understand current processing statuses compared to those just a few months ago.

Permanent Residence Applications:

1. Express Entry:
   The processing times for Express Entry, Canada’s primary economic immigration pathway, have remained relatively stable. Most federal programs have not experienced significant changes, though minor increases in processing times have been noted. The service standard set by IRCC for these applications is 180 days. However, the processing times for Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP) applications remain undisclosed due to insufficient data.

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
   Processing times for PNP applications reveal a mixed bag. For applications submitted through Express Entry (enhanced), processing remains at about 8 months, unchanged since July. However, for base PNP applications, the time has increased to 20 months, up from 19 months. The service standards aim for 11 months for base applications submitted online and 180 days for enhanced submissions.

3. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP):
   The AIP processing time has seen an increase of one month, now standing at 13 months, as applicants enjoy the benefit of a special work permit while their application is being evaluated.

4. Family and Partner Sponsorship:
   Processing times for spousal sponsorship have also risen, with notable delays across various classes:
   • Family Class outside Quebec: A rise to 13 months from 11 months.
   • SCLP intending to reside in Quebec: Increased to 40 months from 38 months.
     The IRCC has a service standard of 12 months for overseas Family Class applications.

Temporary Resident Applications:

1. Temporary Resident Visas (TRV):
   Since mid-July, TRV processing times from outside Canada show varying results:

   • India has seen the most substantial increase, with processing times rising to 58 days from 28 days.
   • Conversely, Nigeria experienced a notable decrease of nearly 3.5 weeks.
     The IRCC aims for a processing standard of 14 days.

2. Visitor Records:
   Processing times for visitor records have decreased slightly, down to 176 days from 193 days since mid-July.

3. Work Permits:
   Work permit processing has changed significantly depending on whether applications are filed from within or outside Canada. For example, work permits filed from outside Canada reveal substantial increases:
   • Pakistan sees an increase to 9 weeks from 5 weeks.
     In contrast, the US has seen a reduction to 3 weeks from 4 weeks.
     Inside Canada, work permit applications show a slight increase to 188 days.

Study Permits:
The processing times for study permits have been inconsistent:

1. Outside Canada, processing times for India have stabilized at 3 weeks, while applications from Pakistan have increased to 9 weeks.
2. For submissions from within Canada, processing times have decreased, now taking about 10 weeks, down from 12 weeks.

Citizenship Applications:
Processing times for citizenship applications have remained stable, with grants taking approximately 10 months to process. This consistency is important for applicants aiming to achieve Canadian citizenship, as the aims remain aligned with the IRCC’s service standard of 12 months.

Understanding Processing Times:
It’s crucial to distinguish between processing times and service standards. Processing times are the actual time it takes for an application to be processed, whereas service standards represent IRCC’s internal targets. The department aims to process 80% of applications within its service standards, which means that the remaining 20% may require additional time for more complex cases.

Conclusion:
Changes in IRCC’s processing times since mid-July 2025 reflect ongoing adjustments in response to varying application volumes, backlogs, and policy shifts. Those navigating the Canadian immigration system should remain informed about these timelines to better manage expectations. Consulting with an experienced immigration representative is advisable, as they can provide tailored guidance based on individual circumstances and assist in outlining the best pathways for successful applications.

Staying updated with the latest processing timelines is crucial for potential immigrants, as it allows them to make informed decisions on their applications and increases their chances of timely approval. Whether considering permanent residency, temporary residency, or citizenship, understanding these processing times is an essential aspect of the immigration journey.

As these trends continue to develop, stakeholders and applicants alike can expect regular updates from IRCC, providing clearer insights into processing efficiency and expected wait times.

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