Planning your move to Canada in 2026? Understanding current processing times is crucial for your immigration journey. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest IRCC updates and what they mean for your application.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released its final processing time update for 2025 on December 31, providing applicants with critical insights into wait times across all immigration categories heading into the new year.
Whether you’re applying for permanent residency, citizenship, a work permit, study visa, or family sponsorship, these timelines directly impact when you can start your new life in Canada.
Understanding IRCC Processing Times: What You Need to Know
Processing times represent the period within which 80% of applications are completed. This means your application could be processed faster or slower depending on several factors:
- Completeness of your application: Missing documents cause delays
- Security and background checks: Varies by country of origin
- Application volume: High-demand periods create backlogs
- Program-specific requirements: Quebec applications face dual reviews
IRCC now updates different categories on varying schedules. Permanent residency and citizenship receive monthly updates, while temporary visas, work permits, and study permits are refreshed weekly—reflecting the department’s commitment to transparency.
Citizenship Applications: Steady But Lengthy
Updated Monthly
As of December 9, 2025, citizenship applications show the following timelines:
Citizenship Grant
- Processing Time: 13 months (unchanged)
- Applications Waiting: ~297,000 (+6,300 from November)
- Current AOR Issued: Applications from September 15, 2025
Citizenship Certificate
- Processing Time: 9 months (unchanged)
- Applications Waiting: ~40,400 (+1,400 from November)
- Note: Processing takes longer for applicants outside Canada or the United States
Other Citizenship Services
- Renunciation of Citizenship: 11 months (significantly improved by 11 months)
- Search of Citizenship Records: 13 months (unchanged)
What This Means: If you’re applying for citizenship in early 2026, expect to take your oath in early 2027. The queue continues growing with over 6,000 new applicants added monthly, suggesting sustained demand.
Permanent Resident Cards: Quick Turnaround
Updated Weekly
PR card processing remains one of the faster categories:
- New PR Card: 55 days (+4 days slower than November)
- PR Card Renewal: 34 days (+2 days slower than November)
Pro Tip: Apply for your PR card renewal at least 90 days before expiration to avoid travel complications. While processing averages around 5 weeks, unexpected delays can occur.
Family Sponsorship: Patience Required
Updated Monthly
Family reunification remains one of the most emotionally challenging categories due to extended wait times.
Spousal and Common-Law Sponsorship
Outside Canada (Non-Quebec)
- Processing Time: 14 months (unchanged)
- Applications Waiting: ~45,700 (+500)
Outside Canada (Quebec)
- Processing Time: 36 months (-1 month improvement)
- Applications Waiting: ~19,400 (-700)
Inside Canada (Non-Quebec)
- Processing Time: 20 months (unchanged)
- Applications Waiting: ~50,600 (+700)
Inside Canada (Quebec)
- Processing Time: 36 months (-1 month improvement)
- Applications Waiting: ~12,000 (-200)
Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
Non-Quebec
- Processing Time: 40 months (-2 months improvement)
- Applications Waiting: ~51,600 (+4,500)
Quebec
- Processing Time: 49 months (-1 month improvement)
- Applications Waiting: ~12,600 (-300)
Why Quebec Takes Longer: Quebec requires separate provincial approval before federal processing begins, adding 12-24 months to overall timelines. This dual-review system is unique to Quebec due to its provincial immigration agreements.
Humanitarian and Protected Persons: Decade-Long Waits
Updated Monthly
These categories face the longest processing times in the entire Canadian immigration system:
Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications (H&C)
- Outside Quebec: More than 10 years (~48,900 waiting)
- In Quebec: More than 10 years (~17,600 waiting)
Protected Persons (Refugee Status)
- Outside Quebec: 103 months or ~8.6 years (+3 months longer, ~145,600 waiting)
- In Quebec: 108 months or 9 years (+2 months longer, ~55,900 waiting)
- Dependents of Protected Persons: 51 months (+1 month)
Critical Context: These extended timelines reflect Canada’s overwhelmed refugee system. Applicants in these categories face uncertainty for nearly a decade, making it one of the most challenging immigration pathways.
Canadian Passport Services: Reliable and Fast
Updated Regularly
Passport processing remains remarkably consistent:
- In-Person (Canada): 10 business days
- By Mail (Canada): 20 business days
- Urgent Pick-Up: Next business day
- Express Pick-Up: 2-9 business days
- From Outside Canada: 20 business days
Takeaway: Canadian passport services are among the most predictable government processes. Plan for three weeks maximum when applying by mail.
Economic Immigration: Express Entry Stays Strong
Updated Monthly
Express Entry programs continue delivering relatively fast processing:
Express Entry Programs
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Processing Time: 7 months (unchanged)
- Applications Waiting: ~21,700 (+1,900)
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Processing Time: 6 months (unchanged)
- Applications Waiting: ~27,600 (+3,100)
Provincial Nominee Program (Express Entry)
- Processing Time: 6 months (unchanged)
- Applications Waiting: ~10,200 (-500)
Non-Express Entry Programs
Non-Express Entry PNP
- Processing Time: 16 months (unchanged)
- Applications Waiting: ~98,500 (+2,500)
Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW)
- Processing Time: 11 months (unchanged)
- Applications Waiting: ~27,200 (+800)
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Processing Time: 37 months (unchanged)
- Applications Waiting: ~13,400 (+100)
Business Immigration
Start-Up Visa
- Processing Time: More than 10 years
- Applications Waiting: ~44,400 (+600)
Quebec Business Class
- Processing Time: 84 months (7 years)
- Applications Waiting: ~4,100
Federal Self-Employed
- Processing Time: More than 10 years
- Applications Waiting: ~8,200 (-300)
Key Insight: Express Entry remains the fastest route to Canadian permanent residency. Business immigration programs face extraordinary delays, making them impractical for most applicants seeking timely outcomes.
Temporary Visas: Country-Specific Variations
Updated Weekly (as of December 31, 2025)
Visitor Visas from Outside Canada
| Country | Processing Time | Change Since November |
|---|---|---|
| India | 117 days | +8 days (slower) |
| United States | 25 days | -7 days (faster) |
| Nigeria | 31 days | +6 days (slower) |
| Pakistan | 75 days | -13 days (faster) |
| Philippines | 17-18 days | -4 days (faster) |
Inside Canada Applications:
- Visitor Visa Extension: 14 days (-4 days faster)
- Visitor Record Extension: 173 days (-30 days faster)
Super Visa Processing Times
| Country | Processing Time | Change Since November |
|---|---|---|
| India | 197 days | +24 days (slower) |
| United States | 77 days | +19 days (slower) |
| Nigeria | 38 days | -10 days (faster) |
| Pakistan | 178 days | -20 days (faster) |
| Philippines | 117 days | -5 days (faster) |
Super Visa Insight: These multi-year parent and grandparent visitor permits take significantly longer than standard visitor visas due to medical examination requirements and enhanced verification.
Study Permits: Quick Processing for Most Countries
Updated Weekly (as of December 31, 2025)
| Country | Processing Time | Change Since November |
|---|---|---|
| India | 3 weeks | -1 week (faster) |
| United States | 6 weeks | Unchanged |
| Nigeria | 5 weeks | -1 week (faster) |
| Pakistan | 5 weeks | -2 weeks (faster) |
| Philippines | 4 weeks | Unchanged |
Inside Canada Applications:
- New Study Permit: 7 weeks (-2 weeks faster)
- Study Permit Extension: 119 days (-32 days faster)
Student Advice: Apply at least 3 months before your program starts to accommodate potential delays. Processing times accelerated heading into 2026, reflecting IRCC’s priority on international education.
Work Permits: Mixed Results
Updated Weekly (as of December 31, 2025)
| Country | Processing Time | Change Since November |
|---|---|---|
| India | 9 weeks | -1 week (faster) |
| United States | 9 weeks | +5 weeks (significantly slower) |
| Nigeria | 9 weeks | Unchanged |
| Pakistan | 12 weeks | +4 weeks (slower) |
| Philippines | 5 weeks | -1 week (faster) |
Inside Canada Applications:
- Work Permit Extensions: 210 days (-19 days faster)
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker: 9 days (-3 days faster)
- International Experience Canada (IEC): 6 weeks (+1 week slower)
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): 5 minutes for most; up to 72 hours for additional screening
Work Permit Trends: US and Pakistan applications now face longer waits, possibly due to increased verification requirements or application volumes.
What These Numbers Really Mean for Your Application
Planning Your Timeline
For 2026 Applications, Here’s What to Expect:
- Express Entry PR: Apply now, land by fall 2026
- Family Sponsorship (Spouse): Apply now, reunite in late 2027
- Citizenship: Apply early 2026, become Canadian by early 2027
- Study Permit: Apply 3 months before semester starts
- Visitor Visa: Apply 4-5 months before travel from India/Pakistan
Why Processing Times Fluctuate
Several factors influence how quickly IRCC processes applications:
- Application Completeness: Missing documents trigger requests that add weeks or months
- Security Screening: Varies by country of origin and travel history
- IRCC Capacity: Staff levels, system modernization, and budget constraints
- Application Volume: Seasonal spikes during intake periods
- Program Changes: New immigration policies require procedural adjustments
Tips for Faster Processing
Maximize Your Chances of Quick Processing:
✅ Submit Complete Applications: Triple-check document requirements
✅ Provide Clear Documents: Use certified translations where required
✅ Respond Immediately: Answer IRCC requests within 7 days
✅ Use Authorized Representatives: Immigration lawyers can prevent costly mistakes
✅ Check Email Daily: IRCC communications have strict deadlines
✅ Update Contact Information: Keep your address and email current
✅ Don’t Submit Duplicates: Multiple applications slow processing
Quebec Applications: Understanding the Delay
If you’re applying through Quebec, expect significantly longer processing across all categories. The province maintains its own immigration system under the Canada-Quebec Accord, requiring:
- Provincial Selection: Quebec evaluates and approves applicants first
- Federal Processing: IRCC then conducts security and admissibility checks
This two-stage process adds 12-36 months to most timelines, explaining why Quebec spousal sponsorship takes 36 months versus 14-20 months elsewhere in Canada.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Immigration Outlook
What to Watch For:
- Continued Backlogs: Humanitarian and business categories remain severely delayed
- Express Entry Stability: Economic programs maintain reasonable timelines
- Technology Improvements: IRCC’s digital transformation may accelerate processing
- Policy Changes: Federal immigration levels plans affect capacity
- Global Events: International situations impact application volumes
Bottom Line: Canada processed over 471,000 new permanent residents in 2025 and aims for similar targets in 2026. While some categories face significant delays, the system continues functioning, and most applications eventually succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does IRCC update processing times? Citizenship and permanent residency times update monthly (around the 9th), while temporary resident applications (visitor visas, work permits, study permits, PR cards) update weekly.
Are these processing times guaranteed? No. These are estimates based on 80% of past applications. Your actual processing time may be faster or slower depending on your specific circumstances, country of application, and document completeness.
Why do some countries have longer processing times? Security screening, background verification complexity, diplomatic relations, and visa office capacity all influence country-specific timelines. High-volume countries like India often face longer waits.
Can I check my specific application status? Yes. Create an account on the IRCC portal or use the Application Status Tracker to monitor your case’s progress in real-time.
What if my application exceeds the posted processing time? Contact IRCC through your online account, submit a web form inquiry, or consult with an immigration lawyer. Delays beyond posted times may warrant follow-up.
Should I apply inside or outside Canada? This depends on your situation. Inside Canada spousal sponsorship takes longer (20 months vs 14 months) but allows you to remain in Canada during processing. Outside Canada is faster but requires separation.
What happens if my documents expire during processing? IRCC will request updated documents. Proactively renew passports, police certificates, and medical exams before expiry to avoid delays.
Final Thoughts: Patience and Preparation
Canadian immigration requires patience, attention to detail, and realistic expectations. While the system faces capacity challenges in certain categories, millions of newcomers successfully navigate these processes each year.
Your Action Plan:
- Choose the right program for your situation
- Gather complete documentation before applying
- Monitor processing times regularly for updates
- Build flexible timelines with buffer periods
- Seek professional help for complex cases
- Stay informed about policy changes
Whether you’re pursuing permanent residency, citizenship, or temporary status, understanding these timelines helps you plan your Canadian journey with confidence.
Processing times are subject to change. Always verify current timelines on the official IRCC website before making critical decisions.
