For individuals considering immigration to Canada, understanding the visa processing times is crucial for planning purposes. The processing time varies significantly depending on the type of visa or program one is applying for. Below, we outline the current processing times for various Canadian visas and programs as of 2025.
Read also: 3 common myth about immigrating to Canada
Overview of visa processing times
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updates its processing times regularly. As of February 2025, here are some key timelines:
Type of visa or program and its average processing time 2025
Express Entry – Less than 6 months
Canada PR Card – Approximately 24 days
Canada PR Renewal – Approximately 17 days
Canada Work Permit – Between 5 weeks and 36 months
LMIA – Between 8 and 76 days
Student Visa – Between 8 and 17 weeks
Read also: Here are the differences between Canadian visas and permits
Visitor visas
Visitor visa processing times for Canada vary by country. For applicants outside Canada, it takes approximately 107 days from India, 158 days from Nigeria, 20 days from Pakistan, 22 days from the Philippines, and around 27 days from the United States. After biometrics submission, processing usually takes an additional 2 to 4 weeks.
Study permits
For students planning to study in Canada, processing times range from approximately three to eight weeks, though it may take longer if additional documentation is required.
Work permits
Work permit processing times vary widely, generally ranging from five weeks to up to 36 months, though specific programs like intra-company transfers may be processed faster under ideal conditions.
Read also: Canada Ontario increases permanent residency allocations to 21,500
Family sponsorship visas
Sponsoring family members has different timelines based on relationships, with spousal sponsorship typically taking about ten months but potentially extending to several years depending on complexity.
Factors affecting processing time
Several factors influence visa processing times, including the type of application, the applicant’s country of residency, application completeness, verification speed, and IRCC’s workload at the time. To minimize delays, ensure all necessary documents are submitted, and respond promptly if IRCC requests additional information. Current processing times can be checked using IRCC’s tool available on their website.
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