{"id":2104,"date":"2015-12-09T21:09:28","date_gmt":"2015-12-09T21:09:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/immigrationca.staging.wpengine.com\/2015\/12\/09\/canada-immigration-applications-processing-times\/"},"modified":"2025-11-05T17:23:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T22:23:16","slug":"canada-immigration-applications-processing-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/canada-immigration-applications-processing-times\/","title":{"rendered":"Canada Immigration Application Processing Times: November 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On This Page You Will Find:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Updated Express Entry processing times<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provincial and Quebec immigration timelines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Start-Up Visa application wait times<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family sponsorship wait times<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Temporary visa and permit processing times<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Citizenship application processing duration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding how long it takes to process<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/immigration-to-canada-overview\/\"> immigration<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/canada-work-visa\/\"> visa<\/a> applications is essential when planning your move to Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updates processing times regularly to help applicants stay informed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below, you will find updated processing times for major immigration programs as of November 4, 2025, including<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/immigration-to-canada-overview\/\"> permanent residence<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/family-sponsorship-immigration-overview\/\"> family sponsorship<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/canada-work-visa\/\"> temporary residence<\/a>, and<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/apply-for-citizenship\/\"> citizenship<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where processing times vary depending on the country a candidate is applying from, we have used the most popular source countries as examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Permanent Residence Applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Express Entry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/canada-express-entry-immigration\/\">Express Entry<\/a> is Canada\u2019s flagship application system for skilled workers. It includes three programs:<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/canadian-experience-class-cec\/\"> Canadian Experience Class<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/who-qualifies-for-canadian-permanent-residence-skilled-worker-immigration\/\"> Federal Skilled Worker Program<\/a>, and<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/federal-skilled-trades-program\/\"> Federal Skilled Trades Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Application Type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Oct 1, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Canadian Experience Class<\/td><td>6 months<\/td><td>6 months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Federal Skilled Worker Program<\/td><td>5 months<\/td><td>6 months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Federal Skilled Trades Program<\/td><td>N\/A<\/td><td>N\/A<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Service standard: 6 months for all Express Entry programs.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/canada-provincial-nominee-immigration-programs-overview\/\"> PNP<\/a> allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates for permanent residence based on local labour market needs. Applications can be processed through Express Entry or submitted directly to IRCC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Application Type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Oct 1, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Through Express Entry (enhanced)<\/td><td>7 months<\/td><td>7 months<\/td><td>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Non\u2013Express Entry (base)<\/td><td>19 months<\/td><td>16 months<\/td><td>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Start-Up Visa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/start-up-visa-program\"> Start-Up Visa program<\/a> is for immigrant entrepreneurs who want to build innovative businesses in Canada. Processing times have grown significantly due to increased demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Oct 1, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Start-Up Visa<\/strong><\/td><td>53 months<\/td><td>More than 10 years<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quebec Immigration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/quebec-immigration-overview\/\">Quebec<\/a> manages its own skilled worker program known as the<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/quebec-skilled-worker-immigration\/\"> PSTQ<\/a>. Though the service standard is six months, the current backlog has led to much longer wait times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Stream<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Oct 1, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Skilled Worker Selection (PSTQ)<\/td><td>11 months<\/td><td>11 months<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Service standard: 6 months. Nearly 24,000 applications are currently awaiting processing.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/atlantic-immigration-pilot\"> AIP<\/a> helps employers in Atlantic Canada hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates. It offers a pathway to permanent residence in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Oct 1, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>AIP<\/strong><\/td><td>13 months<\/td><td>37 months<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Service standard: 11 months.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Family Sponsorship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/family-sponsorship-immigration-overview\/\">Family sponsorship<\/a> allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/spousal-sponsorship-conditions\/\"> spouses, partners<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/parent-and-grandparent-sponsorship-re-opens\/\"> parents, grandparents<\/a>, or<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/family-sponsorship-immigration-for-dependent-children\"> children<\/a> for permanent residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Application Type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Oct 1, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spouse\/common-law partner in Canada (outside Quebec)<\/td><td>24 months<\/td><td>22 months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spouse\/common-law partner in Canada (in Quebec)<\/td><td>37 months<\/td><td>39 months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spouse\/common-law partner outside Canada (non-Quebec)<\/td><td>15 months<\/td><td>15 months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spouse\/common-law partner outside Canada (Quebec)<\/td><td>41 months<\/td><td>39 months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Parents and Grandparents (outside Quebec)<\/td><td>26 months<\/td><td>26 months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Parents and Grandparents (Quebec)<\/td><td>44 months<\/td><td>44 months<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Service standard for out-of-Canada spousal sponsorship: 12 months.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dependent Child Sponsorship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can sponsor a dependent child either from within or outside Canada. Processing times vary depending on the child\u2019s location and the complexity of the application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Within Canada<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Oct 1, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dependent child<\/strong><\/td><td>12 months<\/td><td>13 months<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Outside Canada<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Country<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>India<\/td><td>6 months<\/td><td>6 months<\/td><td>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nigeria<\/td><td>18 months<\/td><td>19 months<\/td><td>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Service standard: 12 months for outside-Canada cases.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Temporary Residence Applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Temporary residence applications include visitor visas, work permits, study permits, and super visas. These are for individuals who want to come to Canada temporarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visitor Visas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/canada-temporary-visa-overview\/\">Visitor visas<\/a> allow foreign nationals to enter Canada for tourism, family visits, or business. Processing times vary depending on the country of origin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Country<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Oct 1, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Canada<\/td><td>15 days<\/td><td>19 days<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>India<\/td><td>75 days<\/td><td>96 days<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pakistan<\/td><td>46 days<\/td><td>59 days<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nigeria<\/td><td>28 days<\/td><td>29 days<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>United States<\/td><td>23 days<\/td><td>37 days<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Service standard for outside-Canada applications: 14 days.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Work Permits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/canada-work-visa\/\">Work permits<\/a> allow foreign nationals to work in Canada temporarily. Times differ by application type and where the application is submitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Country<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Oct 1, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Canada<\/td><td>196 days<\/td><td>226 days<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>India<\/td><td>8 weeks<\/td><td>10 weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pakistan<\/td><td>12 weeks<\/td><td>8 weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nigeria<\/td><td>11 weeks<\/td><td>10 weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>United States<\/td><td>3 weeks<\/td><td>4 weeks<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Service standards: 120 days (in Canada), 60 days (outside Canada).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Study Permits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/canada-study-portal\/\">Study permits<\/a> are for international students attending designated learning institutions in Canada. Processing depends on where the applicant is located.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Country<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Oct 1, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Canada<\/td><td>7 weeks<\/td><td>11 weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>India<\/td><td>4 weeks<\/td><td>5 weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pakistan<\/td><td>9 weeks<\/td><td>10 weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nigeria<\/td><td>8 weeks<\/td><td>8 weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>United States<\/td><td>10 weeks<\/td><td>5 weeks<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Service standards: 120 days (in Canada), 60 days (outside Canada).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Super Visas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/parents-and-grandparents-super-visa\/\">Super visas<\/a> allow parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended stays of up to five years per visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Country<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Oct 1, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>India<\/td><td>153 days<\/td><td>168 days<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pakistan<\/td><td>151 days<\/td><td>203 days<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nigeria<\/td><td>52 days<\/td><td>51 days<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>United States<\/td><td>78 days<\/td><td>76 days<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Service standard: 112 days.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Citizenship Applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/apply-for-citizenship\/\">Canadian citizenship<\/a> applications include grants for new citizens and certificates for those proving citizenship by descent. Processing depends on type and volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Application Type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Oct 1, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Citizenship grant<\/td><td>13 months<\/td><td>13 months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Citizenship certificate (proof of status)<\/td><td>7 months<\/td><td>8 months<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ: Canada Immigration Application Processing Times \u2013 November 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1762381262653\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What are the current Express Entry processing times for 2025?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>As of November 4, 2025, Express Entry applications take about six months to process across all three programs: the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. This matches IRCC\u2019s official six-month service standard.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1762381286259\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Why has the Start-Up Visa processing time increased so much?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Start-Up Visa program now takes more than 10 years to process due to a surge in demand and backlogs in applications supported by business incubators. The federal government has said it is reviewing measures to speed up processing and reduce the extensive waiting period for entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1762381295593\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How long does it take to process a spousal sponsorship application in 2025?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Spousal sponsorship processing times vary by location. As of November 2025, applications outside Canada take about 15 months, while inland applications can take between 22 and 39 months depending on whether they are in Quebec or other provinces.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1762381303859\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What are the latest wait times for study and work permits?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Study permit processing currently takes about five weeks for applicants from India and up to 11 weeks for those applying from within Canada. Work permit applications submitted inside Canada are processed in about 226 days, while most outside-Canada applications take between 8 and 10 weeks on average.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1762381308695\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How long does it take to become a Canadian citizen in 2025?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Citizenship grant applications are currently processed in about 13 months, while citizenship certificate (proof of status) applications take around eight months. These times may vary depending on the applicant\u2019s location and completeness of the file.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Check the latest Canada immigration processing times for 2025, including Express Entry, study permits, work visas, and sponsorships. Updated as of November 4, 2025.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":481,"featured_media":149680,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[52111],"tags":[3244,78458,78459,3246,78461,78460,3245,78462],"class_list":["post-2104","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-processing-times","tag-canada-immigration-applications-processing-times","tag-canada-immigration-processing-times","tag-express-entry-processing-2025","tag-permanent-residence-applications-processing-times","tag-spousal-sponsorship-processing-time","tag-study-permit-wait-time-canada","tag-temporary-residence-applications-processing-times","tag-work-visa-canada","category-52111","description-off"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2104","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/481"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2104"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2104\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/149680"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2104"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2104"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2104"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}