Latest IRCC Processing Times Update – April 2025
Apr 24, 2025 / 2 min readIshita Soni
IRCC Just Dropped New Processing Time Updates
On April 16, 2025, Canada’s immigration department (IRCC) shared new updates that could change your immigration journey — whether you’re applying for a visa, permanent residency (PR), or even citizenship.
What’s New in 2025?
IRCC has rolled out faster timelines for many application types. That means your wait time for approvals might now be shorter — or in some cases, slightly longer — depending on the type of application.
How Are These Timelines Calculated?
Since 2022, IRCC has used a real-time tracking tool instead of old, outdated estimates.
- Now, PR cards and temporary visas get weekly updates
- While citizenship, PR, and family sponsorships are updated monthly
But keep in mind: These are just estimates based on 80% of recent cases — your actual wait may vary.
This Month’s Highlights – April 2025
Here’s a quick look at how long some key applications are taking right now:
- Visitor Visa (Inside Canada): 15 days – 1 day longer than last month
- Visitor Visa Extension: 133 days – 7 days faster
- Work Permit (Inside Canada): 201 days – Increased by 44 days
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): 11 days – 2 days faster
- International Experience Canada (IEC): 4 weeks – 1 week longer
- eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Just 5 minutes (though some may take up to 72 hours)
Work Permit (Outside Canada)
| Streams | Language proficiency | Work experience | Occupation(s) | Length of program | PGWP required? | Other key criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worker with Saskatchewan Work Experience – Student Sub-category | CLB 4 if in a NOC TEER 4 or 5 designated trade occupation. | 6 months. | -Must be a skilled occupation, or be in a designated trade. -Must be related to your field of study. -Cannot be in Accommodations and food services, retail, or trucking. | N/A. | A PGWP or an Open Work Permit issued under the CUAET temporary public policy. | You must have a valid Job Approval Letter. |
Study Permit (Outside Canada)
| Streams | Language proficiency | Work experience | Occupation(s) | Length of program | PGWP required? | Other key criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Graduates | -CLB 4 or higher in all abilities, for NOC TEER 4 or 5 occupations. -For skilled occupations, sufficient proficiency for the job. | N/A. | Any* | 1 year. | Yes. | N/A. |
Super Visa (Parents/Grandparents)
| Streams | Language proficiency | Work experience | Occupation(s) | Length of program required | PGWP required? | Other key criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master's Graduate Stream | CLB 7 in all language abilities. | N/A. | N/A. | 1 year. | No, but a work permit is unless you have maintained status. | -Must apply within 2 years after completing Master’s. -Have resided in Ontario for at least 1 of the past 2 years. -Must be residing in Ontario, or outside Canada. -Cannot apply while enrolled as a student.* |
| PhD Graduate Stream | N/A. | N/A. | N/A. | N/A. | No, but a work permit is unless you have maintained status. | Must apply within 2 years of completing PhD. |
Temporary Resident Visas
| Streams | Language proficiency | Work experience | Occupation(s) | Length of program required | PGWP required? | Other key criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Graduates in Demand Stream | CLB 5 or higher in all language abilities. | N/A. | The following: -Paramedic (NOC 32102); -Pharmacy technician (NOC 32124); -Nurse aide/orderly/patient service associate (33102); and -Early childhood educator/assistant (42202). Job offer must be related to your field of study. | -30 weeks, or 24 weeks for paramedics. | No, but a work permit is. | -Be licensed to practice in NS (for regulated occupations). -The employer must have been operating in NS for at least 2 years. |
Permanent Residency Economic
| Streams | Language proficiency | Work experience | Occupation(s) | Length of program required | PGWP required? | Other key criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Graduate Entrepreneur – Starting a New Business | CLB 7 or higher in all language abilities. | At least 1 year of continuous experience actively managing and owning the current business (33.3% minimum ownership). | N/A. | 2 years of full-time, in person study at either MU or CNU within the past 2 years. | Yes. | Create at least 1 full-time job. -Must not be an ineligible business. |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur – Purchasing an Existing Business | CLB 7 or higher in all language abilities. | At least 1 year of continuous experience actively managing and owning the current business (33.3% minimum ownership). | N/A. | 2 years of full-time, in person study at either MU or CNU within the past 2 years. | Yes. | -Create at least 1 full-time job. -Business must have been in continuous operation under the same owner for the past 5 years. -Employment offered to new employee(s) must have similar terms and conditions as existing staff have. -Must not be an ineligible business. |
Family Sponsorship processing
| Streams | Language proficiency | Work experience | Occupation(s) | Length of program required | PGWP required? | Other key criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Career College Graduate Pilot Program | CLB 5 or higher in all language abilities. | N/A. | Must be: -Related to your field of study; and - Fall under an eligible NOC code within a priority occupation, in one sectors listed below. ~Education and social development; ~Health; ~IT and cybersecurity; or ~Business administration; ~Supply chain and logistics. | 10 months* | No, but a work and/or study permit is. | -Graduate from Eastern College or Oulton College. -Get a full-time job and apply for work permit within 90 days of graduation. -Employer support. |
PR Cards (Updated Weekly)
| Streams | Language proficiency | Work experience | Occupation(s) | Length of program required | PGWP required? | Other key criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Internship Pathway | CLB 7. | N/A. | N/A. | Any master’s or doctoral program. | No. | -Reside within the province at the time of application. -Settlement funds. |
| International Student Entrepreneur Pilot | CLB 7 or higher. | 6 months. | Senior manager. | 2 years. | No, but you must have a valid work permit when applying. | -Aged 21 to 35. -Have resided in the province since graduation. -51% ownership. -Settlement funds. |
Canadian Passport Processing Time
| Streams | Language proficiency | Work experience | Occupation(s) | Length of program required | PGWP required? | Other key criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Graduate Category | CLB 4 or higher for candidates with a TEER 4 (in-demand) occupation. | -None – for in-province graduates; or -1 year (for out-of-province graduates). | -Skilled occupations, or in-demand TEER 4 occupations. -Occupation must be related to your field of study.* | N/A** | Yes, with at least 4 months validity remaining. | - Demonstrate settlement funds |
Citizenship Processing times
| Streams | Language proficiency | Work experience | Occupation(s) | Length of program required | PGWP required? | Other key criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career Employment Pathway | CLB 7 or higher. | Must be working full-time in Manitoba. | Full-time job offer for at least 1 year, in a skilled, in-demand occupation related to your studies. | 1 year, or 2 semesters. | No, but you must have a valid work permit. | N/A. |
Why This Matters for You
If you’re planning to apply for a work permit, student visa, PR card, or citizenship, these updated timelines help you better prepare and set realistic expectations.
Whether you’re reuniting with family, looking to study, or hoping to start a new job in Canada — this info can help you plan smarter.
Conclusion
The immigration process is always evolving, and timing is key. These updates may not be promises, but they’re your best guide for what to expect in 2025.
Stay updated, plan ahead, and if you need expert help with your application, don’t hesitate to reach out.
