Canada Updates Immigration Processing Times for October 2025

The Canadian Immigration authorities have recently released their latest October 2025 processing times for permanent residence, temporary visas, and citizenship applications, mirroring changes since September 10, 2025.

What’s New in Canada’s Application Processing Times?

The updated figures reflect significant shifts in certain categories. Notably, spousal sponsorships for those living in Canada and aiming for Quebec, as well as dependent child sponsorships processed within Canada, have seen considerable changes in wait times. However, many other categories remain relatively consistent with previous data.

Permanent Residence Applications

Express Entry

Provincial Nominee Program

Please note that Processing time for base streams may differ depending on when an applicant submits their immigration application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Also Read: British Columbia Extends 491 ITAs to Skilled Workers and Entrepreneurs

Quebec Immigration

The service standard for applications submitted under Quebec's PSTQ stream is six months. As of now, IRCC notes there are nearly 24,000 applications awaiting processing.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Family Sponsorship

The largest increase in processing time (a 16-month increase) is evident for spousal sponsorship applications submitted through the spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada (settling in Quebec) category.

Dependent Child Sponsorship

Within Canada

The processing time for applications to sponsor a dependent child from Canada has decreased by a total of 17 months.

Outside Canada

Temporary Residence Applications

Visitor Visas

Note: IRCC does not publish service standards for in-Canada visitor visa applications.

Work Permits

Nigeria is the only country that has faced a decline in work permit processing time as of October 1, with the time it takes to get a work permit being cut in half.

Study Permits

Super Visas

Citizenship

Also Read: Canada’s New Initiatives to Attract Global Talents

How Are These Processing Times Calculated?

IRCC calculates the processing times using a mix of historical trends and the number of pending applications. Time counts from the day an application arrives (online, mail, or in-person) until a decision is made. Delays can be triggered if additional information or verification is needed.

Service Standards Versus Actual Processing Times

Service standards are internal targets set by IRCC, aiming to process 80% of applications within a set period; the remaining 20% can take longer due to complexity or special circumstances. Not every program has a published standard, but they help guide expectations for most streams.

Explore Your Path to Canada with Expert Immigration Support

Canada’s latest processing times offer crucial insights for planning your immigration journey. Whether pursuing permanent residence, family sponsorship, or study opportunities, understanding current timelines helps set clear expectations.

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