Canada’s New Online Tool Reveals Sharp Rise in Processing Times for Some Applications

Kritika Pandey

Updated On Oct 28, 2025

The Canadian IRCC has introduced a new tool that has increased processing times for the Atlantic Immigration Program, Start-up Visa Program, and Federal Self-Employed Persons Program. Read the full news to get more information.

Canada’s New Online Tool Reveals Sharp Rise in Processing Times for Some Applications

Canada’s IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has introduced a new online tool that delivers some tough news for applicants: processing times have increased dramatically across several popular immigration and citizenship categories.

These increases come after an update made earlier this month to the government’s online processing tool, which now provides users with more personalized estimates based on their date of application submission for certain types of applications.

Massive Delays in Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

As of October 27, 2025, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) applications processing time is 37 months (a steep jump from just 13 months at the beginning of October).

Application type	Current processing time (October 27)	Processing time as of October 4	Percentage increase in wait time
AIP	37 months	13 months	184.60%

This is one of the worst slowdowns. However, New Brunswick has stepped in with a temporary solution by offering certain affected candidates new work permits in light of the delays, but it’s unclear whether the other Atlantic provinces will do the same.

Also Read: Ontario Moves to Expand List of Regulated Healthcare Professionals for Expedited Work Authorization

Long Wait Times for Start-Up Visa

Entrepreneurs hoping to settle in Canada through the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program now face more than 10 years of processing time, up sharply from 53 months earlier in October.

Application type	Current processing time (October 27)	Processing time as of October 4	Percentage increase in wait time
Start-Up Visa	More than 10 years	53 months	126.4%*

Many SUV applicants first enter Canada on a work permit while waiting for their permanent resident status.

Delays in the Federal Self-Employed Persons Program

Application type	Current processing time (October 27)	Processing time as of October 4	Percentage increase in wait time
Federal Self-Employed Persons	More than 10 years	61 months	96.72%*

This program is for people with significant experience in cultural activities or athletics. Note that the government had already paused this stream in 2024, and it isn’t expected to reopen before 2027.

Also Read: Canada Named Among Top 10 Countries in 2025 Condé Nast Survey

Other Notable Changes

The processing time for citizenship applications has also increased by 6 months over the course of 2025, an increase of 85.7% since January.

Month	Processing
January	7 months
February	8 months
March	9 months
April	8 months
May	10 months
June	10 months
July	10 months
August	10 months
September	11 months
October (current)	13 months

Refugees and Humanitarian Cases: Waits Now Measured in Years

Processing time for protected persons and Convention refugees (outside Quebec) has surged to 99 months (over eight years) by October 2025, jumping 26 months (about 35%) in less than a year. Humanitarian and compassionate case processing times (both inside and outside Quebec) have also increased to over 10 years.

All in all, Canada's latest changes to its processing time tool offer a more personalized (but often sobering) outlook for applicants, slowing timelines and new hurdles for many streams in 2025.

Concerned About your Canadian Immigration Timeline?

Navigating increased IRCC processing times can be complex, but expert help makes a difference. Connect with GetGIS for a free, personalized consultation—our specialists will guide you through the latest program changes and help optimize your application for AIP, Start-Up Visa, or PR. Stay ahead of new requirements and secure your path to Canada.

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