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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its April 2025 processing time updates, bringing faster turnaround for Permanent Resident (PR) cards and major changes to the Express Entry system. These updates are intended to give applicants a clearer idea of current timelines and highlight Canada’s immigration priorities for the year.
Key Highlights from IRCC’s April 2025 Update
- Faster PR Card Processing – New PR cards now take just 16 days, while renewals are issued in 14 days.
- Citizenship Applications – Citizenship grants average 9 months, while certificates are processed in 4 months.
- Visitor Visas – Processing varies by country, with India at 83 days, Nigeria at 132 days, the U.S. at 20 days, and the Philippines at 14 days.
- Study Permits – Remain steady at 15 weeks for India, 5 weeks for the U.S. and Philippines, and 7 weeks for Nigeria. Extensions now take 114 days.
- Work Permits – India (20 weeks), U.S. (81 weeks), Philippines (5 weeks), Nigeria (15 weeks).
- Express Entry Changes – IRCC now prioritizes French language skills, healthcare professionals, skilled trades, and a new education-based category.
Citizenship Processing Times – April 2025
According to IRCC:
- Citizenship grant – 9 months (up by 1 month)
- Citizenship certificate – 4 months (up by 1 month)
- Renunciation of citizenship – 10 months (down by 2 months)
- Search of citizenship records – 16 months (unchanged)
Permanent Resident (PR) Cards – Faster Processing in 2025
One of the most notable improvements is in PR card processing:
- New PR cards – 16 days (previously 24)
- Renewals – 14 days (previously 16)
This means many newcomers can expect their PR cards much sooner than before.
Visitor Visa Timelines by Country
As of April 2025, IRCC reports:
- India – 83 days (13 days faster)
- Nigeria – 132 days (9 days faster)
- U.S. – 20 days (unchanged)
- Philippines – 14 days (unchanged)
- Visitor visa extensions – 119 days (slightly longer)
Study Permit Processing Times
IRCC confirms that study permits remain stable:
- India – 15 weeks
- U.S. – 5 weeks
- Philippines – 5 weeks
- Nigeria – 7 weeks
- Study permit extensions – 114 days (up by 2 days)
Work Permit Processing Times – April 2025
IRCC reports the following:
- India – 20 weeks
- U.S. – 81 weeks
- Philippines – 5 weeks
- Nigeria – 15 weeks (improved by 1 week)
Canadian Passport Timelines
Passport processing remains consistent:
- In-person – 10 business days
- Mail – 20 business days
- Urgent pickup – next business day
- Express pickup – 2 to 9 business days
Express Entry 2025 – New Priorities for Skilled Immigration
In its April 2025 update, IRCC announced significant changes to Express Entry. The system now emphasizes:
- French language proficiency – Supporting bilingualism and Francophone communities.
- In-demand occupations – Healthcare, trades, and education (teachers, healthcare workers, carpenters).
- Education-based category – Addressing long-term labour shortages by prioritizing certain qualifications.
These changes aim to ensure immigration better supports Canada’s economic and social needs.
IRCC Backlog Reduction Efforts
IRCC reports ongoing efforts to reduce its application backlog. As of February 2025, it processed:
- 79,700 permanent residence applications
- 69,200 new permanent residents
- 373,003 temporary residence applications
Steps taken include:
- Expanding the IRCC workforce
- Using new digital processing tools
- Prioritizing straightforward cases
- Balancing application intake with capacity
Why Processing Times Change
According to IRCC, application timelines can shift due to:
- Seasonal demand
- Volume of applications received
- Availability of IRCC officers
- Policy changes like Express Entry reforms
- Use of digital technology to process files faster
How is IRCC addressing the immigration backlog?
IRCC reports that it is hiring more staff, expanding digital processing, and prioritizing applications to reduce delays.
Key Takeaways for Immigration Applicants
- PR cards are faster than before.
- Express Entry now rewards French speakers and in-demand workers.
- Visitor visa timelines vary significantly by country.
- Backlogs remain high, but IRCC is making progress.
- Always check the IRCC official website for the most accurate updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the current IRCC processing times for PR cards?
According to IRCC, as of April 2025:
- New PR cards are issued in 16 days (down from 24).
- PR card renewals take 14 days (down from 16).
2. How long does it take to become a Canadian citizen in 2025?
IRCC reports the following processing times:
- Citizenship grant – 9 months
- Citizenship certificate – 4 months
- Renunciation of citizenship – 10 months
- Search of citizenship records – 16 months
3. What are the visitor visa processing times by country?
Visitor visa timelines vary depending on the country of application:
- India – 83 days
- Nigeria – 132 days
- United States – 20 days
- Philippines – 14 days
- Visitor visa extensions – 119 days
4. Have study permit processing times changed in April 2025?
According to IRCC:
- India – 15 weeks
- United States – 5 weeks
- Philippines – 5 weeks
- Nigeria – 7 weeks
- Study permit extensions – 114 days
5. What are the work permit processing times in April 2025?
IRCC reports:
- India – 20 weeks
- United States – 81 weeks
- Philippines – 5 weeks
- Nigeria – 15 weeks
6. How long does it take to process a Canadian passport in 2025?
Passport processing times remain unchanged:
- In-person – 10 business days
- By mail – 20 business days
- Urgent pickup – next business day
- Express pickup – 2 to 9 business days
7. What are the new Express Entry changes in 2025?
IRCC has introduced new priorities in Express Entry:
- Preference for French-speaking candidates
- Focus on work experience in healthcare, trades, and education
- A new education-based category to address long-term labour shortages
8. Why are Canadian immigration processing times different for each country?
IRCC explains that timelines depend on:
- The number of applications from each country
- Local visa office resources
- Security and background check requirements
- Program demand
9. How is IRCC reducing immigration backlogs in 2025?
According to IRCC, efforts include:
- Hiring more immigration officers
- Using digital processing tools
- Prioritizing simple cases such as Express Entry and Canadian Experience Class
- Adjusting intake to match processing capacity
10. What can I do to avoid delays with my immigration application?
IRCC advises applicants to:
- Submit complete and accurate applications
- Pay the correct fees
- Respond promptly to document requests
- Check their status regularly through the IRCC portal
Disclaimer
This article summarizes information published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as of April 1, 2025. It is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about your individual situation, consult IRCC directly or seek professional legal counsel.
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