Canada Immigration Delays: PNP & IRCC Processing Update Nov ’25

IRCC Processing Times Update: What’s Slower in November 2025?

If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada or sponsor a family member, you’re probably keeping a close eye on how long it’ll take to get through the process. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has just released updated processing times for November 2025 — and there have been some big shifts.

Let’s walk through the latest timelines, what’s changed, and what it might mean for your application.

Key Highlights

• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) processing times have jumped from 13 to 37 months — an increase of 185%.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applications now take 7 months, up from 6 months.
• Visitor visa applications from India and Pakistan have seen delays of 28 and 26 days, respectively.
• Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) applications for Quebec now take up to 50 months.
• Work permits from within Canada take 227 days, well above IRCC’s 120-day service standard.
• Quebec Skilled Worker Program remains at 11 months, still above the 6-month target.

Permanent Residence Processing Times for Skilled Workers

Express Entry Programs

Express Entry remains a popular pathway to Canada, but processing times have slipped slightly:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Now 7 months (up from 6 months).
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Now 6 months (up from 5 months).
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): No data available due to low application volumes.

While IRCC’s goal for Express Entry applications is a 6-month turnaround, many applications are currently exceeding that target.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

If you’re applying through a Provincial Nominee Program, here’s what to expect:

• Express Entry-aligned (enhanced PNP): Processing has improved slightly to 6 months.
• Non-Express Entry (base PNP): Now at 16 months, down from 19 months — still well above the 11-month service standard.

Planning to apply through the Manitoba PNP? Make sure to check the specific stream to understand your wait time better.

Quebec Immigration

Applicants under Quebec’s Skilled Worker Program (PSTQ) are still seeing an 11-month wait — unchanged from October. This remains notably longer than IRCC’s 6-month goal.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

This program has seen the most dramatic increase, with processing times soaring from 13 months to a staggering 37 months — more than triple the stated 11-month service standard.

Family Sponsorship Processing Times

Family reunification remains a top priority for Canada, but delays have crept in here too:

Spousal Sponsorship

• Inside Canada (outside Quebec): 20 months (improved from 24 months).
• Inside Canada (Quebec): Steady at 37 months.
• Outside Canada (outside Quebec): 14 months (slightly faster).
• Outside Canada (Quebec): 37 months (up from 41 months).

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

• Outside Quebec: 42 months (up from 26 months).
• In Quebec: 50 months (up from 44 months).

This is a significant increase, especially for Quebec-bound applicants. The lengthy delays could impact family reunification plans, so it’s important to plan well in advance.

Dependent Child Sponsorship

Inside Canada: Now 13 months (up slightly from 12 months).
Outside Canada: Varies by country — India (8 months), Nigeria (20 months). Both have increased.

Temporary Residence Applications

Visitor Visas

There’s been a noticeable increase in wait times, particularly for some countries:

• India: 103 days (up from 75 days).
• Pakistan: 72 days (up from 46 days).
• United States: 35 days (up from 23 days).

These delays may impact travel plans, especially for those hoping to visit family or attend short-term events in Canada.

Work Permits

• Inside Canada: Now 227 days (up from 196 days), nearly double the service standard of 120 days.
• India: 10 weeks (up from 8 weeks).
• Pakistan: 6 weeks (improved from 12 weeks).

If you’re applying for a work permit from within Canada, expect longer-than-usual wait times. Be sure to submit your application early and include all required documents to avoid further delays.

Study Permits

• Inside Canada: Initial applications are now taking 12 weeks (up from 7 weeks).
• United States: Processing times improved to 4 weeks (down from 10 weeks).

For those already in Canada, extensions are taking about 182 days, which is slightly down from October.

Super Visas

Super visa processing times are also fluctuating:

• Pakistan: Now 200 days (up from 151 days).
• United States: Improved to 58 days (down from 78 days).

These shifts could affect family members planning extended visits to Canada under the super visa program.

Citizenship Applications

• Citizenship grant: Still 13 months (no change).
• Proof of citizenship: Now 9 months (up from 7 months).

IRCC’s service standard for citizenship grants is 12 months, so most applications are staying within the expected range — but proof of citizenship is taking a bit longer.

Understanding IRCC Processing Times

IRCC updates processing times regularly to reflect the most accurate information based on current backlogs and recent trends. These estimates assume the application is submitted on the day you’re checking the timeline.

There are two types of processing times:

• Historical: Based on how long it took to finalize 80% of applications in the past.
• Forward-looking: Based on current inventory and projected completions.

Keep in mind, these are estimates — not guarantees. Complex applications, missing documents, or requests for additional information can all impact your timeline.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re applying for permanent residence, a work permit, or looking to sponsor a loved one, staying informed about processing times is an important part of planning your next steps.

IRCC continues to face high volumes across many application streams, and while some categories have seen minor improvements, others — like the Atlantic Immigration Program and spousal sponsorship in Quebec — have experienced significant delays.

Thinking about applying or stuck in the process? Take a few moments to check your eligibility or speak with one of our immigration professionals for guidance tailored to your situation.

Need help navigating the system? Our team is here to support you at every stage of your Canadian immigration journey. Reach out today to learn more about how we can assist with your application.