New timelines affect permanent residency, visitor visas, super visas, and temporary programs
Ottawa: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced updated processing times for a wide range of applications, including permanent resident (PR) cards, spousal sponsorships, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), visitor visas and extensions, super visas, study permit extensions, and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP).
According to the latest update, the changes aim to reflect current operational realities and improve transparency for applicants tracking their cases. PR card renewals and new card issuance timelines have been revised, while spousal and common-law sponsorship processing times continue to prioritize family reunification.
Applicants under the PNP and AIP streams will also see modified timelines, as IRCC works to streamline processes for skilled workers and regional immigration initiatives. Meanwhile, visitor visas and super visas—which allow extended stays for parents and grandparents—have adjusted timelines, alongside study permit extensions for international students and work permits for seasonal agricultural workers.
IRCC emphasized that the processing times posted are estimates and can vary based on application complexity, completeness, and demand. The department has urged applicants to check the official website for real-time updates and to submit complete applications to avoid delays.
This update follows a series of measures introduced by IRCC in recent months to address backlogs and enhance digital processing. Officials reiterated their commitment to faster and more efficient immigration services as Canada continues to face strong demand across all immigration categories.