New IRCC Update On Processing Times As Of May 2025

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its latest update on processing times for various immigration and citizenship applications as of May 2025. This update comes amid growing concerns about delays across multiple streams, impacting applicants worldwide. Whether you’re applying for Canadian citizenship, a permanent residency (PR) card, or related services, understanding these timelines is crucial for planning your immigration journey.

Citizenship Processing Times

IRCC has reported significant changes in citizenship-related processing times. The most notable increase is for the Citizenship Grant, which now stands at 10 months, up from 8 months previously. This means new applicants could face nearly a year-long wait for a decision. Similarly, processing times for Citizenship Certificates have risen to 4 months, from the previous 3 months.

On a positive note, the processing time for Renunciation of Citizenship has decreased slightly, dropping from 8 months to 7 months. However, applicants seeking a Search of Citizenship Records will still face a lengthy 15-month wait, unchanged from previous estimates. Notably, there is still insufficient data to provide an updated estimate for Resumption of Citizenship applications.

Permanent Residency (PR) Card Processing Times

IRCC has also updated its processing times for PR cards, reflecting increased demand. As of May 2025, a New PR Card now takes 48 days to process, up from 35 days at the end of April. Some sources report slightly lower averages, ranging between 35 and 47 days, highlighting the ongoing fluctuations in processing times. Meanwhile, PR Card Renewal times have increased by 2 days, now standing at 12 days.

IRCC emphasizes that submitting complete applications is critical to avoiding further delays. Incomplete files remain a primary cause of extended processing times, underscoring the importance of thorough preparation before submission.

Broad Trends and Causes

Processing times across most immigration pathways, including citizenship, PR cards, family sponsorships, work permits, and temporary visas, continue to rise in 2025. Several factors are driving these delays:

• High backlog of applications: IRCC is grappling with a significant volume of pending cases.
• Ongoing policy changes: Updates to immigration policies have introduced new complexities.
• Resource limitations: IRCC’s capacity to process applications remains constrained.

These challenges affect all major immigration programs, leading to unpredictable wait times from month to month.

Key Alerts and Important Considerations

A key alert for applicants is the expected Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) for those who submitted their citizenship applications around April 14, 2025. IRCC has begun sending these acknowledgments, providing applicants with a formal confirmation that their application has been received and is under review.

Additionally, there are noted delays for citizenship certificate requests from applicants outside of Canada or the United States. This highlights the importance of considering regional processing differences when planning your application timeline.

Summary of Processing Times

Below is a summary table of the main processing times as of May 2025:

Practical Advice for Applicants

Given the current processing delays, applicants are encouraged to take the following steps:

• Stay Updated: IRCC regularly updates its processing time estimates. Temporary visas and PR cards are updated weekly, while citizenship and family sponsorship processing times are updated monthly.
• Plan Accordingly: Use the current published processing times to set realistic expectations for travel, study, or settlement plans.
• Double-Check Applications: Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate before submission. Incomplete applications are a leading cause of delays.

Caveats and Considerations

It is important to note that the processing times listed by IRCC are estimates and not guarantees. These times can fluctuate based on various factors, including:

• Changes in application volume
• Staffing levels at IRCC
• Policy updates or shifts

Applicants applying from outside Canada or the United States may face additional delays, particularly for citizenship certificates. Furthermore, certain categories, such as resumption of citizenship, still lack sufficient data for reliable timeline estimates.

In conclusion, applicants for Canadian citizenship, PR cards, or related services in 2025 should prepare for longer wait times and regularly monitor IRCC’s updates for changes that may affect their application.

Conclusion

The latest IRCC update as of May 2025 highlights significant changes in processing times for citizenship and PR card applications. While some processing times have increased, others have remained stable or even decreased slightly. Applicants should be prepared for longer wait times and plan accordingly for their immigration journey. Regularly monitoring IRCC updates and ensuring complete applications will be crucial to navigating these delays effectively.

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