Key Takeaways
• Citizenship Grant processing remains stable at 10 months in July 2025, unchanged since July 2024.
• Express Entry Canadian Experience Class PR takes 5 months; Start-Up Visa processing increased to 51 months.
• Visitor visa processing fast at 22-35 days, varying by country, with $100 CAD fee.
When planning to move to Canada 🇨🇦, become a citizen, or simply visit, understanding how long your application might take is one of the most important steps. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regularly updates its processing times for different types of applications. These timelines can affect your travel, work, and family plans. Here, we’ll compare IRCC processing times as of July 2025 with those from July 2024, focusing on key programs like the Citizenship Grant, permanent residency, and visitor visas. We’ll break down requirements, timelines, and costs, highlight the pros and cons of each option, and offer guidance to help you choose the best path for your situation.
Introduction to IRCC Processing Times
IRCC is the government department responsible for handling immigration, citizenship, and refugee applications for Canada 🇨🇦. Processing times refer to how long it takes IRCC to review and decide on your application after you submit all required documents. These times can change based on the number of applications, staffing, and new policies.
Why Processing Times Matter
- Planning: Knowing how long your application will take helps you plan your move, job start date, or family reunion.
- Expectations: Understanding the timeline reduces stress and helps you avoid surprises.
- Decision-Making: Comparing different immigration options can help you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Let’s look at the main options and how their processing times compare.
Side-by-Side Comparison: July 2025 vs. July 2024
Below, we compare the most common IRCC application types, focusing on processing times, requirements, and costs. Where possible, we note changes from July 2024 to July 2025.
1. Citizenship Grant
What is it?
The Citizenship Grant is the process for permanent residents to become Canadian citizens. Applicants must meet residency, language, and knowledge requirements.
Processing Time:
– July 2025: 10 months
– July 2024: 10 months (no change)
Requirements:
– Be a permanent resident
– Lived in Canada 🇨🇦 for at least 1,095 days in the last 5 years
– Filed taxes for at least 3 years (if required)
– Pass a citizenship test (if aged 18-54)
– Prove language skills in English or French
Costs:
– Adult application fee: $630 CAD
– Minor application fee: $100 CAD
Pros:
– Stable processing time
– Clear requirements
– Pathway to full rights as a Canadian citizen
Cons:
– Must wait almost a year for a decision
– Need to meet strict residency and language rules
Official Form: Application for Canadian Citizenship (CIT 0002)
2. Proof of Citizenship (Citizenship Certificate)
What is it?
This is for people who need proof they are already Canadian citizens, often because they were born abroad to Canadian parents.
Processing Time:
– July 2025: 5 months
– July 2024: Data not specified, but no major change reported
Requirements:
– Proof of parent’s Canadian citizenship at your birth
– Birth certificate
– Other supporting documents
Costs:
– Application fee: $75 CAD
Pros:
– Fast processing
– Simple requirements for those who qualify
Cons:
– Only for those who are already citizens by birth or descent
Official Form: Application for a Citizenship Certificate (CIT 0001)
3. Renunciation of Citizenship
What is it?
This process allows Canadian citizens to give up their citizenship, often to meet another country’s requirements.
Processing Time:
– July 2025: 7 months
– July 2024: Data not specified, but no major change reported
Requirements:
– Be a Canadian citizen
– Be at least 18 years old
– Have or will have citizenship in another country
Costs:
– Application fee: $100 CAD
Pros:
– Clear process for those who need to renounce
Cons:
– Permanent loss of Canadian citizenship
Official Form: Application to Renounce Canadian Citizenship (CIT 0302)
4. Search of Citizenship Records
What is it?
Used to find out if someone is or ever was a Canadian citizen.
Processing Time:
– July 2025: 15 months
– July 2024: Data not specified, but no major change reported
Requirements:
– Details about the person being searched
– Reason for the search
Costs:
– Application fee: $75 CAD
Pros:
– Useful for legal or family history reasons
Cons:
– Long processing time
Official Form: Application for a Search of Citizenship Records (CIT 0058)
5. Permanent Resident (PR) Card
What is it?
A PR card proves you are a permanent resident of Canada 🇨🇦. You need it to travel in and out of the country.
Processing Time:
– New PR Card (July 2025): 48 days (recently reduced by 2 days)
– Renewal (July 2025): 20 days (increased by 2 days)
– July 2024: Slightly different, but changes are minor
Requirements:
– Proof of permanent resident status
– Recent photo
– Completed application
Costs:
– Application fee: $50 CAD
Pros:
– Fast processing for renewals
– Essential for travel
Cons:
– Must renew every 5 years
Official Form: Application for a Permanent Resident Card (IMM 5444)
6. Economic Class Permanent Residency
This includes several programs for skilled workers and entrepreneurs.
a. Express Entry – Canadian Experience Class
Processing Time:
– July 2025: 5 months
– July 2024: Stable
Requirements:
– At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada 🇨🇦
– Language test results
– Proof of funds (if needed)
Costs:
– Application fee: $1,365 CAD (including right of permanent residence fee)
Pros:
– Fastest pathway for skilled workers already in Canada 🇨🇦
Cons:
– Only for those with Canadian work experience
b. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Processing Time:
– July 2025: 7 months (increased by 1 month)
– July 2024: 6 months
Requirements:
– At least 1 year of skilled work experience (any country)
– Language test results
– Educational credential assessment
Costs:
– Application fee: $1,365 CAD
Pros:
– Open to skilled workers worldwide
Cons:
– Slightly longer processing time than Canadian Experience Class
c. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry
Processing Time:
– July 2025: 8 months
– July 2024: Data not specified, but stable
Requirements:
– Nomination from a province or territory
– Meet specific provincial criteria
Costs:
– Application fee: Varies by province
Pros:
– Increases chances for those with lower Express Entry scores
Cons:
– Extra step of getting a nomination
d. Non-Express Entry PNP
Processing Time:
– July 2025: 19 months
– July 2024: Data not specified, but stable
Requirements:
– Nomination from a province or territory
– Meet specific program criteria
Costs:
– Application fee: Varies by province
Pros:
– For applicants who don’t qualify for Express Entry
Cons:
– Longest processing time among PR options
e. Quebec Skilled Workers
Processing Time:
– July 2025: 9 months
– July 2024: Data not specified, but stable
Requirements:
– Selection certificate from Quebec
– Meet Quebec’s criteria
Costs:
– Application fee: $850 CAD (main applicant)
Pros:
– For those who want to live in Quebec
Cons:
– Must meet Quebec’s unique rules
f. Start-Up Visa
Processing Time:
– July 2025: 51 months (increased by 8 months)
– July 2024: 43 months
Requirements:
– Support from a designated organization
– Sufficient settlement funds
Costs:
– Application fee: $2,140 CAD
Pros:
– For entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas
Cons:
– Very long processing time
g. Self-Employed Program
Processing Time:
– July 2025: 58 months (increased by 3 months)
– July 2024: 55 months
Requirements:
– Relevant experience in cultural or athletic activities
– Intend to be self-employed in Canada 🇨🇦
Costs:
– Application fee: $2,140 CAD
Pros:
– For artists, athletes, and cultural workers
Cons:
– Longest processing time of all PR programs
7. Visitor Visa
What is it?
A visitor visa allows you to enter Canada 🇨🇦 for tourism, family visits, or business.
Processing Time:
– July 2025: 22 to 35 days (depends on country of residence)
– July 2024: Stable
Requirements:
– Valid passport
– Proof of funds
– Purpose of visit
Costs:
– Application fee: $100 CAD
Pros:
– Quick processing
– Simple requirements
Cons:
– Temporary stay only
Official Form: Application for Visitor Visa (IMM 5257)
Pros and Cons for Different Situations
Citizenship Grant:
– Best for: Permanent residents ready to become citizens
– Pros: Stable processing, clear path to citizenship
– Cons: Wait time of almost a year
Proof of Citizenship:
– Best for: Those born abroad to Canadian parents
– Pros: Fast, straightforward
– Cons: Only for those already citizens
PR Card (New/Renewal):
– Best for: Permanent residents needing travel documents
– Pros: Quick processing, low cost
– Cons: Must renew every 5 years
Economic Class PR Programs:
– Best for: Skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed people
– Pros: Multiple pathways, some fast options
– Cons: Some programs have very long waits (Start-Up, Self-Employed)
Visitor Visa:
– Best for: Short-term visits
– Pros: Fast processing, easy application
– Cons: No work or study allowed
Recommendations for Specific Circumstances
- If you’re a permanent resident wanting citizenship: Apply for the Citizenship Grant. Processing times are stable, and requirements are clear.
- If you need proof of citizenship: The Citizenship Certificate is the fastest and simplest option if you qualify.
- If you’re a skilled worker in Canada 🇨🇦: The Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry is the quickest path to permanent residency.
- If you’re a skilled worker outside Canada 🇨🇦: The Federal Skilled Worker Program is a good choice, but expect a slightly longer wait.
- If you have a provincial nomination: Use the PNP via Express Entry for a balance of speed and certainty.
- If you’re an entrepreneur or self-employed: Be prepared for long waits with the Start-Up Visa or Self-Employed Program.
- If you just want to visit: The Visitor Visa is quick and easy for most applicants.
Decision-Making Framework
When choosing the right immigration or citizenship path, consider these steps:
- Assess Your Eligibility: Check which programs you qualify for based on your background, work experience, and goals.
- Compare Processing Times: Use the latest IRCC processing times to see how long each option takes.
- Consider Costs: Factor in application fees and any extra costs (like language tests or credential assessments).
- Think About Your Timeline: If you need to move quickly, pick the fastest option you qualify for.
- Plan for Delays: Even with advanced analytics, IRCC processing times can change. Always allow extra time.
- Check Official Resources: For the most current information, always visit the IRCC processing times page.
Recent Developments and Policy Changes
IRCC has started using advanced analytics to give more accurate processing time estimates. This means about 80% of applications are processed within the stated timelines. The department also updates its processing times regularly to reflect real-world conditions. For example, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2025 will start accepting applications on July 28, 2025, with processing times ranging from 12 to 24 months.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes show IRCC’s commitment to improving efficiency and transparency for applicants. However, some programs, especially those for entrepreneurs and self-employed people, still face long waits.
Practical Guidance and Next Steps
- Always check the latest IRCC updates before applying, as processing times can change without much notice.
- Prepare your documents carefully to avoid delays. Missing or incorrect information can slow down your application.
- Consider your personal situation—if you need to move quickly, choose a program with faster processing.
- Use official forms and guides from the IRCC website to make sure you’re following the latest rules.
- Consult with an immigration expert if you have a complex case or are unsure which program is best for you.
Conclusion
IRCC’s processing times in July 2025 show both stability and some changes compared to July 2024. While most citizenship and PR card applications remain steady, some economic class programs have seen longer waits. By comparing requirements, timelines, and costs, you can pick the best immigration or citizenship path for your needs. Always use official resources and plan ahead to make your Canadian 🇨🇦 journey as smooth as possible.
Learn Today
Citizenship Grant → Process for permanent residents to acquire Canadian citizenship by meeting residency and language requirements.
Permanent Resident Card → Official document proving permanent residency status, required for travel in and out of Canada.
Express Entry → An immigration system managing applications for skilled workers, including Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Start-Up Visa → Program for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas seeking permanent residency, with lengthy processing times.
Processing Time → Duration taken by IRCC to review and decide on immigration or citizenship applications after submission.
This Article in a Nutshell
Understanding IRCC processing times helps applicants plan immigration steps effectively. July 2025 times show stability for citizenship, quicker PR card renewals, but longer waits for entrepreneurial programs.
— By VisaVerge.com
