Canada Visa Processing Times

Canada Visa Processing Times: What You Need to Know in 2025

If you’re planning to visit, study, work, or immigrate to Canada, understanding Canada visa processing times is essential. Processing times vary depending on visa type, application method, and even your country of residence. In this article, we’ll explore current visa timelines, what influences them, and how to check and potentially speed up your application.

How long does it take to process a Canada visa?

The time it takes for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to examine and make a decision regarding your visa application is referred to as the Canada visa processing time. After the IRCC receives your completed application, processing starts and ends when a decision is made.

Canada Visa Types and Their Average Processing Times (2025)

Here’s a breakdown of common visa types and their estimated processing times as of July 2025:

1. Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

• Online application: 14 to 45 days

• Paper application: 30 to 90 days

• Varies by country and time of year.

2. Study Permit

• Outside Canada: 4 to 12 weeks

• From within Canada: 20 to 40 days

3. Work Permit

• Employer-specific/LMIA-based: 4 to 16 weeks

• Open work permit (e.g., spousal): 6 to 20 weeks

4. Express Entry (Permanent Residency)

• After receiving ITA and submitting full application: ~6 months

• Pre-ITA steps (e.g., profile submission, CRS score waiting): variable

5. Spousal Sponsorship

• Inland (within Canada): 12 to 18 months

• Outland (outside Canada): 10 to 16 months

6. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• Paper-based: 15 to 22 months

• Express Entry aligned: 6 to 8 months

7. Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents)

• Average: 8 to 12 weeks

• Depends on medicals and biometric completion.

How to Check Canada Visa Processing Times Online

You can easily check current processing times via IRCC’s official website:

 IRCC Processing Times Tool

Steps:

1. Select your application type.

2. Choose the country where you’re applying from.

3. View estimated timelines.

Factors That Affect Canada Visa Processing Times

Several factors can speed up or delay your application:

• Completeness of application

• Type of visa or program

• Country of residence

• Time of year (peak seasons = slower)

• Background checks and medical exams

• Biometrics and interview requirements

• Volume of applications at the visa office

Tips to Speed Up Your Canada Visa Application

Here are a few tips to help improve your chances of quicker processing:

• Submit a complete application with all required documents

• Apply online rather than on paper

• Book biometrics and medical exams early

• Use the IRCC portal for status updates

• Respond to additional document requests promptly