Canada’s Updated Visa Processing Times for Major Temporary Visas

Canada updated its processing times for major temporary visas in the last two months of 2025. 

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to apply for these pathways, or are already waiting on one. The timeline varies significantly depending on the type of visa, whether you’re applying from inside or outside Canada, and the country you’re applying from.

IRCC has released new processing time updates for a wide range of Canada immigration streams. These updates are part of IRCC's regular effort to adjust timelines based on demand, country-specific workloads, and processing capacity.

Here are the most recent timelines (as of July 2025):

Why These Processing Times Matter for Temporary Visa Applicants

The temporary visa route, whether for studying, working, or visiting, has become increasingly sensitive to global demand and policy changes. Application backlogs, verification requirements, and biometrics can all influence how long your wait may be.

The study permit pathway, for example, is currently being processed in approximately 91 days. If you're already in Canada, applying for a study permit extension, the timeline is significantly longer, up to 175 days.

On the faster side, those applying for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) can often get approval within 5 minutes. Still, IRCC warns that some eTA applicants may require additional steps, with notifications sent within 72 hours.

Long Waits for Economic Immigration Pathways

Applicants for economic immigration, including Canada’s popular Express Entry system, should be prepared for a mixed bag of timelines:

• Federal Skilled Worker applicants using Express Entry have a relatively fast 6-month processing window.

• On the other hand, Start-up Visa applicants are currently facing 51-month waits, and Self-employed Person applications are taking about 58 months to process.

These figures underscore the importance of pathway selection and long-term planning.

IRCC's Guidance for Applicants

IRCC emphasizes that sending a new application does not speed up your processing. In fact, it may slow things down. Their message is clear: “The longer you’ve been waiting, the closer you are to the front of the line.”

IRCC also underlines the necessity of correct and complete records to ensure that your application is processed promptly.

Finding out the most recent IRCC processing timelines helps for making proper choices in a timely manner, regardless of whether you're sponsoring a spouse or partner, applying for a temporary visa, or using economic immigration to get permanent residency.