Canada has continued to be one of the most sought-after places by Pakistani students, professionals, and families. But in recent developments, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made some adjustments that need to be considered keenly by the applicants.
By October 2025, IRCC had published new processing timelines in the categories of citizenship, permanent residency (PR), family sponsorship, and work and study visas. These schedules are very important in determining the immigration experience of those persons intending to relocate to Canada, be it for education, work, or family reunification.
Let’s discuss what is new and what it entails for the Pakistani applicants.
1. Citizenship Applications – Longer Waits for Grant and Certificates
This month is experiencing a slightly longer process for citizenship applications. IRCC now begins to send acknowledgment letters to applications that were received approximately on July 28, 2025. This increase in the wait times is a reflection of the increased applications as more residents qualify to be Canadian citizens.
- Grant of Citizenship: 13 months ( -2 months)
- Citizenship Certificates: 8 months ( +3 months)
2. Permanent Resident (PR) Cards – Slight Increase in New Card Timelines
The PR card is a vital document depicting permanent residence status and most of the new entrants use the card to move freely in and out of Canada. This is a slight delay for Pakistani immigrants who have just been granted PR approval to get their cards. Renewals on the other hand are being done a little faster than earlier.
- New PR Cards: 61 days ( up by 4 days)
- PR Card Renewal: 30 days (− 2 days)
3. Family Sponsorship Applications – Mixed Trends Across Categories
Family reunification is also part and parcel of the immigration system in Canada but the time taken differs according to the location of applicants. These timelines give realism to the families in Pakistan with hope that they will reunite with their family members in Canada. Although the in-Canada spousal applications are improving positively, the majority of family categories are still waiting for long before approval.
- Spousal Sponsorship (Inside Canada): 22 months ( -1 month)
- Spousal Sponsorship (Outside Canada): 15 months (no change)
- Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP): 26 months (no change)
4. Economic Immigration (PR Streams) PNP Updates and Express Entry.
Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are among the fastest programs for permanent residency when it comes to economic classes. Although the majority of the categories do not change or are slightly quicker, programs such as the Atlantic Immigration Program have been delayed significantly. To prevent additional delay, the applicants should coordinate and keep all the documents correct.
- Express Entry – Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 6 months (up 1 month)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 6 months (no change)
- Provincial Nominee Program (Express Entry): 7 months (down by 1 month)
- Non-Express Entry PNP: 16 months (down by 3 months)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 37 months ( -24 months)
5. Temporary Visas- Visitor and Super Visa Delays.
Visitor visa processes are still subject to fluctuation with regard to the country of origin of the applicant. This implies that the Pakistani family members wishing to see relatives or parents through the Super Visa initiative will face longer queues. It is recommended that the applicant should apply early in case he has to move out for some family events or holidays coming up.
- Visitor Visa (Outside Canada): 86 days in India, 40 days in the United States of America and 24 days in the Philippines.
- Super Visa: The visa processing time in Pakistan is presently estimated to be 178 days (increased by 26 days).
6. Study Permits—Pakistan experiences delays in processing.
Thousands of Pakistani students are still attracted to Canada every year. But the time processing takes for the applicants has also gone up a notch with those in Pakistan. The learners are advised to ensure they apply for their study permits early so as not to miss intake dates. Early filing of documents and correct preparation of files can help a great deal in terms of the approval schedules.
- Study Permit (Pakistan): 12 weeks (up by 2 weeks)
- Study Permit (India): 4 weeks (no change)
- Study Permit (Inside Canada – Extension): 167 days.
7. Work Permits – Slight Improvements for Pakistani Applicants
Some good news for Pakistani professionals. Even though applications within Canada are taking more time, there have been slight improvements in initial applications from Pakistan. This is more advantageous to skilled workers and the temporary foreign workers who need to relocate to Canada faster.
- Work Permit (Pakistan): 11 weeks ( -1 week)
- Work Permit (Inside Canada – Extension): 223 days ( + by 23 days)
What’s Causing the Delays?
The long processing time according to IRCC is mainly because of:
- Increased volume of applications of all visa kinds.
- Continued backlog clearance following the disruption during the pandemic.
- Increased background screening procedures.
- Provincial-level approval procedures (Quebec, in particular).
Nevertheless, such problems do not stop Canada, which is still receiving newcomers in record numbers, and this proves its permanent intention to develop immigration.
What Pakistani Applicants Should Do
When you are applying to Pakistan for either study, work or PR visa, you have to remain proactive and informed. Here are some expert tips:
- Apply Early: With the increase in demand in the world, do not make last minute applications.
- Check Precision: Check out every document, police certificate, biometric, and financial evidence.
- Involve Authorized Consultants: Hiring an authorized immigration consultancy will assist you in avoiding errors and ensure that your file has all the requirements of IRCC.
- Stay Updated: IRCC regularly updates its processing times (temporary applications once a week, PR and citizenship once a month) and therefore check regularly.
How can our consultancy be useful?
We are dealing with Canadian immigration and study and work visa services among Pakistani applicants. Our team will see that the cases of all clients are handled professionally and that there is a higher likelihood of approval in the least time possible.
If you are planning to study in Canada, receive a work permit or sponsor family members, we will take you through each process, starting with eligibility evaluation, all the way to submitting a visa.
And through the skilled hands, proper records and regular updates, it is possible to bring your Canadian dream to reality earlier in time than you believe.
Conclusion
The update of the IRCC Processing Time in October 2025 points out that although the Canadian immigration system is still developing, delays are considered an inherent part of the process. But Pakistani applicants can coast through these timelines with proper preparation and professional assistance.
Our expert consultation can play a vital role in ensuring that your Canadian immigration objectives become a success and an easy ride so feel free to contact us anytime.
