If you’re planning to move to Canada in 2025—whether for work, study, family, or a short visit—you’re not alone. Canada remains one of the most sought-after destinations due to its strong economy, multiculturalism, world-class education, and transparent immigration policies. But here’s the truth: understanding how long it will take for your visa to be processed and how much it will cost is more complicated than it seems.
This investigative guide cuts through the red tape to break down average processing times and government fees for the most popular Canadian visa types in 2025.
Quick Overview Table: Processing Time & Fee Comparison (2025)
| Visa Type | Purpose | Average Processing Time (2025) | Application Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | Tourism, family visit, business | 28–45 days | $100 |
| Study Permit | Study at Canadian institutions | 6–12 weeks (outside Canada) | $150 |
| Work Permit | Work for a Canadian employer | 8–22 weeks | $155 |
| Express Entry (PR) | Skilled migration (FSWP, CEC, FSTP) | 6–8 months after ITA | $1,365 (incl. PR fee) |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Province-specific skilled migration | 12–20 months | $1,365 + provincial fee ($250–$1,500) |
| Family Sponsorship | Sponsoring family for PR | 12–18 months | $1,080 (spouse), $1,080 (parent/grandparent) |
| Super Visa | Long-term visit by parents/grandparents | 60–75 days | $100 + Medical Insurance (~$1,000/year) |
| Citizenship | Becoming a Canadian citizen | 10–14 months | $630 |
Detailed Breakdown by Canadian Visas Processing Times and Fees
1# Canada Visitor Visa
Purpose: Tourism, short business visits, or visiting relatives
Processing Time: 4 to 6 weeks (faster for some visa-exempt countries)
Fee: CAD $100 (per applicant) + biometrics fee ($85).
2# Study Permit
Purpose: For international students enrolled in Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)
Processing Time: 6 to 12 weeks depending on country of residence
Fee: CAD $150
Biometrics: CAD $85
Medical Exam: May cost around CAD $250 (if required)
Bonus Tip: Using the Student Direct Stream (SDS) reduces processing to 20 days for eligible applicants (e.g., from India, China, Philippines).
3# Work Permit
Purpose: Temporary work in Canada (employer-specific or open)
Processing Time: 8 to 22 weeks depending on country and occupation
Fee: CAD $155 (work permit) + CAD $100 (if open work permit) + CAD $85 (biometrics)
LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) may be required beforehand, which itself takes 8–12 weeks and costs CAD $1,000 (paid by the employer).
4# Express Entry
Purpose: Fast-track permanent residency for skilled workers (FSWP, CEC, FSTP)
Processing Time: ~6–8 months from ITA (Invitation to Apply)
Fee: CAD $1,365 (includes $850 application + $515 right of PR fee)
Additional: Biometrics ($85), Medical Exam, Language Test (IELTS ~$300)
Reality Check: Just entering the pool doesn’t guarantee PR. Processing time starts after receiving the ITA.
5# Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Purpose: Province-led skilled worker immigration
Processing Time: 12 to 20 months total (nomination + federal PR)
Fee: Federal: CAD $1,365 + Provincial: CAD $250–$1,500 (varies by province)
Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia have higher fees but faster processing than others like Nova Scotia or Manitoba.
6# Family Sponsorship
Purpose: PR for spouse, parents, children, grandparents
Processing Time:
-
- Spouses/Partners: 12–14 months
- Parents/Grandparents: 18–24 months
Fee: - Spouse/Partner/Child: CAD $1,080
- Parent/Grandparent: CAD $1,080 + biometrics ($85 each)
Super Visa is often a quicker alternative for parents/grandparents.
7# Super Visa
Purpose: Multiple entries (up to 5 years per stay) for parents/grandparents
Processing Time: 60 to 75 days
Fee: CAD $100 + CAD $85 (biometrics) + mandatory medical insurance (~CAD $1,000 per year)
Valid for 10 years. Unlike Visitor Visa, this requires private health insurance from a Canadian provider.
8# Citizenship
Purpose: Final stage of immigration – Canadian passport, voting rights
Processing Time: 10–14 months
Fee: CAD $630 (adults), CAD $100 (minors)
Applicants must meet residency and language requirements and pass a citizenship test.
🕵️ Investigative Insights
- Biometrics Delays: In 2025, post-COVID backlog has eased, but biometrics appointments still face bottlenecks in some regions.
- Country-Specific Variations: Some visa offices (like in Nigeria, India, or Pakistan) have longer wait times. SDS and priority lanes are a major advantage.
- Premium Processing? Unlike the U.S., Canada does not currently offer premium processing for most visa types, including work and study permits.
- AI Screening & Flagged Profiles: New AI-driven risk assessments (introduced in 2023–2024) are increasing scrutiny on certain applications, particularly for visitor visas.
References
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
- https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada.html.
