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Tag Archives: #Canada

October 9, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

Planning to travel, study, or work in Canada soon? One of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind is: “How long will my visa take to process?”

Here’s some help. Below is the latest global update on processing times for temporary Canadian visas — covering work permits, visitor visas, and study permits as released by IRCC on October 8, 2025. These timelines are refreshed every week, so checking regularly is the best way to stay informed and plan ahead.

Before getting into the numbers, let’s quickly go over what these processing times actually mean and why they can vary from one applicant to another.

What Processing Time Really Means

A visa processing time isn’t a countdown or a fixed guarantee, it’s an average based on how long it took IRCC to finalize most applications in the same category. The clock starts once your complete application is received by IRCC (not when you first hit “submit”). For paper applications, the timer begins the day it arrives in their mailroom.

Every application moves at its own pace. Several factors can affect your timeline:

  • The workload at your regional visa office

  • Whether your application is complete and accurate

  • Biometrics and medical exam appointments

  • Security or background verifications

  • Seasonal demand and IRCC’s internal priorities

So, if a visitor visa shows an estimated 45 days for your country, take it as a guide, not a promise.

Notes for Study Permit Applicants

Canada remains a top choice for international students, and study permits continue to be one of the most requested visa types. If you’re applying for one, here are a few key things to keep in mind:

  1. Show strong financial proof
    IRCC wants to see clear, recent evidence that you can cover tuition, living costs, and return travel. Weak or incomplete financial documents can lead to delays or even refusals.

  2. Verify your letter of acceptance
    Make sure your acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is official and that all details — dates, program, and school information — are accurate.

  3. Don’t delay biometrics or medical exams
    Your application won’t move forward until these are completed, so schedule them as soon as possible after applying.

  4. Check if you qualify to apply from inside Canada
    If you’re already in Canada (for example, switching from a visitor or work permit), processing times and requirements can differ from applications made abroad.

  5. Apply early for upcoming intakes
    Processing tends to slow down before major terms, like September or January, when thousands of students apply at once. Submitting early gives you a smoother path — and peace of mind.

If you’re aiming to start your studies in Winter 2026, now is the perfect time to get your documents ready and your application submitted.

Key Takeaways

Whether you’re visiting, studying, or working in Canada, staying informed about IRCC’s processing times helps you plan with confidence. These numbers aren’t static- they change weekly, reflecting the real-time workload across visa offices worldwide.

Below, you’ll find the updated processing times for all countries as of October 8, 2025. Bookmark this post or check back often — the figures can shift from week to week, and a small change could make a big difference in your travel or study plans.

IRCC Processing time for Visiting Visa as at October 8, 2025

S/N COUNTRY PROCESSING TIME (VISITING VISA)
1 Afghanistan 121 days
2 Albania 56 days
3 Algeria 44 days
4 Andorra No processing time available
5 Angola 555 days
6 Anguilla No processing time available
7 Antigua and Barbuda 28 days
8 Argentina 16 days
9 Armenia 25 days
10 Aruba No processing time available
11 Australia 10 days
12 Austria 78 days
13 Azerbaijan 21 days
14 Bahamas 38 days
15 Bahrain 31 days
16 Bangladesh 20 days
17 Barbados 32 days
18 Belarus 29 days
19 Belgium 104 days
20 Belize 15 days
21 Benin 460 days
22 Bermuda 34 days
23 Bhutan 19 days
24 Bolivia 16 days
25 Bonaire No processing time available
26 Bosnia and Herzegovina 116 days
27 Botswana 162 days
28 Brazil 36 days
29 British Virgin Islands No processing time available
30 Brunei No processing time available
31 Bulgaria 11 days
32 Burkina Faso 97 days
33 Burma (Myanmar) 21 days
34 Burundi 152 days
35 Cambodia 21 days
36 Cameroon 593 days
37 Cabo Verde No processing time available
38 Cayman Islands 30 days
39 Central African Republic 149 days
40 Chad 251 days
41 Chile 16 days
42 China (People’s Republic of) 21 days
43 Colombia 51 days
44 Comoros Island No processing time available
45 Costa Rica 15 days
46 Côte d’Ivoire 179 days
47 Croatia 64 days
48 Cuba 15 days
49 Cyprus 55 days
50 Czech Republic 72 days
51 Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) 568 days
52 Denmark 44 days
53 Djibouti 29 days
54 Dominica 101 days
55 Dominican Republic 15 days
56 Ecuador 36 days
57 Egypt 125 days
58 El Salvador 15 days
59 Equatorial Guinea 336 days
60 Eritrea 66 days
61 Estonia 20 days
62 Eswatini 567 days
63 Ethiopia 63 days
64 Fiji 9 days
65 Finland 51 days
66 France 99 days
67 Gabon 152 days
68 Gambia 364 days
69 Georgia 21 days
70 Germany 93 days
71 Ghana 99 days
72 Greece 57 days
73 Grenada 29 days
74 Gautemala 15 days
75 Guinea 185 days
76 Guinea-Bissau No processing time available
77 Guyana 28 days
78 Haiti 18 days
79 Holy See No processing time avaialable
80 Honduras 15 days
81 Hong Kong SAR 22 days
82 Hungary 67 days
83 Iceland 148 days
84 India 77 days
85 Indonesia 34 days
86 Iran 202 days
87 Iraq 175 days
88 Ireland 44 days
89 Israel 46 days
90 Italy 55 days
91 Jamaica 32 days
92 Japan 29 days
93 Jordan 145 days
94 Kazakhstan 26 days
95 Kenya 72 days
96 Kiribati No processing time available
97 Kosovo 95 days
98 Kuwait 43 days
99 Kyrgyzstan 17 days
100 Laos 18 days
101 Latvia 21 days
102 Lebanon 49 days
103 Lesotho 438 days
104 Liberia 170 days
105 Libya 101 days
106 Liechtenstein No processing time available
107 Lithuania 18 days
108 Luxembourg 92 days
109 Macao SAR 20 days
110 Macedonia 93 days
111 Madagascar 394 days
112 Malawi 425 days
113 Malaysia 31 days
114 Maldives No processing time available
115 Mali 82 days
116 Malta 44 days
117 Marshall Islands No processing time available
118 Martinique No processing time available
119 Mauritania 470 days
120 Mauritius 60 days
121 Mexico 63 days
122 Micronesia (Federated States of) No processing time available
123 Moldova 10 days
124 Monaco No processing time available
125 Mongolia 22 days
126 Montenegro 80 days
127 Morocco 64 days
128 Mozambique 486 days
129 Namibia 473 days
130 Nauru No processing time available
131 Nepal 18 days
132 Netherlands 47 days
133 New Caledonia No processing time available
134 New Zealand 9 days
135 Nicaragua 16 days
136 Niger 224 days
137 Nigeria 28 days
138 North Korea No processing time available
139 Norway 79 days
140 Oman 32 days
141 Pakistan 50 days
142 Palestinian Authority (Gaza) 386 days
143 Palestinian Authority (West Bank) 386 days
144 Panama 36 days
145 Papua New Guinea No processing time available
146 Paraguay 15 days
147 Peru 16 days
148 Philippines 18 days
149 Poland 24 days
150 Portugal 94 days
151 Puerto Rico No processing time available
152 Qatar 47 days
153 Romania 9 days
154 Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) 111 days
155 Russia 29 days
156 Rwanda 143 days
157 Samoa No processing time available
158 San Marino No processing time available
159 Sao Tome and Principe No processing time available
160 Saudi Arabia 74 days
161 Senegal 244 days
162 Serbia 91 days
163 Seychelles No processing time available
164 Sierra Leone 137 days
165 Singapore 32 days
166 Slovakia No processing time available
167 Slovenia 71 days
168 Solomon Islanda No processing time available
169 Somalia 54 days
170 South Africa 374 days
171 South Korea 28 days
172 South Sudan No processing time available
173 Spain 99 days
174 Sri Lanka 66 days
175 St. Kitts and Nevis 27 days
176 St. Lucia 35 days
177 St. Vincent and Grenadines 36 days
178 Sudan 287 days
179 Suriname 22 days
180 Sweden 51 days
181 Switzerland 99 days
182 Syria 289 days
183 Tahiti No processing time available
184 Taiwan 26 days
185 Tajikistan 29 days
186 Tanzania 124 days
187 Thailand 20 days
188 Timor-Leste (Timor oriental) No processing time available
189 Togo 336 days
190 Tonga No processing time available
191 Trinidad and Tobago 32 days
192 Tunisia 93 days
193 Turkiye 18 days
194 Turkmenistan No processing time available
195 Turks and Caicos Islands 31 days
196 Tuvalu No processing time available
197 Uganda 71 days
198 Ukraine 46 days
199 United Arab Emirates 75 days
200 United Kingdom 49 days
201 United States of America 24 days
202 Uruguay 17 days
203 US Virgin Islands No processing time available
204 Uzbekistan 26 days
205 Vanuatu No processing time available
206 Venezuela 36 days
207 Vietnam 35 days
208 Yemen No processing time available
209 Zambia 699 days
210 Zimbabwe 533 days

 

 

IRCC Processing time for Work Permit as at October 8, 2025

S/N COUNTRY PROCESSING TIME (WORK PERMIT)
1 Afghanistan No processing time available
2 Albania 10 weeks
3 Algeria 12 weeks
4 Andorra No processing time available
5 Angola No processing time available
6 Anguilla No processing time available
7 Antigua and Barbuda No processing time available
8 Argentina 6 weeks
9 Armenia No processing time available
10 Aruba No processing time available
11 Australia 3 weeks
12 Austria No processing time available
13 Azerbaijan No processing time available
14 Bahamas No processing time available
15 Bahrain No processing time available
16 Bangladesh 9 weeks
17 Barbados No processing time available
18 Belarus No processing time available
19 Belgium 5 weeks
20 Belize No processing time available
21 Benin 7 weeks
22 Bermuda No processing time available
23 Bhutan No processing time available
24 Bolivia No processing time available
25 Bonaire No processing time available
26 Bosnia and Herzegovina No processing time available
27 Botswana No processing time available
28 Brazil 6 weeks
29 British Virgin Islands No processing time available
30 Brunei No processing time available
31 Bulgaria No processing time available
32 Burkina Faso 6 weeks
33 Burma (Myanmar) No processing time available
34 Burundi No processing time available
35 Cambodia No processing time available
36 Cameroon 8 weeks
37 Cabo Verde No processing time available
38 Cayman Islands No processing time available
39 Central African Republic No processing time available
40 Chad No processing time available
41 Chile 5 weeks
42 China (People’s Republic of) 8 weeks
43 Colombia 8 weeks
44 Comoros Island No processing time available
45 Costa Rica No processing time available
46 Côte d’Ivoire 15 weeks
47 Croatia No processing time available
48 Cuba No processing time available
49 Cyprus No processing time available
50 Czech Republic No processing time available
51 Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) 9 weeks
52 Denmark No processing time available
53 Djibouti No processing time available
54 Dominica No processing time available
55 Dominican Republic 6 weeks
56 Ecuador 9 weeks
57 Egypt 12 weeks
58 El Salvador 3 weeks
59 Equatorial Guinea No processing time available
60 Eritrea No processing time available
61 Estonia No processing time available
62 Eswatini No processing time available
63 Ethiopia No processing time available
64 Fiji No processing time available
65 Finland No processing time available
66 France 6 weeks
67 Gabon No processing time available
68 Gambia No processing time available
69 Georgia No processing time available
70 Germany 11 weeks
71 Ghana 11 weeks
72 Greece No processing time available
73 Grenada No processing time available
74 Gautemala 1 week
75 Guinea No processing time available
76 Guinea-Bissau No processing time available
77 Guyana No processing time available
78 Haiti 5 weeks
79 Holy See No processing time available
80 Honduras 3 weeks
81 Hong Kong SAR 32 weeks
82 Hungary No processing time available
83 Iceland No processing time available
84 India 8 weeks
85 Indonesia No processing time available
86 Iran 50 weeks
87 Iraq 48 weeks
88 Ireland No processing time available
89 Israel 9 weeks
90 Italy 10 weeks
91 Jamaica 5 weeks
92 Japan 7 weeks
93 Jordan No processing time available
94 Kazakhstan No processing time available
95 Kenya 9 weeks
96 Kiribati No processing time available
97 Kosovo No processing time available
98 Kuwait 18 weeks
99 Kyrgyzstan No processing time available
100 Laos No processing time available
101 Latvia No processing time available
102 Lebanon 11 weeks
103 Lesotho No processing time available
104 Liberia No processing time available
105 Libya No processing time available
106 Liechtenstein No processing time available
107 Lithuania No processing time available
108 Luxembourg No processing time available
109 Macao SAR No processing time available
110 Macedonia No processing time available
111 Madagascar 22 weeks
112 Malawi No processing time available
113 Malaysia 7 weeks
114 Maldives No processing time available
115 Mali No processing time available
116 Malta No processing time available
117 Marshall Islands No processing time available
118 Martinique No processing time available
119 Mauritania No processing time available
120 Mauritius 27 weeks
121 Mexico 2 weeks
122 Micronesia (Federated States of) No processing time available
123 Moldova No processing time available
124 Monaco No processing time available
125 Mongolia No processing time available
126 Montenegro No processing time available
127 Morocco 11 weeks
128 Mozambique No processing time available
129 Namibia No processing time available
130 Nauru No processing time available
131 Nepal 4 weeks
132 Netherlands No processing time available
133 New Caledonia No processing time available
134 New Zealand No processing time available
135 Nicaragua No processing time available
136 Niger No processing time available
137 Nigeria 12 weeks
138 North Korea No processing time available
139 Norway No processing time available
140 Oman No processing time available
141 Pakistan 11 weeks
142 Palestinian Authority (Gaza) No processing time available
143 Palestinian Authority (West Bank) No processing time available
144 Panama No processing time available
145 Papua New Guinea No processing time available
146 Paraguay No processing time available
147 Peru 4 weeks
148 Philippines 6 weeks
149 Poland No processing time available
150 Portugal No processing time available
151 Puerto Rico No processing time available
152 Qatar 20 weeks
153 Romania No processing time available
154 Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) No processing time available
155 Russia 7 weeks
156 Rwanda No processing time available
157 Samoa No processing time available
158 San Marino No processing time available
159 Sao Tome and Principe No processing time available
160 Saudi Arabia 7 weeks
161 Senegal 9 weeks
162 Serbia No processing time available
163 Seychelles No processing time available
164 Sierra Leone No processing time available
165 Singapore 8 weeks
166 Slovakia No processing time available
167 Slovenia No processing time available
168 Solomon Islanda No processing time available
169 Somalia No processing time available
170 South Africa 24 weeks
171 South Korea 9 weeks
172 South Sudan No processing time available
173 Spain 9 weeks
174 Sri Lanka 8 weeks
175 St. Kitts and Nevis No processing time available
176 St. Lucia No processing time available
177 St. Vincent and Grenadines No processing time available
178 Sudan No processing time available
179 Suriname No processing time available
180 Sweden 7 weeks
181 Switzerland No processing time available
182 Syria No processing time available
183 Tahiti No processing time available
184 Taiwan 8 weeks
185 Tajikistan No processing time available
186 Tanzania No processing time available
187 Thailand 5 weeks
188 Timor-Leste (Timor oriental) No processing time available
189 Togo 11 weeks
190 Tonga No processing time available
191 Trinidad and Tobago 5 weeks
192 Tunisia 10 weeks
193 Turkiye 4 weeks
194 Turkmenistan No processing time available
195 Turks and Caicos Islands No processing time available
196 Tuvalu No processing time available
197 Uganda No processing time available
198 Ukraine No processing time available
199 United Arab Emirates 23 weeks
200 United Kingdom 9 weeks
201 United States of America 3 weeks
202 Uruguay No processing time available
203 US Virgin Islands No processing time available
204 Uzbekistan No processing time available
205 Vanuatu No processing time available
206 Venezuela No processing time available
207 Vietnam 10 weeks
208 Yemen No processing time available
209 Zambia No processing time available
210 Zimbabwe No processing time available

 

IRCC processing time for Study Permit as at October 8, 2025

S/N COUNTRY PROCESSING TIME (STUDY PERMIT)
1 Afghanistan No processing time available
2 Albania 7 weeks
3 Algeria 4 weeks
4 Andorra No processing time available
5 Angola No processing time available
6 Anguilla No processing time available
7 Antigua and Barbuda No processing time available
8 Argentina No processing time available
9 Armenia No processing time available
10 Aruba No processing time available
11 Australia 11 weeks
12 Austria 10 weeks
13 Azerbaijan 5 weeks
14 Bahamas 11 weeks
15 Bahrain No processing time available
16 Bangladesh 3 weeks
17 Barbados 10 weeks
18 Belarus No processing time available
19 Belgium 10 weeks
20 Belize No processing time available
21 Benin 10 weeks
22 Bermuda No processing time available
23 Bhutan 4 weeks
24 Bolivia No processing time available
25 Bonaire No processing time available
26 Bosnia and Herzegovina No processing time available
27 Botswana No processing time available
28 Brazil 6 weeks
29 British Virgin Islands No processing time available
30 Brunei No processing time available
31 Bulgaria No processing time available
32 Burkina Faso 7 weeks
33 Burma (Myanmar) 4 weeks
34 Burundi 13 weeks
35 Cambodia 4 weeks
36 Cameroon 6 weeks
37 Cabo Verde No processing time available
38 Cayman Islands No processing time available
39 Central African Republic No processing time available
40 Chad 9 weeks
41 Chile 10 weeks
42 China (People’s Republic of) 6 weeks
43 Colombia 7 weeks
44 Comoros Island No processing time available
45 Costa Rica No processing time available
46 Côte d’Ivoire 8 weeks
47 Croatia No processing time available
48 Cuba No processing time available
49 Cyprus No processing time available
50 Czech Republic 10 weeks
51 Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) 5 weeks
52 Denmark 11 weeks
53 Djibouti No processing time available
54 Dominica No processing time available
55 Dominican Republic 5 weeks
56 Ecuador 6 weeks
57 Egypt 9 weeks
58 El Salvador No processing time available
59 Equatorial Guinea No processing time available
60 Eritrea No processing time available
61 Estonia No processing time available
62 Eswatini No processing time available
63 Ethiopia 10 weeks
64 Fiji No processing time available
65 Finland No processing time available
66 France 10 weeks
67 Gabon 6 weeks
68 Gambia 9 weeks
69 Georgia No processing time available
70 Germany 10 weeks
71 Ghana 12 weeks
72 Greece No processing time available
73 Grenada No processing time available
74 Gautemala No processing time available
75 Guinea 8 weeks
76 Guinea-Bissau No processing time available
77 Guyana No processing time available
78 Haiti 4 weeks
79 Holy See No processing time available
80 Honduras No processing time available
81 Hong Kong SAR 10 weeks
82 Hungary No processing time available
83 Iceland No processing time available
84 India 4 weeks
85 Indonesia 4 weeks
86 Iran 52 weeks
87 Iraq 17 weeks
88 Ireland 11 weeks
89 Israel 10 weeks
90 Italy 10 weeks
91 Jamaica 4 weeks
92 Japan 10 weeks
93 Jordan 6 weeks
94 Kazakhstan 8 weeks
95 Kenya 9 weeks
96 Kiribati No processing time available
97 Kosovo No processing time available
98 Kuwait 7 weeks
99 Kyrgyzstan No processing time available
100 Laos No processing time available
101 Latvia No processing time available
102 Lebanon 9 weeks
103 Lesotho No processing time available
104 Liberia 11 weeks
105 Libya No processing time available
106 Liechtenstein No processing time available
107 Lithuania No processing time available
108 Luxembourg No processing time available
109 Macao SAR No processing time available
110 Macedonia No processing time available
111 Madagascar 21 weeks
112 Malawi No processing time available
113 Malaysia 9 weeks
114 Maldives No processing time available
115 Mali 9 weeks
116 Malta No processing time available
117 Marshall Islands No processing time available
118 Martinique 10 weeks
119 Mauritania No processing time available
120 Mauritius 15 weeks
121 Mexico 5 weeks
122 Micronesia (Federated States of) No processing time available
123 Moldova No processing time available
124 Monaco No processing time available
125 Mongolia 3 weeks
126 Montenegro No processing time available
127 Morocco 8 weeks
128 Mozambique No processing time available
129 Namibia No processing time available
130 Nauru No processing time available
131 Nepal 4 weeks
132 Netherlands 11 weeks
133 New Caledonia No processing time available
134 New Zealand No processing time available
135 Nicaragua No processing time available
136 Niger 8 weeks
137 Nigeria 8 weeks
138 North Korea No processing time available
139 Norway 10 weeks
140 Oman No processing time available
141 Pakistan 10 weeks
142 Palestinian Authority (Gaza) No processing time available
143 Palestinian Authority (West Bank) No processing time available
144 Panama 6 weeks
145 Papua New Guinea No processing time available
146 Paraguay No processing time available
147 Peru 4 weeks
148 Philippines 4 weeks
149 Poland 9 weeks
150 Portugal No processing time available
151 Puerto Rico No processing time available
152 Qatar 8 weeks
153 Romania No processing time available
154 Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) 8 weeks
155 Russia 7 weeks
156 Rwanda 14 weeks
157 Samoa No processing time available
158 San Marino No processing time available
159 Sao Tome and Principe No processing time available
160 Saudi Arabia 6 weeks
161 Senegal 7 weeks
162 Serbia No processing time available
163 Seychelles No processing time available
164 Sierra Leone 7 weeks
165 Singapore 9 weeks
166 Slovakia 11 weeks
167 Slovenia No processing time available
168 Solomon Islands No processing time available
169 Somalia No processing time available
170 South Africa 12 weeks
171 South Korea 11 weeks
172 South Sudan No processing time available
173 Spain 11 weeks
174 Sri Lanka 7 weeks
175 St. Kitts and Nevis No processing time available
176 St. Lucia No processing time available
177 St. Vincent and Grenadines No processing time available
178 Sudan No processing time available
179 Suriname No processing time available
180 Sweden 10 weeks
181 Switzerland 10 weeks
182 Syria No processing time available
183 Tahiti No processing time available
184 Taiwan 12 weeks
185 Tajikistan No processing time available
186 Tanzania 12 weeks
187 Thailand 4 weeks
188 Timor-Leste (Timor oriental) No processing time available
189 Togo 12 weeks
190 Tonga No processing time available
191 Trinidad and Tobago 5 weeks
192 Tunisia 8 weeks
193 Turkiye 3 weeks
194 Turkmenistan No processing time available
195 Turks and Caicos Islands No processing time available
196 Tuvalu No processing time available
197 Uganda 11 weeks
198 Ukraine No processing time available
199 United Arab Emirates 9 weeks
200 United Kingdom 10 weeks
201 United States of America 10 weeks
202 Uruguay No processing time available
203 US Virgin Islands No processing time available
204 Uzbekistan 4 weeks
205 Vanuatu No processing time available
206 Venezuela No processing time available
207 Vietnam 7 weeks
208 Yemen No processing time available
209 Zambia No processing time available
210 Zimbabwe 15 weeks

 

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

October 8, 2025

Dear future neighbbour,

In a newly released Minister Transition Binder, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revealed which permanent residence (PR) application streams it intends to fully clear in 2025 and which ones will see only a partial inventory processed.

The bottom line: IRCC is aiming to completely eliminate its backlog for certain pathways (notably most Express Entry streams, PNP streams tied to Express Entry, federal community pilots, and Quebec’s skilled worker programs). For other economic and pilot programs, only a share of pending applications will be addressed in 2025.

Below, we break down IRCC’s plan by immigration stream, show key numbers and expected wait times, and discuss what this means for prospective applicants.

What IRCC Will and Won’t Fully Clear in 2025

IRCC’s strategy divides PR pathways into two broad groups:

  1. Streams whose full application inventory will be processed in 2025

  2. Streams for which only a portion of the inventory will be cleared

Here’s a breakdown:

Category PR Stream(s) Inventory Status as of Sept 11, 2025* Portion to Be Processed in 2025 Notes / Wait-Time Trends
Full clearance planned Express Entry (CEC, FSW, FSTP) CEC: 19,300 ● FSW: 12,500 100% Express Entry wait times hovering around 5–7 months
Express Entry–aligned PNP (Enhanced PNP) 16,300 100% PNP (Express Entry) sees wait times of ~6–7 months
Quebec skilled worker streams (PSTQ, PEQ, Quebec pilot programs) 27,600 100% Skilled worker wait times ~8–11 months
Quebec business streams 4,100 ~3% Business pathways have long delays (108+ months)
Federal community pilots (RNIP, RCIP, FCIP) 3,500 100% Wait times ~7–14 months
Partial clearance Base PNP (non-Express Entry) 87,700 ~35% (≈ 30,695) Wait times rising, up to ~19–24 months
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) 12,100 ~33% (≈ 3,993) Wait times soared to 24–27 months
Caregiver Pilots 34,400 ~14% (≈ 4,816) Delays now into the 80–108 month range
Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) 2,500 ~12% (≈ 300) Growing backlog, up to 36–54 months
Agrifood Pilot 8,900 ~5% (≈ 445) Extreme backlog escalation (up to 180–228 months)
Start-Up Visa (SUV) 38,600 ~2% (≈ 772) Substantial wait times (420+ months)

Figures are based on IRCC’s inventory as of September 11, 2025.

Highlights & Key Takeaways by Stream

Express Entry / Federal Skilled Programs

  • IRCC intends to process 100% of the backlog for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), and Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP) in 2025.

  • As of mid-September, the backlog stood at 19,300 for CEC and 12,500 for FSW.

  • Historical processing times over recent quarters have ranged from 5 to 7 months.

These figures suggest that IRCC believes it can return to a more predictable, efficient processing cycle

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

  • Enhanced (Express Entry–aligned) PNP streams will also see their backlog fully cleared. Inventory: ~16,300 applications.

  • Conversely, base (non-Express Entry) PNP streams will experience only ~35% inventory reduction (≈ 30,695 applications). Backlogs have led to wait times up to 19–24 months.

Quebec Immigration Streams

  • IRCC (in coordination with Quebec authorities) will clear the full backlog in the skilled worker category (including PSTQ, PEQ, and Quebec pilot programs) — ~27,600 applications.

  • The Quebec business immigration streams are treated more conservatively: only ~3% (~123 applications) of the backlog will be addressed, reflecting the complex vetting and longer delays involved (wait times have exceeded 108 months in recent quarters).

  • Skilled worker streams in Quebec have experienced wait times in the range of 8 to 11 months quarterly.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

  • Only one-third (~33%) of AIP’s backlog will be processed in 2025. That’s ~3,993 of 12,100 pending files.

  • Wait times have surged: from ~13 months in earlier quarters to 24–27 months as of 2025-Q1/Q2.

Federal Economic & Pilot Programs

  • Caregiver Pilots: ~14% of the backlog (~4,816 of 34,400) will be handled. Delays now reach 80–108 months in some quarters.

  • EMPP (Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot): ~12% (~300 out of 2,500) will be processed. Wait times recently spiked to 36–54 months

  • Agrifood Pilot: ~5% (~445 of 8,900) processed in 2025. Wait times have ballooned into the 180–228 month range (i.e. 15–19+ years!).

  • Start-Up Visa (SUV): Only ~2% (~772 of 38,600) will be processed. Processing times have reached 420+ months (35 years+ in some instances).

Federal Community Pilots (RNIP, RCIP, FCIP)

  • IRCC will fully clear the backlog (~3,500 applications) in 2025.

  • Recent wait times have ranged from 7 to 14 months depending on the quarter.

What This Means for Prospective Applicants (and What to Watch For)

1. Better prospects for Express Entry & Enhanced PNP routes

Because IRCC aims to eliminate those backlogs entirely, candidates in these streams may benefit from faster turnaround times and more predictable processing.

2. Long waits persist for “niche” and pilot routes

For pathways like Start-Up Visa, Agrifood, caregiver programs, and EMPP, the current delays are extreme — and only a small fraction of pending applications will move forward in 2025. That suggests continued frustration for applicants in those categories.

3. Quebec business streams remain heavily constrained

Given the tiny percentage allocated to business immigration pathways, those considering Quebec business investment or entrepreneur streams should anticipate very protracted processing times.

4. Processing time trends still volatile

Note how wait times for many streams have fluctuated wildly from quarter to quarter — e.g. PNP (base) rising from ~11 to 24 months, AIP jumping to 27 months. The backlog is real, and clearing it won’t necessarily bring stability overnight.

5. Policy shifts may change the numbers

These figures come from IRCC’s internal planning (via the Minister’s binder). Actual processing outcomes will depend on staffing, budgets, validation of applications, and shifting immigration priorities.

What This Means Moving Forward

IRCC’s 2025 roadmap is bold: full clearance of Express Entry, aligned PNP, Quebec skilled worker streams, and federal community pilots. For many applicants, this signals a return to more reliable processing. Yet for many niche economic and pilot classes, the backlog remains formidable, and only a sliver will be handled in the coming year.

If you’re planning to apply (or are in process) in any of these streams, now is a good time to monitor updates from IRCC, check your eligibility or pathways for switching streams, and weigh your options carefully.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

October 7, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw on October 6, 2025, inviting 4,500 candidates who demonstrated strong French language proficiency. This was the latest category-based draw under the Express Entry system, part of Canada’s ongoing strategy to attract more Francophone immigrants and strengthen bilingual communities across the country.

See below details of the October 6, 2025 Express Entry Draw

  • Program: French Language Proficiency
  • Draw date / round: October 6, 2025- Round #371
  • CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 432
  • Number of invitations issued: 4,500
  • Tie-breaking rule: June 13, 2025

Continued Focus on Francophone Immigration

This draw reinforces IRCC’s consistent focus throughout 2025 on welcoming more French-speaking skilled workers outside of Quebec. By prioritizing this group, the federal government aims to promote linguistic diversity and support its target of increasing the proportion of Francophones settling in Canada’s English-speaking provinces.

Compared to the previous French-language draw held on September 4, 2025, which required a CRS of 446, this new cutoff represents a 14-point decrease. The lower score indicates that IRCC is expanding access for French-proficient candidates, likely to ensure that annual immigration targets are met while also recognizing the value of bilingual talent in Canada’s labor market.

See below summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Cut-off CRS score
October 6 French language proficiency 4,500 432
October 1 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
September 29 Provincial Nominee Program 291 855
September 18 Trade 1,250 505
September 17 Education 2,500 462
September 15 Provincial Nominee Program 228 746
September 4 French language proficiency 4,500 446
September 3 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
September 2 Provincial Nominee Program 249 772
August 19 Healthcare and social services 2,500 470
August 18 Provincial Nominee Program 192 800
August 8 French language proficiency 2,500 481
August 7 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
August 6 Provincial Nominee Program 225 739
July 22 Healthcare and social services 4,000 475
July 21 Provincial Nominee Program 202 788
July 8 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 518
July 7 Provincial Nominee Program 356 750
June 26 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 521
June 23 Provincial Nominee Program 503 742
June 12 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 529
June 10 Provincial Nominee Program 125 784
June 4 Healthcare and social services 500 504
June 2 Provincial Nominee Program 277 726
May 13 Canadian Experience Class 500 547
May 12 Provincial Nominee Program 511 706
May 2 Healthcare and social services 500 510
May 1 Education 1,000 479
April 28 Provincial Nominee Program 421 727
April 14 Provincial Nominee Program 825 764
March 21 French language proficiency 7,500 379
March 17 Provincial Nominee Program 536 736
March 6 French language proficiency 4,500 410
March 3 Provincial Nominee Program 725 667
February 19 French language proficiency 6,500 428
February 17 Provincial Nominee Program 646 750
February 5 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 521
February 4 Provincial Nominee Program 455 802
January 23 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 527
January 8 Canadian Experience Class 1,350 542
January 7 Provincial Nominee Program 471 793

What This Means for Applicants

The October 6 draw was not limited to specific occupations or economic programs — anyone in the Express Entry pool who met the French language criteria and general eligibility requirements could receive an invitation. This inclusive approach benefits candidates from a wide range of professional backgrounds, from educators and engineers to healthcare professionals and IT specialists, as long as they can demonstrate French fluency through an approved test such as TEF Canada or TCF Canada.

For candidates who do not yet have strong French skills, this draw is a reminder of how language ability can significantly influence Express Entry opportunities. Improving language scores, whether in English or French, remains one of the most effective ways to increase CRS points and boost chances of receiving an invitation in future rounds.

How This Fits Into Canada’s 2025 Immigration Goals

Throughout 2025, Canada has relied heavily on category-based Express Entry draws, focusing on priority sectors and skills such as healthcare, trades, education, and French-language proficiency. These targeted rounds allow IRCC to address specific labor shortages while aligning immigration with regional and demographic goals.

By early October, the total number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued through Express Entry had surpassed 60,000 for the year, with French-language draws representing a significant share. The October 6 draw alone added another 4,500 potential permanent residents to that count, demonstrating the importance of linguistic diversity within Canada’s immigration system.

What Next

Those who received an Invitation to Apply on October 6 now have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application to IRCC. Applicants should ensure that all documents  including proof of language test results, education credentials, and work experience  are accurate and up to date.

For candidates who are still waiting in the pool, this draw highlights the need to keep their profiles active and up to date. Improving education credentials, gaining more work experience, boosting language test scores, or applying for a provincial nomination can all help increase their ranking and chances of receiving an invitation.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

October 2, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

Canada has once again highlighted the importance of Canadian work experience in its immigration system. On October 1, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted an Express Entry draw exclusively for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

See below Details of October 1, 2025 Express Entry Draw

  • Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Draw date / round: October 1, 2025- Round #370
  • CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 534
  • Number of invitations issued: 1,000
  • Rank needed: 1,000 or above
  • Tie-breaking rule: February 21, 2025

Why This Draw Stands Out

CEC draws are particularly significant because they target applicants who are already familiar with Canada’s workplace culture and economy. These candidates often have a smoother transition to permanent residency, which is why the government continues to prioritize them.

The CRS score needed to qualify, set at 534, is similar to past CEC draws this year, showing that Canada is keeping a steady approach to inviting these applicants. Although only 1,000 people were invited, the draw still provides reliable chances for those with valuable Canadian work experience

See below summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Cut-off CRS score
October 1 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
September 29 Provincial Nominee Program 291 855
September 18 Trade 1,250 505
September 17 Education 2,500 462
September 15 Provincial Nominee Program 228 746
September 4 French language proficiency 4,500 446
September 3 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
September 2 Provincial Nominee Program 249 772
August 19 Healthcare and social services 2,500 470
August 18 Provincial Nominee Program 192 800
August 8 French language proficiency 2,500 481
August 7 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
August 6 Provincial Nominee Program 225 739
July 22 Healthcare and social services 4,000 475
July 21 Provincial Nominee Program 202 788
July 8 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 518
July 7 Provincial Nominee Program 356 750
June 26 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 521
June 23 Provincial Nominee Program 503 742
June 12 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 529
June 10 Provincial Nominee Program 125 784
June 4 Healthcare and social services 500 504
June 2 Provincial Nominee Program 277 726
May 13 Canadian Experience Class 500 547
May 12 Provincial Nominee Program 511 706
May 2 Healthcare and social services 500 510
May 1 Education 1,000 479
April 28 Provincial Nominee Program 421 727
April 14 Provincial Nominee Program 825 764
March 21 French language proficiency 7,500 379
March 17 Provincial Nominee Program 536 736
March 6 French language proficiency 4,500 410
March 3 Provincial Nominee Program 725 667
February 19 French language proficiency 6,500 428
February 17 Provincial Nominee Program 646 750
February 5 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 521
February 4 Provincial Nominee Program 455 802
January 23 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 527
January 8 Canadian Experience Class 1,350 542
January 7 Provincial Nominee Program 471 793

 

What This Means for Applicants

For anyone hoping to move to Canada, the October 1 draw highlights a few important things:

  1. Canadian Experience Matters – Work experience gained in Canada continues to provide a major advantage.

  2. High CRS Still Required – Even with targeted draws, competition remains intense, with scores in the 500s often needed.

  3. Timing Can Be Critical – The tie-breaking rule demonstrates the value of creating and updating your profile as early as possible.

  4. Diverse Draw Types Will Continue – Applicants should watch for future rounds targeting categories such as healthcare, trades, education, and French-language proficiency.

So far in 2025, Canada has invited 66,838 candidates through Express Entry. Most invitations have gone to those nominated by provinces, while the rest were spread among applicants in the Canadian Experience Class, French-speaking candidates, and individuals working in priority occupations.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

October 2, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

If you’re planning to travel, work, or study in Canada, it’s important to know how long it may take for your application to be processed. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updates processing times regularly, and these can vary depending on the type of application and the applicant’s country of residence.

Below, you’ll find the most recent processing time updates for:

  • Visitor Visas

  • Work Permits

  • Study Permits

These estimates provide an overview of how long applications are currently taking to be finalized. Please note that processing times are subject to change and can be affected by the volume of applications, local visa office capacity, and individual circumstances.

Check the tables below for the latest timelines specific to your country.

IRCC processing time for Visitor Visa as at October 1, 2025

A visitor visa allows foreign nationals to travel to Canada for tourism, family visits, or short-term business. It is usually required for citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt.

S/N COUNTRY PROCESSING TIME
1 Afghanistan 91 days
2 Albania 55 days
3 Algeria 44 days
4 Andorra No processing time available
5 Angola 569 days
6 Anguilla No processing time
7 Antigua and Barbuda 27 days
8 Argentina 15 days
9 Armenia 26 days
10 Aruba 24 days
11 Australia 11 days
12 Austria 115 days
13 Azerbaijan 21 days
14 Bahamas 35 days
15 Bahrain 36 days
16 Bangladesh 21 days
17 Barbados 33 days
18 Belarus 29 days
19 Belgium 101 days
20 Belize 16 days
21 Benin 379 days
22 Bermuda 35 days
23 Bhutan 19 days
24 Bolivia 16 days
25 Bonaire No processing time available
26 Bosnia and Herzegovina 131 days
27 Botswana 464 days
28 Brazil 37 days
29 British Virgin Islands No processing time available
30 Brunei No processing time available
31 Bulgaria 9 days
32 Burkina Faso 95 days
33 Burma (Myanmar) 21 days
34 Burundi 144 days
35 Cambodia 21 days
36 Cameroon 590 days
37 Cabo Verde No processing time available
38 Cayman Islands 31 days
39 Central African Republic 160 days
40 Chad 254 days
41 Chile 16 days
42 China (People’s Republic of) 21 days
43 Colombia 57 days
44 Comoros Island No processing time available
45 Costa Rica 15 days
46 Côte d’Ivoire 205 days
47 Croatia 64 days
48 Cuba 15 days
49 Cyprus 50 days
50 Czech Republic 113 days
51 Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) 577 days
52 Denmark 43 days
53 Djibouti 24 days
54 Dominica 101 days
55 Dominican Republic 15 days
56 Ecuador 36 days
57 Egypt 124 days
58 El Salvador 15 days
59 Equatorial Guinea 162 days
60 Eritrea 66 days
61 Estonia 19 days
62 Eswatini 591 days
63 Ethiopia 68 days
64 Fiji 12 days
65 Finland 49 days
66 France 96 days
67 Gabon 152 days
68 Gambia 393 days
69 Georgia 21 days
70 Germany 102 days
71 Ghana 92 days
72 Greece 57 days
73 Grenada 28 days
74 Gautemala 15 days
75 Guinea 198 days
76 Guinea-Bissau No processing time available
77 Guyana 28 days
78 Haiti 20 days
79 Holy See No processing time avaialable
80 Honduras 15 days
81 Hong Kong SAR 24 days
82 Hungary 71 days
83 Iceland 162 days
84 India 75 days
85 Indonesia 38 days
86 Iran 181 days
87 Iraq 185 days
88 Ireland 44 days
89 Israel 57 days
90 Italy 56 days
91 Jamaica 33 days
92 Japan 28 days
93 Jordan 153 days
94 Kazakhstan 27 days
95 Kenya 76 days
96 Kiribati No processing time available
97 Kosovo 152 days
98 Kuwait 46 days
99 Kyrgyzstan 17 days
100 Laos 19 days
101 Latvia No processing time available
102 Lebanon 51 days
103 Lesotho 409 days
104 Liberia 149 days
105 Libya 102 days
106 Liechtenstein No processing time available
107 Lithuania 17 days
108 Luxembourg 93 days
109 Macao SAR 21 days
110 Macedonia 140 days
111 Madagascar 363 days
112 Malawi 444 days
113 Malaysia 31 days
114 Maldives No processing time available
115 Mali 85 days
116 Malta 44 days
117 Marshall Islands No processing time available
118 Martinique No processing time available
119 Mauritania 467 days
120 Mauritius 131 days
121 Mexico 63 days
122 Micronesia (Federated States of) No processing time available
123 Moldova 16 days
124 Monaco No processing time available
125 Mongolia 22 days
126 Montenegro 85 days
127 Morocco 66 days
128 Mozambique 495 days
129 Namibia 491 days
130 Nauru No processing time available
131 Nepal 17 days
132 Netherlands 47 days
133 New Caledonia No processing time available
134 New Zealand 10 days
135 Nicaragua 17 days
136 Niger 294 days
137 Nigeria 28 days
138 North Korea No processing time available
139 Norway 51 days
140 Oman 39 days
141 Pakistan 46 days
142 Palestinian Authority (Gaza) 393 days
143 Palestinian Authority (West Bank) 393 days
144 Panama 36 days
145 Papua New Guinea No processing time available
146 Paraguay 15 days
147 Peru 15 days
148 Philippines 18 days
149 Poland 23 days
150 Portugal 88 days
151 Puerto Rico No processing time available
152 Qatar 49 days
153 Romania 7 days
154 Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) 111 days
155 Russia 29 days
156 Rwanda 144 days
157 Samoa No processing time available
158 San Marino No processing time available
159 Sao Tome and Principe No processing time available
160 Saudi Arabia 70 days
161 Senegal 277 days
162 Serbia 102 days
163 Seychelles No processing time available
164 Sierra Leone 125 days
165 Singapore 34 days
166 Slovakia No processing time available
167 Slovenia 98 days
168 Solomon Islanda No processing time available
169 Somalia 41 days
170 South Africa 401 days
171 South Korea 28 days
172 South Sudan 51 days
173 Spain 95 days
174 Sri Lanka 66 days
175 St. Kitts and Nevis 27 days
176 St. Lucia 34 days
177 St. Vincent and Grenadines 36 days
178 Sudan 329 days
179 Suriname 12 days
180 Sweden 47 days
181 Switzerland 102 days
182 Syria 105 days
183 Tahiti No processing time available
184 Taiwan 26 days
185 Tajikistan 29 days
186 Tanzania 137 days
187 Thailand 20 days
188 Timor-Leste (Timor oriental) No processing time available
189 Togo 176 days
190 Tonga No processing time available
191 Trinidad and Tobago 31 days
192 Tunisia 92 days
193 Turkiye 17 days
194 Turkmenistan 43 days
195 Turks and Caicos Islands 35 days
196 Tuvalu No processing time available
197 Uganda 71 days
198 Ukraine 46 days
199 United Arab Emirates 73 days
200 United Kingdom 48 days
201 United States of America 23 days
202 Uruguay 16 days
203 US Virgin Islands No processing time available
204 Uzbekistan 24 days
205 Vanuatu No processing time available
206 Venezuela 36 days
207 Vietnam 34 days
208 Yemen No processing time available
209 Zambia 516 days
210 Zimbabwe 531 days

 

See below IRCC processing time for Work Permit as at October 1, 2025

A work permit allows foreign nationals to work legally in Canada for a specified employer, job, or period of time. Depending on the program, some permits are employer-specific while others are open work permits.

S/N COUNTRY PROCESSING TIME 
1 Afghanistan No processing time available
2 Albania 10 weeks
3 Algeria 12 weeks
4 Andorra No processing time available
5 Angola No processing time available
6 Anguilla No processing time available
7 Antigua and Barbuda No processing time available
8 Argentina 6 weeks
9 Armenia No processing time available
10 Aruba No processing time available
11 Australia 4 weeks
12 Austria No processing time available
13 Azerbaijan No processing time available
14 Bahamas No processing time available
15 Bahrain No processing time available
16 Bangladesh 9 weeks
17 Barbados No processing time available
18 Belarus No processing time available
19 Belgium 5 weeks
20 Belize No processing time available
21 Benin 7 weeks
22 Bermuda No processing time available
23 Bhutan No processing time available
24 Bolivia No processing time available
25 Bonaire No processing time available
26 Bosnia and Herzegovina No processing time available
27 Botswana No processing time available
28 Brazil 7 weeks
29 British Virgin Islands No processing time available
30 Brunei No processing time available
31 Bulgaria No processing time available
32 Burkina Faso 7 weeks
33 Burma (Myanmar) No processing time available
34 Burundi No processing time available
35 Cambodia No processing time available
36 Cameroon 7 weeks
37 Cabo Verde No processing time available
38 Cayman Islands No processing time available
39 Central African Republic No processing time available
40 Chad No processing time available
41 Chile 6 weeks
42 China (People’s Republic of) 7 weeks
43 Colombia 8 weeks
44 Comoros Island No processing time available
45 Costa Rica No processing time available
46 Côte d’Ivoire 15 weeks
47 Croatia No processing time available
48 Cuba No processing time available
49 Cyprus No processing time available
50 Czech Republic No processing time available
51 Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) 10 weeks
52 Denmark No processing time available
53 Djibouti No processing time available
54 Dominica No processing time available
55 Dominican Republic 6 weeks
56 Ecuador 9 weeks
57 Egypt 14 weeks
58 El Salvador 3 weeks
59 Equatorial Guinea No processing time available
60 Eritrea No processing time available
61 Estonia No processing time available
62 Eswatini No processing time available
63 Ethiopia No processing time available
64 Fiji No processing time available
65 Finland No processing time available
66 France 6 weeks
67 Gabon No processing time available
68 Gambia No processing time available
69 Georgia No processing time available
70 Germany 11 weeks
71 Ghana 11 weeks
72 Greece No processing time available
73 Grenada No processing time available
74 Gautemala 1 week
75 Guinea No processing time available
76 Guinea-Bissau No processing time available
77 Guyana No processing time available
78 Haiti 6 weeks
79 Holy See No processing time available
80 Honduras 3 weeks
81 Hong Kong SAR 31 weeks
82 Hungary No processing time available
83 Iceland No processing time available
84 India 8 weeks
85 Indonesia No processing time available
86 Iran 47 weeks
87 Iraq 43 weeks
88 Ireland No processing time available
89 Israel 7 weeks
90 Italy 9 weeks
91 Jamaica 5 weeks
92 Japan 7 weeks
93 Jordan No processing time available
94 Kazakhstan No processing time available
95 Kenya No processing time available
96 Kiribati No processing time available
97 Kosovo No processing time available
98 Kuwait No processing time available
99 Kyrgyzstan No processing time available
100 Laos No processing time available
101 Latvia No processing time available
102 Lebanon 9weeks
103 Lesotho No processing time available
104 Liberia No processing time available
105 Libya No processing time available
106 Liechtenstein No processing time available
107 Lithuania No processing time available
108 Luxembourg No processing time available
109 Macao SAR No processing time available
110 Macedonia No processing time available
111 Madagascar 23 weeks
112 Malawi No processing time available
113 Malaysia 8 weeks
114 Maldives No processing time available
115 Mali No processing time available
116 Malta No processing time available
117 Marshall Islands No processing time available
118 Martinique No processing time available
119 Mauritania No processing time available
120 Mauritius 26 weeks
121 Mexico 2 weeks
122 Micronesia (Federated States of) No processing time available
123 Moldova No processing time available
124 Monaco No processing time available
125 Mongolia No processing time available
126 Montenegro No processing time available
127 Morocco 11 weeks
128 Mozambique No processing time available
129 Namibia No processing time available
130 Nauru No processing time available
131 Nepal 4 weeks
132 Netherlands No processing time available
133 New Caledonia No processing time available
134 New Zealand No processing time available
135 Nicaragua No processing time available
136 Niger No processing time available
137 Nigeria 11 weeks
138 North Korea No processing time available
139 Norway No processing time available
140 Oman No processing time available
141 Pakistan 12 weeks
142 Palestinian Authority (Gaza) No processing time available
143 Palestinian Authority (West Bank) No processing time available
144 Panama No processing time available
145 Papua New Guinea No processing time available
146 Paraguay No processing time available
147 Peru 4 weeks
148 Philippines 7 weeks
149 Poland No processing time available
150 Portugal No processing time available
151 Puerto Rico No processing time available
152 Qatar 26 weeks
153 Romania No processing time available
154 Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) No processing time available
155 Russia 7 weeks
156 Rwanda No processing time available
157 Samoa No processing time available
158 San Marino No processing time available
159 Sao Tome and Principe No processing time available
160 Saudi Arabia 7 weeks
161 Senegal 9 weeks
162 Serbia No processing time available
163 Seychelles No processing time available
164 Sierra Leone No processing time available
165 Singapore 11 weeks
166 Slovakia No processing time available
167 Slovenia No processing time available
168 Solomon Islanda No processing time available
169 Somalia No processing time available
170 South Africa 19 weeks
171 South Korea 9 weeks
172 South Sudan No processing time available
173 Spain 9 weeks
174 Sri Lanka 8 weeks
175 St. Kitts and Nevis No processing time available
176 St. Lucia No processing time available
177 St. Vincent and Grenadines No processing time available
178 Sudan No processing time available
179 Suriname No processing time available
180 Sweden 9 weeks
181 Switzerland No processing time available
182 Syria No processing time available
183 Tahiti No processing time available
184 Taiwan 7 weeks
185 Tajikistan No processing time available
186 Tanzania No processing time available
187 Thailand 5 weeks
188 Timor-Leste (Timor oriental) No processing time available
189 Togo 11 weeks
190 Tonga No processing time available
191 Trinidad and Tobago 4 weeks
192 Tunisia 9 weeks
193 Turkiye 3 weeks
194 Turkmenistan No processing time available
195 Turks and Caicos Islands No processing time available
196 Tuvalu No processing time available
197 Uganda No processing time available
198 Ukraine No processing time available
199 United Arab Emirates 22 weeks
200 United Kingdom 7 weeks
201 United States of America 3 weeks
202 Uruguay No processing time available
203 US Virgin Islands No processing time available
204 Uzbekistan No processing time available
205 Vanuatu No processing time available
206 Venezuela No processing time available
207 Vietnam 9 weeks
208 Yemen No processing time available
209 Zambia No processing time available
210 Zimbabwe No processing time available

 

See below IRCC processing time for Study Permit as at October 1, 2025

A study permit is required for international students who wish to pursue academic, vocational, or professional training at designated learning institutions in Canada. It outlines the conditions of study and the length of stay.

S/N COUNTRY PROCESSING TIME 
1 Afghanistan No processing time available
2 Albania 5 weeks
3 Algeria 5 weeks
4 Andorra No processing time available
5 Angola No processing time available
6 Anguilla No processing time available
7 Antigua and Barbuda No processing time available
8 Argentina No processing time available
9 Armenia No processing time available
10 Aruba No processing time available
11 Australia 11 weeks
12 Austria 10 weeks
13 Azerbaijan 6 weeks
14 Bahamas 11 weeks
15 Bahrain No processing time available
16 Bangladesh 4 weeks
17 Barbados 11 weeks
18 Belarus No processing time available
19 Belgium 10 weeks
20 Belize No processing time available
21 Benin 9 weeks
22 Bermuda 11 weeks
23 Bhutan 4 weeks
24 Bolivia No processing time available
25 Bonaire No processing time available
26 Bosnia and Herzegovina No processing time available
27 Botswana No processing time available
28 Brazil 5 weeks
29 British Virgin Islands No processing time available
30 Brunei No processing time available
31 Bulgaria No processing time available
32 Burkina Faso 6 weeks
33 Burma (Myanmar) 4 weeks
34 Burundi 12 weeks
35 Cambodia 4 weeks
36 Cameroon 6 weeks
37 Cabo Verde No processing time available
38 Cayman Islands No processing time available
39 Central African Republic No processing time available
40 Chad 7 weeks
41 Chile 10 weeks
42 China (People’s Republic of) 5 weeks
43 Colombia 6 weeks
44 Comoros Island No processing time available
45 Costa Rica No processing time available
46 Côte d’Ivoire 8 weeks
47 Croatia No processing time available
48 Cuba No processing time available
49 Cyprus No processing time available
50 Czech Republic 10 weeks
51 Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) 4 weeks
52 Denmark 11 weeks
53 Djibouti No processing time available
54 Dominica No processing time available
55 Dominican Republic 5 weeks
56 Ecuador 6 weeks
57 Egypt 10 weeks
58 El Salvador No processing time available
59 Equatorial Guinea No processing time available
60 Eritrea No processing time available
61 Estonia No processing time available
62 Eswatini No processing time available
63 Ethiopia 11 weeks
64 Fiji No processing time available
65 Finland No processing time available
66 France 10 weeks
67 Gabon 6 weeks
68 Gambia 10 weeks
69 Georgia No processing time available
70 Germany 10 weeks
71 Ghana 11 weeks
72 Greece No processing time available
73 Grenada No processing time available
74 Gautemala No processing time available
75 Guinea 7 weeks
76 Guinea-Bissau No processing time available
77 Guyana No processing time available
78 Haiti 4 weeks
79 Holy See No processing time available
80 Honduras No processing time available
81 Hong Kong SAR 10 weeks
82 Hungary No processing time available
83 Iceland No processing time available
84 India 4 weeks
85 Indonesia 4 weeks
86 Iran 49 weeks
87 Iraq 14 weeks
88 Ireland 11 weeks
89 Israel 10 weeks
90 Italy 10 weeks
91 Jamaica 4 weeks
92 Japan 10 weeks
93 Jordan 6 weeks
94 Kazakhstan 9 weeks
95 Kenya 9 weeks
96 Kiribati No processing time available
97 Kosovo No processing time available
98 Kuwait 13 weeks
99 Kyrgyzstan No processing time available
100 Laos No processing time available
101 Latvia No processing time available
102 Lebanon 8 weeks
103 Lesotho No processing time available
104 Liberia 9 weeks
105 Libya No processing time available
106 Liechtenstein No processing time available
107 Lithuania No processing time available
108 Luxembourg No processing time available
109 Macao SAR No processing time available
110 Macedonia No processing time available
111 Madagascar 18 weeks
112 Malawi No processing time available
113 Malaysia 7 weeks
114 Maldives No processing time available
115 Mali 7 weeks
116 Malta No processing time available
117 Marshall Islands No processing time available
118 Martinique 10 weeks
119 Mauritania No processing time available
120 Mauritius 11 weeks
121 Mexico 5 weeks
122 Micronesia (Federated States of) No processing time available
123 Moldova No processing time available
124 Monaco No processing time available
125 Mongolia No processing time available
126 Montenegro No processing time available
127 Morocco 8 weeks
128 Mozambique No processing time available
129 Namibia No processing time available
130 Nauru No processing time available
131 Nepal 4 weeks
132 Netherlands 11 weeks
133 New Caledonia No processing time available
134 New Zealand No processing time available
135 Nicaragua No processing time available
136 Niger 7 weeks
137 Nigeria 8 weeks
138 North Korea No processing time available
139 Norway 10 weeks
140 Oman No processing time available
141 Pakistan 9 weeks
142 Palestinian Authority (Gaza) No processing time available
143 Palestinian Authority (West Bank) No processing time available
144 Panama 6 weeks
145 Papua New Guinea No processing time available
146 Paraguay No processing time available
147 Peru 4 weeks
148 Philippines 5 weeks
149 Poland 9 weeks
150 Portugal No processing time available
151 Puerto Rico No processing time available
152 Qatar 9 weeks
153 Romania No processing time available
154 Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) 8 weeks
155 Russia 6 weeks
156 Rwanda 13 weeks
157 Samoa No processing time available
158 San Marino No processing time available
159 Sao Tome and Principe No processing time available
160 Saudi Arabia 5 weeks
161 Senegal 7 weeks
162 Serbia No processing time available
163 Seychelles No processing time available
164 Sierra Leone 6 weeks
165 Singapore 10 weeks
166 Slovakia 11 weeks
167 Slovenia No processing time available
168 Solomon Islanda No processing time available
169 Somalia No processing time available
170 South Africa 14 weeks
171 South Korea 11 weeks
172 South Sudan No processing time available
173 Spain 11 weeks
174 Sri Lanka 7 weeks
175 St. Kitts and Nevis No processing time available
176 St. Lucia No processing time available
177 St. Vincent and Grenadines No processing time available
178 Sudan No processing time available
179 Suriname No processing time available
180 Sweden 10 weeks
181 Switzerland 10 weeks
182 Syria No processing time available
183 Tahiti No processing time available
184 Taiwan 12 weeks
185 Tajikistan No processing time available
186 Tanzania 13 weeks
187 Thailand 4 weeks
188 Timor-Leste (Timor oriental) No processing time available
189 Togo 9 weeks
190 Tonga No processing time available
191 Trinidad and Tobago 5 weeks
192 Tunisia 7 weeks
193 Turkiye 3 weeks
194 Turkmenistan No processing time available
195 Turks and Caicos Islands No processing time available
196 Tuvalu No processing time available
197 Uganda 11 weeks
198 Ukraine No processing time available
199 United Arab Emirates 9 weeks
200 United Kingdom 10 weeks
201 United States of America 10 weeks
202 Uruguay No processing time available
203 US Virgin Islands No processing time available
204 Uzbekistan 4 weeks
205 Vanuatu No processing time available
206 Venezuela No processing time available
207 Vietnam 7 weeks
208 Yemen No processing time available
209 Zambia No processing time available
210 Zimbabwe 13 weeks

 

Need help with your Canadian Immigration Journey?

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work or study permit application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) profile, preparing your documents after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), or simply want an expert review of your self-prepared application — our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

📩 Schedule a consultation today or reach out at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

September 30, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the latest round of invitations under the Express Entry system on Monday, September 29, 2025. The draw, officially Express Entry Draw #369, was targeted specifically at candidates who had secured a Provincial Nomination.

Key Results of Draw #369

Date of draw: September 29, 2025

Draw type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)–specific

Number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 291

Minimum CRS score required:855

Tie-breaking rule: April 8, 2025

Only candidates who had already received a provincial nomination and whose Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score met or exceeded 855 were invited to apply.

Why the Cut-off is So High

The CRS cut-off of 855 is steep but expected in a PNP-specific draw. A provincial nomination alone adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score. This means the base CRS of invited candidates was around 255 or higher before the nomination boost.

For comparison:

•Recent trade occupation draws required CRS scores around 505.

•The recent education category draw had a cut-off of 462.

•A French-language draw earlier in September had a threshold as low as 446.

This makes PNP draws unique — they are small, highly selective, and aimed at candidates already endorsed by Canadian provinces.

See below summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Cut-off CRS score
September 29 Provincial Nominee Program 291 855
September 18 Trade 1,250 505
September 17 Education 2,500 462
September 15 Provincial Nominee Program 228 746
September 4 French language proficiency 4,500 446
September 3 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
September 2 Provincial Nominee Program 249 772
August 19 Healthcare and social services 2,500 470
August 18 Provincial Nominee Program 192 800
August 8 French language proficiency 2,500 481
August 7 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
August 6 Provincial Nominee Program 225 739
July 22 Healthcare and social services 4,000 475
July 21 Provincial Nominee Program 202 788
July 8 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 518
July 7 Provincial Nominee Program 356 750
June 26 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 521
June 23 Provincial Nominee Program 503 742
June 12 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 529
June 10 Provincial Nominee Program 125 784
June 4 Healthcare and social services 500 504
June 2 Provincial Nominee Program 277 726
May 13 Canadian Experience Class 500 547
May 12 Provincial Nominee Program 511 706
May 2 Healthcare and social services 500 510
May 1 Education 1,000 479
April 28 Provincial Nominee Program 421 727
April 14 Provincial Nominee Program 825 764
March 21 French language proficiency 7,500 379
March 17 Provincial Nominee Program 536 736
March 6 French language proficiency 4,500 410
March 3 Provincial Nominee Program 725 667
February 19 French language proficiency 6,500 428
February 17 Provincial Nominee Program 646 750
February 5 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 521
February 4 Provincial Nominee Program 455 802
January 23 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 527
January 8 Canadian Experience Class 1,350 542
January 7 Provincial Nominee Program 471 793

 

The Role of Provincial Nominations

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program allows provinces and territories to nominate immigration candidates who have skills and experience aligned with local labour market needs. Once nominated, candidates get a major CRS boost, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) when IRCC conducts a PNP-specific draw.

The 291 invitations in this round reflect both the provinces’ labour needs and IRCC’s ongoing effort to use category-based and targeted draws to address shortages across regions and industries.

What This Means for Candidates

1.PNP remains a golden ticket: If your CRS is not competitive in general or occupation-based draws, pursuing a provincial nomination remains one of the most effective ways to secure permanent residency.

2.Early submission is critical: The tie-break rule shows that timing matters — among candidates at the cut-off score, those who submitted earlier received priority.

3.Expect continued category focus: In 2025, IRCC has leaned heavily on targeted draws (PNP, trades, education, French, healthcare), reducing reliance on broad all-program rounds. Candidates should keep monitoring which categories align with their profile.

With Canada’s ongoing immigration targets set to remain high, IRCC is expected to continue alternating between category-based draws and PNP-specific draws to meet both national and provincial labour needs.

Candidates aiming for Canadian permanent residency are advised to:

•Explore provincial nomination opportunities actively.

•Keep CRS scores competitive by improving language results, education credentials, and Canadian work experience where possible.

•Stay updated on IRCC’s draw schedules and categories to anticipate upcoming opportunities

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

 

September 29, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) has conducted its latest immigration draw on September 19, 2025, issuing a total of 129 invitations to apply for provincial nomination.

Key Details of the Draw

  • Date: September 19, 2025

  • Invitations issued: 129

  • Category: Labour Impact and Express Entry

  • Business/Entrepreneur invitations: 0

All invitations in this round were issued under the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams, with no invitations allocated to the Business Work Permit/Entrepreneur category.

Focus on Labour and Express Entry Candidates

The invitations were targeted toward candidates who:

  • Are working in priority sectors aligned with the province’s labour market needs.

  • Already have a job offer from a PEI employer or are currently employed in the province.

  • May include recent graduates from PEI post-secondary institutions (University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, and Collège de l’Île).

By focusing solely on the labour and express entry streams, PEI continues its 2025 strategy of addressing urgent skilled worker shortages while maximizing the impact of its limited federal nomination allocation.

2025 PEI PNP Trends

The September 19 draw follows several earlier rounds this year:

  • August 21, 2025 — 132 invitations (Labour/Express Entry).

  • July 17, 2025 — 39 invitations.

  • June 19, 2025 — 52 invitations, including 1 under the Business stream.

  • April & May 2025 — Two large rounds of 168 invitations each.

So far in 2025, PEI has issued hundreds of invitations, but fewer than in 2024, reflecting the province’s reduced federal nomination quota of 1,025 for the year. This reduction has made draws more competitive and more tightly focused on applicants with strong economic ties to the province.

What This Means for Applicants

  • Labour market alignment is crucial: PEI is clearly prioritizing candidates with skills in healthcare, trades, manufacturing, and other key industries.

  • Job offers matter: Having an active PEI employer connection greatly improves an applicant’s chances of receiving an invitation.

  • Business category on pause: With repeated rounds excluding entrepreneur invitations, those in the business stream may face longer waits.

  • Upcoming opportunities: According to the PEI immigration office’s published schedule, the next draws are expected on October 16, November 20, and December 18, 2025.

The September 19, 2025 PEI PNP draw highlights the province’s ongoing commitment to addressing labour shortages by selecting candidates most likely to integrate quickly into the workforce.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

September 22, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

Manitoba continues to refine its Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) in response to labour market demands, immigration trends, and evolving federal policies. With reduced nomination allocations this year, tighter competition, and targeted draws.

Recent Draws and Invitations

In 2025, Manitoba has conducted several key draws under its Skilled Worker in Manitoba, Skilled Worker Overseas, and International Education streams.

  • September 18, 2025: A major round invited 911 skilled workers through Manitoba’s Strategic Recruitment Initiatives. No minimum cut-off score was published for this draw.

  • June 26, 2025: A combined round issued 478 invitations to international education graduates and foreign workers connected to Manitoba, alongside 14 invitations under skilled worker streams with a cut-off score of 712.

  • June 12, 2025: A targeted draw invited 36 skilled workers overseas, with the lowest-ranked candidate scoring 613. Five of these invitations went to candidates with valid Express Entry profiles.

  • March 2025: Manitoba invited 101 candidates under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream with a cut-off of 844, and 7 overseas candidates via strategic recruitment initiatives with a minimum score of 705.

These draws highlight Manitoba’s focus on both domestic graduates and strategically recruited foreign workers.

Policy Changes and Program Adjustments

The MPNP has also seen notable policy shifts this year:

  1. Employer Services Stream Pause
    Intake of new applications under the Employer Services stream was temporarily paused from July 4 to August 5, 2025. Applications submitted before the pause remain unaffected.

  2. Temporary Work Permit Policy
    A new public policy allows eligible PNP candidates to apply for Manitoba-specific work permits valid for up to two years. This measure supports workers whose permits have expired, are expiring soon, or who need restoration of status. The program runs until December 31, 2025.

  3. Reduced Nomination Allocation
    Manitoba’s allocation of provincial nominations was reduced in 2025 to 4,750 spots, down by nearly half compared to previous years. This makes competition for invitations significantly tighter.

What This Means for Applicants

For prospective immigrants, these updates present both challenges and opportunities:

  • Strategic Recruitment Initiatives remain critical. Candidates connected to Manitoba employers or occupations in demand have stronger chances.

  • International students and recent graduates benefit from the International Education Stream, which continues to issue large volumes of invitations.

  • Express Entry connections improve eligibility and processing speed, as draws often favour candidates with active Express Entry profiles.

  • Valid work authorization is essential. The new temporary work permit policy offers relief, but only until the end of 2025.

  • Higher competition is expected due to the reduced allocation, meaning strong applications and complete documentation are more important than ever.

Outlook for 2025

While Manitoba’s PNP continues to provide pathways for skilled workers, students, and internationally recruited talent, applicants must carefully time their applications, monitor official updates, and maintain eligibility.

With nomination caps reduced, future draws are likely to remain competitive and strategically targeted. However, the province’s support measures like the temporary work permit policy—signal Manitoba’s commitment to retaining workers who can contribute to its labour market and communities.

Manitoba’s 2025 PNP landscape is defined by opportunity tempered with heightened selectivity. For those considering this pathway, preparation, strong connections to Manitoba, and close attention to evolving policies will be the keys to success.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

 

September 19, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

On September 18, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ran a category-based Express Entry draw for trade occupations, issuing 1,250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). The lowest-ranked candidate invited in that draw had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 505.

See below details of September 18 Express Entry draw

  • Date & type: IRCC held a trades-category Express Entry draw on September 18, 2025.

  • Number of ITAs: 1,250 candidates were invited

  • Minimum CRS score: The cut-off (lowest CRS score among invited candidates) was 505.

  • Tie-breaker timestamp: November 5, 2024

Who this draw targeted

IRCC’s trade draws are category-based selections that require candidates to have experience in one of a small set of eligible trade occupations. Candidates needed at least six months’ experience in an eligible trade to be considered.

See the full list of 25 trades-eligible occupations below:

Occupation NOC code
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services 82021
Floor covering installers 73113
Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) 73112
Roofers and shinglers 73110
Concrete finishers 73100
Other technical trades and related occupations 72999
Water well drillers 72501
Electrical mechanics 72422
Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics 72402
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics 72401
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics 72400
Bricklayers 72320
Cabinetmakers 72311
Carpenters 72310
Gas fitters 72302
Plumbers 72300
Industrial electricians 72201
Electricians (except industrial and power system) 72200
Welders and related machine operators 72106
Sheet metal workers 72102
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors 72100
Home building and renovation managers 70011
Construction managers 70010
Cooks 63200
Construction estimators 22303

How this draw compares to past trade draws

This 505 cut-off is substantially higher than previous trade draws (previous trade cut-offs in 2023–2024 ranged mostly in the high-300s to mid-400s), which makes this round unusually selective for a trade-category draw. Various analysts point to the long gap since the last trades draw (October 2024) and a smaller number of ITAs compared with some past rounds as reasons the cut-off rose.

Summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Cut-off CRS score
September 17 Education 2,500 462
September 15 Provincial Nominee Program 228 746
September 4 French language proficiency 4,500 446
September 3 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
September 2 Provincial Nominee Program 249 772
August 19 Healthcare and social services 2,500 470
August 18 Provincial Nominee Program 192 800
August 8 French language proficiency 2,500 481
August 7 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
August 6 Provincial Nominee Program 225 739
July 22 Healthcare and social services 4,000 475
July 21 Provincial Nominee Program 202 788
July 8 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 518
July 7 Provincial Nominee Program 356 750
June 26 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 521
June 23 Provincial Nominee Program 503 742
June 12 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 529
June 10 Provincial Nominee Program 125 784
June 4 Healthcare and social services 500 504
June 2 Provincial Nominee Program 277 726
May 13 Canadian Experience Class 500 547
May 12 Provincial Nominee Program 511 706
May 2 Healthcare and social services 500 510
May 1 Education 1,000 479
April 28 Provincial Nominee Program 421 727
April 14 Provincial Nominee Program 825 764
March 21 French language proficiency 7,500 379
March 17 Provincial Nominee Program 536 736
March 6 French language proficiency 4,500 410
March 3 Provincial Nominee Program 725 667
February 19 French language proficiency 6,500 428
February 17 Provincial Nominee Program 646 750
February 5 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 521
February 4 Provincial Nominee Program 455 802
January 23 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 527
January 8 Canadian Experience Class 1,350 542
January 7 Provincial Nominee Program 471 793

What this means for trade candidates

  • If you’re in the Express Entry pool and in a listed trade occupation: a CRS of ~505 or higher would have been needed to receive an ITA in this round; if your score is lower, consider improvements (language test upgrades, additional qualifying work experience, education, or a provincial nomination).

  • Tie-break preparedness: if your CRS equals a published cut-off, IRCC uses the profile submission date/time to decide who receives an ITA — updating your profile doesn’t change your original submission timestamp. Make sure you know the exact timestamp on your profile.

Practical next steps (if this affects you)

  1. Confirm your NOC/occupation matches one of the eligible trades listed for this draw

  2. If your CRS is close to 505, consider: retaking language tests, getting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if not done, gaining additional verified work experience, or pursuing a provincial nomination.

  3. If you already received an ITA — submit a complete PR application within IRCC’s time limit and gather medicals, police checks, and supporting documents immediately.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

September 18, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

On September 17, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the fifth Express Entry draw of the month, targeting candidates in the Education occupations category.

This latest draw highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to using category-based selection to address Canada’s critical labour market needs, particularly in education.

Key Details of the Draw

  • Date: September 17, 2025

  • Draw type: Education category (category-based selection)

  • Number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 2,500

  • Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score: 462

  • Tie-breaking rule: July 9, 2025

This draw marks a significant increase in invitations compared to the previous education draw on May 1, 2025, which issued just 1,000 ITAs with a higher CRS cutoff of 479.

Summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Cut-off CRS score
September 17 Education 2,500 462
September 15 Provincial Nominee Program 228 746
September 4 French language proficiency 4,500 446
September 3 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
September 2 Provincial Nominee Program 249 772
August 19 Healthcare and social services 2,500 470
August 18 Provincial Nominee Program 192 800
August 8 French language proficiency 2,500 481
August 7 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
August 6 Provincial Nominee Program 225 739
July 22 Healthcare and social services 4,000 475
July 21 Provincial Nominee Program 202 788
July 8 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 518
July 7 Provincial Nominee Program 356 750
June 26 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 521
June 23 Provincial Nominee Program 503 742
June 12 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 529
June 10 Provincial Nominee Program 125 784
June 4 Healthcare and social services 500 504
June 2 Provincial Nominee Program 277 726
May 13 Canadian Experience Class 500 547
May 12 Provincial Nominee Program 511 706
May 2 Healthcare and social services 500 510
May 1 Education 1,000 479
April 28 Provincial Nominee Program 421 727
April 14 Provincial Nominee Program 825 764
March 21 French language proficiency 7,500 379
March 17 Provincial Nominee Program 536 736
March 6 French language proficiency 4,500 410
March 3 Provincial Nominee Program 725 667
February 19 French language proficiency 6,500 428
February 17 Provincial Nominee Program 646 750
February 5 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 521
February 4 Provincial Nominee Program 455 802
January 23 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 527
January 8 Canadian Experience Class 1,350 542
January 7 Provincial Nominee Program 471 793

Eligible Occupations

Candidates invited under this category belong to specific education-related National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, including:

  • NOC 41220 – Secondary school teachers

  • NOC 41221 – Elementary school and kindergarten teachers

  • NOC 43100 – Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants

  • NOC 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants

  • NOC 42203 – Instructors of persons with disabilities

These roles have been prioritized due to persistent shortages in Canada’s education sector.

 See below CRS Score Distribution in the Express Entry Pool

The table below shows the distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of September 14, 2025.

CRS Score Range Number of Candidates
601–1200 220
501–600 24,870
451–500 71,427
491–500 12,341
481–490 12,555
471–480 15,569
461–470 16,158
451–460 14,804
401–450 74,178
441–450 14,719
431–440 16,312
421–430 14,822
411–420 14,714
401–410 13,611
351–400 52,883
301–350 19,978
0–300 8,074
Total 251,630

What This Draw Means

The September 17 draw represents a bigger and more inclusive round than earlier education draws:

  • Lower cutoff score: At 462, the CRS requirement is 17 points lower than the May draw, opening the door to more candidates.

  • Increased invitations: More than double the number of ITAs were issued this time, showing a stronger demand for education professionals.

  • Category focus: This is part of IRCC’s broader trend of moving away from exclusively general draws and toward targeted category-based selection.

For eligible candidates in the education sector, this is a clear signal that opportunities are expanding.

What Applicants Should Do

  • Check your CRS score: If you are in one of the eligible NOCs and have a CRS of around 460 or higher, you may be competitive in future draws.

  • Submit early: The tie-breaking rule shows that the timing of profile submission matters. Candidates with the cutoff CRS of 462 needed to have submitted before July 9, 2025.

  • Boost your profile: For those under the cutoff, improving language scores, obtaining higher education credential assessments (ECAs), or pursuing provincial nominations can help.

  • Monitor draw trends: Category-based draws are becoming more frequent, and future rounds may continue to favour education professionals.

Conclusion

The September 17, 2025 Express Entry draw is a positive development for teachers, early childhood educators, and other education professionals seeking permanent residence in Canada. With a lower CRS threshold and more invitations than previous education draws, IRCC is clearly signaling the importance of this sector to Canada’s future.

Eligible candidates should take advantage of this opportunity by ensuring their profiles are up to date and competitive for the next rounds.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com