For permanent residents, becoming a Canadian citizen is often the final milestone in the immigration journey. In its 2025–26 Departmental Plan, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has outlined key goals for improving the processing and delivery of citizenship and passport services.
This blog breaks down the government’s priorities, targets, and service improvements relevant to foreign nationals, permanent residents, and internationally mobile Canadians.
Canadian Citizenship Applications : Focus on Processing Times and Satisfaction
IRCC’s strategic goal for 2025–26 is to ensure that 85% or more of eligible permanent residents become Canadian citizens. The latest data shows consistent results, with 83% of eligible residents having obtained citizenship in recent years.
However, IRCC also acknowledges past delays in processing. In 2022–23, only 36% of applications met service standards, but this number improved significantly to 66% in 2023–24. For 2025–26, the Department is targeting 80% compliance with service standards, aiming to reduce waiting times for applicants.
Client satisfaction is also a priority. In 2023–24, 88.6% of citizenship applicants reported being satisfied with the service they received, inching closer to IRCC’s target of 90%.
Canadian Passports: Meeting International Travel Standards
For Canadians travelling abroad, passports are not just travel documents—they’re symbols of trust and identity. According to IRCC, Canada’s passport compliance with international standards remains at 100%, a record it aims to maintain.
Passport service delivery has also improved. In 2023–24:
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91.4% of travel document applications met service standards, exceeding the 90% target.
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84.7% of applicants were satisfied with their experience, up from 71% the year prior.
As demand for passports grows, IRCC is actively enhancing its digital capabilities. A shift toward online passport applications is expected to streamline processing and reduce delays.
Risks, Resources, and Improvements
To manage the rising volume of applications and ensure service excellence, IRCC is allocating significant resources:
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Planned spending: $117.6 million
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Full-time staff: 1,844 personnel
The Department continues to monitor service performance in real-time and gather applicant feedback to adapt policies as needed. It is also working closely with service partners to identify risks, address bottlenecks, and improve overall access.
What This Means for Applicants
Whether you are:
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A permanent resident preparing your Canadian citizenship application,
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A Canadian citizen planning international travel, or
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An employer or advisor guiding clients through the immigration lifecycle—
It’s important to stay updated on IRCC’s evolving service standards and processing benchmarks. With increased investment and a stronger digital approach, 2025–26 is expected to offer improved timelines, better service, and a more streamlined application process.
Need legal guidance on your Canadian citizenship application or passport renewal?
Visaserve Immigration Law P.C. can help you navigate every step of the process with confidence.
