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Visa Backlog Soars: SUV Processing Times Jump to 53 Months

10/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

SUV processing times rose from 12 months (2022) to over 53 months, hindering entrepreneurship.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) cut SUV admissions from 6,000 (2024) to 2,000 (2025), creating a backlog of over 42,000 applications.
A three-year open work permit lets applicants build businesses while waiting.
Critics say SUV underperforms. A U.S. shutdown could worsen visa processing, underscoring planning.

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Story summary

SUV processing times rose from 12 months (2022) to over 53 months, hindering entrepreneurship.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) cut SUV admissions from 6,000 (2024) to 2,000 (2025), creating a backlog of over 42,000 applications.
A three-year open work permit lets applicants build businesses while waiting.
Critics say SUV underperforms. A U.S. shutdown could worsen visa processing, underscoring planning.