IRCC processing times
How long IRCC is currently taking to process applications. IRCC updates these figures regularly, and they describe past applications, not a promise for yours.
Visas and permits, by country
| Application | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (outside Canada) | 103 days |
| Study permit (outside Canada) | 11 weeks |
| Work permit (outside Canada) | 10 weeks |
| Super visa | 33 days |
IRCC update: November 4, 2026.
Applications inside Canada
| Application | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Study permit extension (inside Canada) | 53 days |
| Work permit inside Canada, including PGWP | 120 days |
| Visitor record / extension | 310 days |
| PR card (new) | 29 days |
| PR card renewal | 46 days |
| Citizenship search | 18 months |
Permanent residence and citizenship
| Program | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry) | About 6 months |
| Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry) | About 7 months |
| Provincial nominee (Express Entry) | About 7 months |
| Provincial nominee (non-Express Entry) | About 13 months |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | About 26 months |
| Spouse or partner, living in Canada (outside Quebec) | About 26 months |
| Spouse or partner, living outside Canada (outside Quebec) | About 18 months |
| Dependent children outside Canada (outside Quebec) | About 41 months |
| Parents and grandparents (outside Quebec) | About 28 months |
| Protected persons in Canada (outside Quebec) | About 13 months |
| Humanitarian and compassionate (outside Quebec) | More than 10 years |
| Caregivers | About 77 months |
| Start-up Visa | More than 10 years |
| Self-employed | More than 10 years |
| Citizenship grant | About 12 months |
IRCC update: October 9, 2026. Source: IRCC's processing times tool.
General information only, not legal advice. Every case is different: book a consultation with a licensed RCIC to discuss yours.
Is your application past the processing time?
When a file goes beyond IRCC's published time, there are steps that can help. We check our clients' files every week.