Waiting for an immigration decision can affect a job, a school intake, travel or family plans. IRCC publishes processing estimates for different applications, but choosing the correct category is essential. A visitor visa, visitor record and work permit each have a different purpose and timeline.
This guide presents selected official figures available when checked on October 6, 2026. Each table identifies the underlying update date. These are planning estimates, not approval deadlines or guarantees. Recheck the official tool before making commitments. [1]
Check the latest official processing times
Processing times can change. Check the latest official IRCC figures for your application type and country. The figures in this blog reflect the source dates shown and do not update automatically.
Check the latest IRCC processing times
Temporary residence applications
Outside-Canada estimates depend on where you apply from. The examples below compare India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines. Select your own country in IRCC’s tool rather than relying on another applicant’s experience. [1, 2]
| Application | India | Pakistan | UAE | Philippines |
| Visitor visa outside Canada | 30 days | 75 days | 56 days | 26 days |
| Super visa | 65 days | 100 days | 80 days | 97 days |
| Study permit outside Canada | 6 weeks | 6 weeks | 6 weeks | 5 weeks |
| Work permit outside Canada | 10 weeks | 8 weeks | 15 weeks | 7 weeks |
Source update: October 1, 2026. These are country-specific application categories, not separate promises for every work permit exemption or study program. [2]
Applications made inside Canada
| Application category | Published time | Source update |
| Visitor visa inside Canada | 11 days | October 1, 2026 |
| Visitor record extension | 385 days | October 1, 2026 |
| Work permit inside Canada | 108 days | October 1, 2026 |
| Study permit extension in Canada | 8 weeks | September 26, 2026 |
| Work permit extension in Canada | 12 weeks | September 26, 2026 |
The extension figures are forward-looking estimates for new applications. If you have already applied, the tool asks for your submission date and may show a different estimate. Do not treat the general inside-Canada work permit figure and the extension estimate as interchangeable. [1, 3, 4]
A visitor visa is a travel document; a visitor record concerns an authorized stay in Canada. Choosing the wrong processing category can produce a misleading plan.
Permanent residence and citizenship
The following forward-looking estimates apply to new applications. Existing applicants should use the “already applied” option and their application date. The PNP figures cover the federal stage, not the province’s nomination process. [1, 5]
| Application category | Published estimate |
| Canadian Experience Class | About 6 months |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | About 7 months |
| PNP through Express Entry | About 7 months |
| PNP outside Express Entry | About 13 months |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | About 26 months |
| Spouse or partner in Canada outside Quebec | About 26 months |
| Spouse or partner outside Canada destined outside Quebec | About 18 months |
| Parents and grandparents sponsorship outside Quebec | About 28 months |
| Citizenship grant | About 12 months |
| Citizenship certificate proof of citizenship | About 33 months |
Source update: September 3, 2026. Quebec-related sponsorship categories have separate estimates. An Express Entry profile’s time in the pool is outside the PR application processing period. [1, 5]
For PR cards, the October 1, 2026 figures were 34 days for a first card and 37 days for renewal or replacement. A PR card application is a separate category from a permanent residence application. [3]
How IRCC calculates processing times
Historical figures reflect the time taken to process 80% of complete applications in a recent period. Forward-looking estimates use application inventories and expected processing capacity; annual admission limits can also affect them. The clock runs from receipt of a complete application to a decision. [6]
Some cases take longer because documents need verification, additional information is required, or medical, security or background reviews remain outstanding. A posted estimate cannot show every issue in an individual file. [1]
Planning while your application is pending
Keep a record of your submission date, permit expiry, passport validity and any document requests. Build a buffer around travel and employment plans. A shorter estimate today does not change the conditions of your current status.
Eligible applicants who apply to extend a work permit before expiry may continue working under the existing conditions while the application is processed. This is conditional authorization; it does not automatically permit a new employer or unrestricted work. Travel and other status circumstances need separate review. [7]
Frequently asked questions
Does the posted time guarantee a decision
No. It is an estimate and your application can take longer. [1]
Why does my estimate differ from someone else’s
The application category, country, submission date and calculation method may differ. Compare the same category and update date. [1, 6]
Should I subtract the time already waited from a new application estimate
Use IRCC’s existing-applicant option where available. A new-application estimate does not automatically describe the time remaining on your file. [1]
Can a representative guarantee faster processing
No. At HV Global Immigration, we focus on accurate preparation, timely responses and realistic planning; we do not promise a government decision date.
Book a consultation with HV Global Immigration
We can review your application stage, documents and deadlines, and help you plan the next step. Book a consultation for a detailed assessment of your circumstances.
403-421-0007 | [email protected] | www.hvglobal.ca
Harish Sharma | Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant | R534969
Official sources
2. IRCC country-specific processing data
3. IRCC general processing data
4. IRCC weekly extension estimate data
5. IRCC monthly forward-looking estimate data
