IRCC Processing Times - 2026

Current wait times for all Canadian immigration applications. Data sourced weekly from IRCC's official processing times tool. Use the lookup below to find the current time for your application type and country.

Live data - updated weekly

Last sync: June 22, 2026 · Source: IRCC

Processing Time Lookup

All 13 application types

Application Type

Country of Application

Select an application type above and click Look Up to see current processing times.

Disclaimer: Processing times are estimates based on IRCC's published data. Actual times vary based on application completeness, biometrics, medical exams, and IRCC workload. Always check ircc.canada.ca for the latest official numbers before making travel or work plans.

All processing times

Current IRCC Processing Times - All Application Types

Comprehensive processing time estimates for all major Canadian immigration application categories as of June 2026. Times represent 80th percentile - 80% of complete applications are processed within these times.

Temporary

Permanent Residency

Family

Citizenship

Trend

Application	Current time	Range	vs. 6 months ago	Notes
Study Permits
Study Permit - Outside Canada All nationalities (80th percentile)	11 weeks	7–18 weeks	3w faster	Biometrics may add 2–4 weeks. Indian applicants currently avg 8–12 weeks; Nigerian 12–20 weeks.
Study Permit - Student Direct Stream (SDS) Eligible countries: India, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Morocco, Senegal, Pakistan, Costa Rica, Peru, Antigua	20 days	14–28 days	Stable	Requires GIC, IELTS 6.0+, acceptance letter from DLI. Fastest study permit route.
Study Permit Extension - Inside Canada All nationalities	9 weeks	5–14 weeks	1w faster	Implied status maintained if applied before current permit expires.
Work Permits
Work Permit - LMIA-based (Outside Canada) All nationalities	14 weeks	8–24 weeks	2w slower	Indian applicants: 8–14w. Nigerian applicants: 12–22w. Philippine applicants: 10–18w.
Work Permit - CUSMA/USMCA (USA applicants) US citizens only	Same day – 2 weeks	0–14 days	Stable	Often processed at Canadian port of entry. Specific professional categories required. No LMIA needed.
Work Permit - LMIA-Exempt (Outside Canada) Intra-company, CETA, international agreements	6 weeks	3–12 weeks	Stable	Intra-company transfers typically faster. Employer compliance fee ($230 CAD) required.
Work Permit Extension - Inside Canada All nationalities	16 weeks	10–28 weeks	4w slower	Implied status maintained if applied before current permit expires. Do NOT wait until permit expires.
Open Work Permit - Spouse of Skilled Worker All nationalities	18 weeks	12–26 weeks	3w slower	Sponsor must hold NOC TEER 0–3 work permit. Currently experiencing delays.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Graduates from Canadian DLIs	7 weeks	4–14 weeks	2w faster	Must apply within 180 days of receiving final marks. Length tied to length of study (max 3 years).
Visitor Visa / Records
Visitor Visa (TRV) - Single or Multiple Entry All nationalities requiring a TRV	19 days	8–42 days	3d faster	Indian applicants: 14–30 days. Nigerian applicants: 21–45 days. Biometrics may extend timeline.
Visitor Record Extension - Inside Canada All nationalities	8 weeks	4–14 weeks	Stable	Implied status maintained if applied before status expires. Maximum extension: usually 6 months.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Visa-exempt nationalities (UK, Australia, etc.)	72 hours	Minutes – 72 hours	Stable	Most approved in minutes. Some require additional documents - allow 72h before travel. Required for visa-exempt nationals flying to Canada.

Application	Current time	Range	vs. 6 months ago	Notes
Express Entry
Express Entry - Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Post-ITA · Complete applications	6 months	4–8 months	1m faster	IRCC's 6-month service standard. Near-universally met for complete applications. Incomplete applications experience significant delays.
Express Entry - Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Post-ITA · Complete applications	6 months	4–7 months	Stable	Often slightly faster than FSW due to Canadian work experience reducing verification time. Medical and police certs must be current.
Express Entry - Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Post-ITA · Complete applications	6 months	5–9 months	Stable	Trade certification verification may add processing time. Red Seal trades generally process faster.
Provincial Nominee Program
PNP - Enhanced (Express Entry-linked) All provinces · Post-ITA	6 months	5–8 months	Stable	Same federal processing standard as standard EE. Provincial nomination processing time NOT included - varies by province (add 2–12 months).
PNP - Base (Non-Express Entry) All provinces · Paper stream	22 months	14–36 months	3m slower	Federal processing outside the Express Entry system. Significant variation by province and application completeness. Currently experiencing long backlogs.
Other PR Streams
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) NS, NB, PEI, NL	14 months	10–20 months	2m slower	Employer designation verification adds time. Settlement plan required and reviewed separately.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) Participating communities	18 months	14–26 months	Stable	Community recommendation required. Federal processing after community recommendation adds 12–18 months.
Agri-Food Pilot All nationalities	17 months	12–24 months	2m slower	Annual cap applies. Application window openings announced by IRCC. Check quota availability before applying.

Application	Current time	Range	vs. 6 months ago	Notes
Spousal and Partner Sponsorship
Spousal Sponsorship - Outland (Applicant Outside Canada) All nationalities	12 months	8–18 months	1m faster	Sponsor approval and applicant processing happen simultaneously (concurrent processing). Relationship genuineness is the most scrutinised element.
Spousal Sponsorship - Inland (Applicant Inside Canada) All nationalities	16 months	12–22 months	2m slower	Open work permit may be issued early (within 4–6 months) while application is being processed. Currently backlogged.
Common-law Partner Sponsorship All nationalities	14 months	10–20 months	Stable	Must prove 12+ months continuous cohabitation. Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409) required.
Children
Dependent Child Sponsorship All nationalities · Children under 22	13 months	9–18 months	Stable	Often processed simultaneously with a spousal sponsorship. Age lock-in rules apply - child's age is locked at application date.
Parents and Grandparents
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) All nationalities	24–36 months	20–48 months	Significant backlog	Subject to annual intake cap and lottery. Only those selected in the lottery can apply. Massive backlog from 2020–2022 COVID pause still clearing.
Super Visa - Parents and Grandparents All nationalities · Temporary resident	8 weeks	4–16 weeks	2w faster	Multiple-entry visa valid for 10 years; allows stays of up to 5 years per visit. Faster alternative while waiting for PGP sponsorship.

Application	Current time	Range	vs. 6 months ago	Notes
Citizenship
Citizenship Application - Adult Permanent residents meeting physical presence requirement	12 months	8–18 months	2m faster	Must have 1,095 days physical presence in Canada in the last 5 years as a PR. Citizenship test and language requirement (CLB 4). Currently improving from post-pandemic backlog.
Citizenship Application - Minor Children under 18 · Joint or alone with adult	10 months	7–15 months	2m faster	No test or language requirement for minors. Can apply jointly with a parent or independently if parent is already a citizen.
Permanent Residence Related
PR Card Renewal All permanent residents inside Canada	54 days	30–90 days	10d faster	Apply before current card expires if you plan to travel internationally. Expired PR card does not affect status inside Canada - only the ability to re-enter.
PR Travel Document (PRTD) PRs outside Canada with expired PR card	8 weeks	4–16 weeks	Stable	Applied at Canadian visa office abroad. Required to board a flight to Canada if your PR card has expired. Must prove you still meet residency obligation.
Other
Status Restoration - Work or Study Permit Inside Canada · Within 90 days of expiry	18 weeks	12–28 weeks	3w slower	Cannot work or study during processing. Must apply within 90 days of expiry. Strong explanation letter required.
H&C Application - Humanitarian & Compassionate All nationalities · Inside Canada	36–48 months	30–60 months	Major backlog	Significant backlogs from pandemic period. No definitive service standard. One of IRCC's longest processing categories currently.

2026 processing time trends at a glance

Study permit times have improved significantly since the Student Direct Stream expansion. Work permit extensions are experiencing delays due to high volume from post-pandemic hiring. Express Entry remains at or near its 6-month service standard. Family sponsorship continues to clear the COVID-era backlog.

Getting faster

Study Permit (Outside) 3 weeks

Spousal Sponsorship (Outland) 1 month

Visitor Visa (TRV) 3 days

PR Card Renewal 10 days

PGWP 2 weeks

Citizenship Application 2 months

Getting slower

Work Permit Extension (Inside) 4 weeks

Open WP - Spouse of Skilled Worker 3 weeks

Work Permit - LMIA-based (Outside) 2 weeks

PNP Base (Non-EE) 3 months

Spousal Sponsorship (Inland) 2 months

H&C Application Major backlog

Understanding the numbers

How IRCC measures and publishes processing times

IRCC's published processing times represent the 80th percentile of recently finalised applications. This means 80% of complete, properly-filed applications are processed within the published time. The remaining 20% may take significantly longer - often due to additional document requests, background checks, or security clearance requirements.

Processing times are based on applications finalised in the past 6–8 months - not applications currently in the queue. This means published times represent recent historical performance, not a commitment to future processing speed. During periods of high intake volume, processing times can increase rapidly before the published data catches up.

The clock starts when IRCC receives your complete application - not when you submit the forms. An application missing a required document is considered incomplete and the clock does not start until the missing documents are received.

What "80th percentile" means

If the published time is 12 weeks, it means 80 out of 100 recently finalised applications were processed within 12 weeks. The other 20 may have taken 16, 20, or even 30+ weeks. GetNorthPath targets well-prepared, complete applications - which consistently land in the faster 80%.

How to be in the fast 80%

Submit a complete, error-free application on the first attempt
Ensure all documents are current (bank statements within 90 days, valid passport)
Book biometrics immediately after submitting - don't wait for a prompt
Book medical exam as soon as you apply - results are valid for 12 months
Respond to any IRCC document requests within 30 days

Where to check official times

The official IRCC processing times tool is at canada.ca/ircc-processing-times. It allows lookup by specific application type and country of application. Data on GetNorthPath.com is updated weekly by cross-referencing IRCC's tool with community data.

Speed up your application

8 ways to avoid processing delays

The biggest cause of delays is not IRCC - it's incomplete or inconsistent applications that trigger manual review. These are the most common avoidable delay causes.

Submit a complete application

The most common delay cause. Missing a single required form or document results in IRCC returning your application or sending a procedural fairness letter - adding weeks or months.

Book biometrics immediately

Don't wait for IRCC's biometrics instruction letter. As soon as you submit your application, book your biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). This can shave weeks off processing.

Book your medical exam early

Medical exams are valid for 12 months. Get yours done before submitting your application if possible - it means results are already in the IRCC system before your file is reviewed.

Check your bank statement date

IRCC requires bank statements to be within 90 days of the application date. A statement that was current when you started gathering documents may be expired by the time you submit. Check the date on final review.

Ensure name consistency

Your name must appear identically across your passport, all IRCC forms, and all supporting documents. Even a middle name omitted on one form can trigger a procedural review. AI cross-references all documents.

Monitor your IRCC account

IRCC sends document requests via your online account - not by email. Check your IRCC account at least weekly after submitting. You typically have 30 days to respond to a request; missing it causes immediate delays.

Strong language scores = faster

Applications with CLB 9+ language scores undergo less manual review than borderline cases. If your scores are at the minimum threshold, consider retesting - improved scores reduce review time significantly for PR applications.

Police certificates before submitting

Police certificates have expiry periods. IRCC may reject certificates issued more than 6 months before your application. Order them as close to your application date as possible - but after your documents are otherwise ready.

GetNorthPath checks all of these automatically

Our AI Document Validator checks every document the moment you upload it - flagging expired bank statements, name mismatches, missing pages, and photo spec violations before your consultant reviews. Applications submitted through GetNorthPath have a materially lower rate of procedural fairness letters and document requests.

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Common questions

IRCC Processing Times - FAQ

Why is my application taking longer than the published processing time?

There are several common reasons. First, the clock doesn't start until your application is considered complete - if IRCC is waiting for a document or biometrics, time is not running. Second, background checks (security, criminality, and health) can add significant time beyond the standard. Third, published times represent the 80th percentile - 20% of applications take longer, sometimes much longer. Fourth, if your application has any inconsistencies (name mismatches, large unexplained bank deposits, prior refusals), it may be flagged for additional review. Log into your IRCC account to check if there's a pending document request or biometrics instruction.

Does applying through a representative (like GetNorthPath) speed up processing?

Hiring a representative does not give your application preferential treatment at IRCC - every application enters the same queue. However, well-prepared, complete applications consistently process faster than applications with errors, missing documents, or inconsistencies. GetNorthPath's AI validates every document and form field before submission, significantly reducing the likelihood of document requests or procedural fairness letters. Complete applications simply spend less time in queues waiting for clarification.

Can I travel to Canada while my application is being processed?

It depends on your application type. For work and study permit extensions submitted from inside Canada, you have implied status and can remain in Canada but must continue complying with your existing permit conditions. For visitor visa applications, there is typically no travel authorization while the application is pending - you should not attempt to enter Canada until a decision is made. For PR applications (Express Entry), you can generally travel freely as long as you have a valid travel document and meet admissibility requirements. Consult your GetNorthPath consultant before making any travel plans while an application is in progress.

What happens if IRCC hasn't made a decision before my permit expires?

If you applied to extend or change your status before your current permit expired, you are on "implied status" (also called "maintained status") and can continue to work or study under the conditions of your previous permit while IRCC processes your new application. Implied status ends the moment IRCC makes a decision. If you did not apply before your permit expired, you are out of status immediately. In that case, you may be eligible for status restoration (within 90 days) - contact GetNorthPath immediately if this applies to you.

How often does IRCC update processing times?

IRCC updates processing times regularly on their website - typically every 1–2 weeks, though the frequency varies by application type. The data reflects applications finalised in the recent past, not the current queue. GetNorthPath updates this page weekly by cross-referencing IRCC's official tool. For the most current data, always check ircc.canada.ca/processing-times directly before making critical decisions about travel, employment, or relocation.

Why are work permit extension times longer than new work permit times?

This is counterintuitive but reflects how IRCC processes the two streams differently. New work permits from outside Canada have a higher proportion of straightforward cases (and benefit from significant SDS-style fast-track streams for some nationalities). Extensions from inside Canada have accumulated a substantial backlog - in part because many applicants who intended to leave Canada during COVID stayed and required extensions in large numbers, and the high volume of post-pandemic work permit issuances from 2021–2023 is now generating a corresponding wave of extension applications.

Background information

Understanding Canadian Immigration Processing Times

What factors affect IRCC processing times?

Processing times are influenced by multiple variables beyond IRCC's control: total application volumes, the proportion of complete vs. incomplete applications in the queue, staffing levels at IRCC and visa offices, and complexity of applications requiring additional checks. For applicants from countries with higher perceived risk of misrepresentation or overstay, IRCC officers may conduct additional due diligence, extending timelines significantly.

Processing times by country - why they differ

IRCC does not publish country-specific processing time data as a separate figure, but significant variation exists. Applicants from India, Nigeria, and Pakistan generally experience longer times than applicants from the UK, Australia, or the US - in part due to higher application volumes processed at the relevant visa offices and in part due to more intensive fraud prevention checks applied to high-risk application streams from certain regions.

Express Entry - the 6-month service standard

IRCC has a published service standard of 6 months for 80% of Express Entry applications. This applies from the date IRCC receives your complete application after an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This standard has been consistently met since early 2022. The 6-month clock starts after you submit your complete application - not when you enter the Express Entry pool or when you receive your ITA.

Study permit processing - SDS vs. regular stream

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) offers dramatically faster processing (~20 days) for applicants from eligible countries who meet specific requirements: a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of at least $10,000 CAD, an IELTS score of 6.0+ in all four bands, and an acceptance letter from a DLI. Countries eligible for SDS as of 2026 include India, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Morocco, Senegal, Pakistan, Costa Rica, Peru, and Antigua and Barbuda.

Work permit processing - LMIA vs. LMIA-exempt

LMIA-based work permits require verification of the LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before IRCC can process the work permit application. This ESDC verification step adds to processing time. LMIA-exempt permits (under international agreements like CUSMA, CETA, or intra-company transfers) bypass this step and typically process significantly faster. CUSMA applicants from the United States can sometimes receive permits same-day at the Canadian border.

Biometrics - how they affect processing

Most applicants must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Biometrics results are valid for 10 years after enrolment. If you have not previously given biometrics (or your previous enrolment has expired), processing cannot complete until IRCC receives your biometrics results. Booking your biometrics appointment the day after submitting your application is one of the most effective ways to avoid delays caused by biometric processing times, which can add 2–6 weeks independently of the main application review.

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IRCC Processing Times 2026 - Canada Immigration

All application types · Updated weekly · GetNorthPath

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