On This Page, You Will Find:
- How IRCC calculates processing times
- Permanent residence processing times
- Family sponsorship wait times
- Work and study permit times
- Citizenship processing times
- How to check the current, official estimate
- Frequently asked questions
Knowing how long an application may take is essential when planning your move to Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updates its processing times regularly. The figures below are approximate as of mid-2026 and are meant for general planning – because they change every month, always confirm the current estimate for your exact application on IRCC’s official processing-times tool before making decisions.
How IRCC Calculates Processing Times
IRCC publishes the time it took to finish 80 per cent of recently completed applications of each type. Your own file can be faster or slower – applications that need additional reviews, documents or background checks take longer. Times also vary by the country you apply from for many temporary applications.
Permanent Residence Applications
Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application system for skilled workers. It includes three programs: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
| Application Type | Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025) | Processing Time (Mar 9, 2026) | Processing Time (Jul 7, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 6 months | 7 months | 6 months |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | 6 months | 7 months | 7 months |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Service standard: 6 months for all Express Entry programs.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The PNP allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates for permanent residence based on local labour market needs. Applications can be processed through Express Entry or submitted directly to IRCC.
| Application Type | Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025) | Processing Time (Mar 9, 2026) | Processing Time (Jul 7, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Express Entry (enhanced) | 7 months | 7 months | 7 months |
| Non–Express Entry (base) | 16 months | 13 months | 12 months |
Quebec Immigration
Quebec manages its own skilled worker program known as the PSTQ. Though the service standard is six months, the current backlog has led to much longer wait times.
| Stream | Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025) | Processing Time (Mar 9, 2026) | Processing Time (Jul 7, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Selection (PSTQ) | 11 months | 11 months | 11 months |
Service standard: 6 months.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The AIP helps employers in Atlantic Canada hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates. It offers a pathway to permanent residence in the region.
| Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025) | Processing Time (Mar 9, 2026) | Processing Time (Jul 7, 2026) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIP | 37 months | 33 months | 26 months |
Service standard: 11 months.
Family Sponsorship
Family sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses, partners, parents, grandparents, or children for permanent residence.
| Application Type | Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025) | Processing Time (Mar 9, 2026) | Processing Time (Jul 7, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse/common-law partner in Canada (outside Quebec) | 22 months | 21 months | 27 months |
| Spouse/common-law partner in Canada (in Quebec) | 39 months | 36 months | 32 months |
| Spouse/common-law partner outside Canada (non-Quebec) | 15 months | 15 months | 17 months |
| Spouse/common-law partner outside Canada (Quebec) | 39 months | 35 months | 33 months |
| Parents and Grandparents (outside Quebec) | 26 months | 34 months | 30 months |
| Parents and Grandparents (Quebec) | 44 months | 46 months | 65 months |
Service standard for out-of-Canada spousal sponsorship: 12 months.
Dependent Child Sponsorship
You can sponsor a dependent child either from within or outside Canada. Processing times vary depending on the child’s location and the complexity of the application.
Within Canada
| Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025) | Processing Time (Mar 9, 2026) | Processing Time (Jul 7, 2026) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dependent child | 13 months | 20 months | 18 months |
Outside Canada
| Country | Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025) | Processing Time (Mar 9, 2026) | Processing Time (Jul 7, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 6 months | 8 months | 7 months |
| Nigeria | 19 months | 19 months | 22 months |
Service standard: 12 months for outside-Canada cases.
Temporary Residence Applications
Temporary residence applications include visitor visas, work permits, study permits, and super visas. These are for individuals who want to come to Canada temporarily.
Visitor Visas
Visitor visas allow foreign nationals to enter Canada for tourism, family visits, or business. Processing times vary depending on the country of origin.
| Country | Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025) | Processing Time (Mar 9, 2026) | Processing Time (Jul 7, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 19 days | 18 days | 29 days |
| India | 96 days | 57 days | 21 days |
| Pakistan | 59 days | 49 days | 40 days |
| Nigeria | 29 days | 53 days | 63 days |
| United States | 37 days | 17 days | 27 days |
Service standard for outside-Canada applications: 14 days.
Work Permits
Work permits allow foreign nationals to work in Canada temporarily. Times differ by application type and where the application is submitted.
| Country | Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025) | Processing Time (Mar 9, 2026) | Processing Time (Jul 7, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 226 days | 259 days | 122 days |
| India | 10 weeks | 7 weeks | 9 weeks |
| Pakistan | 8 weeks | 30 weeks | 10 weeks |
| Nigeria | 10 weeks | 13 weeks | 6 weeks |
| United States | 4 weeks | 9 weeks | 3 weeks |
Service standards: 120 days (in Canada), 60 days (outside Canada).
Study Permits
Study permits are for international students attending designated learning institutions in Canada. Processing depends on where the applicant is located.
| Country | Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025) | Processing Time (Mar 9, 2026) | Processing Time (Jul 7, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 11 weeks | 9 weeks | 7 weeks |
| India | 5 weeks | 4 weeks | 5 weeks |
| Pakistan | 10 weeks | 15 weeks | 6 weeks |
| Nigeria | 8 weeks | 8 weeks | 5 weeks |
| United States | 5 weeks | 5 weeks | 5 weeks |
Service standards: 120 days (in Canada), 60 days (outside Canada).
Super Visas
Super visas allow parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended stays of up to five years per visit.
| Country | Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025) | Processing Time (Mar 9, 2026) | Processing Time (Jul 7, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 168 days | 208 days | 49 days |
| Pakistan | 203 days | 132 days | 194 days |
| Nigeria | 51 days | 44 days | 39 days |
| United States | 76 days | 207 days | 124 days |
Service standard: 112 days.
Citizenship Applications
Canadian citizenship applications include grants for new citizens and certificates for those proving citizenship by descent. Processing depends on type and volume.
| Application Type | Processing Time (Nov 4, 2025) | Processing Time (Mar 9, 2026) | Processing Time (Jul 7, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citizenship grant | 13 months | 13 months | 12 months |
| Citizenship certificate (proof of status) | 8 months | 10 months | 19 months |
How to Check the Current, Official Estimate
Processing times change monthly, so the single most reliable step is to use IRCC’s official “Check processing times” tool, which lets you select your exact application type (and country, where relevant) for the latest estimate. Treat the figures on this page as a general guide and the IRCC tool as the authoritative source.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are IRCC processing times?
IRCC processing times are estimates, not guarantees. They reflect how long it took to finalize 80 per cent of recently completed applications. Your application may be processed faster or slower depending on its complexity, whether additional documents are requested, security checks, and your country of residence.
Why do processing times change so often?
Processing times change as application volumes, staffing levels and immigration priorities shift. IRCC updates many estimates regularly to reflect recent processing trends. Seasonal demand, policy changes and backlogs can all affect wait times, which is why it is important to check the latest official figures before applying.
Which Canadian immigration programs are processed the fastest?
Processing speeds vary throughout the year. In mid-2026, Express Entry applications generally remain among the fastest permanent residence pathways, while many visitor visas and study permits can also be processed relatively quickly, depending on the applicant’s country. Family sponsorship and some regional immigration programs often take considerably longer.
Can I speed up my immigration application?
There is usually no way to pay for faster processing. The best way to avoid delays is to submit a complete application with accurate information and all required supporting documents. Respond promptly if IRCC requests additional information, and ensure your passport and other documents remain valid throughout processing.
Where can I check the latest IRCC processing times?
The most reliable source is IRCC’s official online processing times tool. It allows you to select your application type and, where applicable, your country of residence to see the latest estimated processing time. Because estimates change regularly, always rely on the official tool rather than older published figures when making travel or relocation plans.