Updated May 2026 · Based on IRCC Official Data
IRCC Processing Times
2025–2026
Official IRCC processing time estimates for all major Canadian immigration applications — Express Entry, work permits, study permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, and citizenship.
⚠️ Important: Processing times are estimates. Always verify the latest figures at ircc.canada.ca. A licensed RCIC can advise on your specific case timeline.
Application Type · Estimated Processing Time · Notes
Express Entry — After ITA (complete application)
IRCC targets 80% of complete applications within 6 months
6 months—
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
After Invitation to Apply
6 months—
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
After Invitation to Apply
6 months—
Medical exam (upfront)
Approved Panel Physician
1–5 days▼
Application Type · Estimated Processing Time · Notes
Employer-specific work permit (outside Canada)
Varies heavily by country of application
60–90 days—
Open work permit (spousal/common-law)
When applied with PR sponsor's inland application
30–60 days—
PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit)
Apply within 180 days of graduation. Apply online for faster processing.
90–120 days▲
Global Talent Stream (GTS)
Dedicated stream for high-demand tech roles. Requires employer referral.
2 weeks▼
LMIA-backed work permit (employer-specific)
LMIA and work permit are separate processes
LMIA: 60–90 days + permit: 30–60 days—
BOWP (Bridging Open Work Permit)
Requires pending PR application; apply before your current permit expires
60 days—
IEC Work Permit (Youth programs)
After receiving IEC letter of introduction
2–8 weeks▼
Application Type · Estimated Processing Time · Notes
Study permit (outside Canada — online)
Varies by country. Apply as early as possible.
8–16 weeks—
Study permit extension (in Canada)
Apply at least 90 days before your current permit expires
90–180 days▲
Student Direct Stream (SDS) — India, China, Philippines, etc.
Requires upfront medical exam, GIC, IELTS 6.0+
20 days—
Application Type · Estimated Processing Time · Notes
Spousal/partner sponsorship — outland (outside Canada)
IRCC target; actual times vary by country of sponsor and applicant
12 months—
Spousal/partner sponsorship — inland (in Canada)
Includes open work permit for sponsored spouse while PR processes
12–18 months▲
Spousal open work permit (inland only)
Applied simultaneously with inland sponsorship
4–6 months—
Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP)
For approved PGP sponsorship applications (limited intake annually)
24–36 months—
Super Visa for parents/grandparents
Multiple-entry visa; must have Canadian medical insurance
30–60 days▼
Application Type · Estimated Processing Time · Notes
Visitor visa / TRV (online application)
Highly variable by country. India, Nigeria, China average 4–8 weeks.
14–90 days—
Visitor visa — paper application
Always apply online for faster processing
90–180 days▲
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Most applications auto-approved; some require manual review (72 hrs–weeks)
Usually minutes▼
Visitor record extension (in Canada)
Apply before your current status expires
90–180 days—
Application Type · Estimated Processing Time · Notes
OINP — Province nominates (Stage 1)
Varies by stream; some streams use Expression of Interest (EOI) draws
30–90 days—
PNP + Express Entry — Federal processing (Stage 2)
After receiving provincial nomination and updating EE profile
6 months—
Non-EE PNP (provincial stream only)
Slower than EE-linked PNP due to paper-based federal processing
18–24 months—
Application Type · Estimated Processing Time · Notes
Citizenship application (grant of citizenship)
Includes language test, knowledge test, and ceremony
12–18 months▼
Physical presence calculation review
IRCC reviews physical presence record carefully
Part of application—
Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)
After citizenship grant ceremony
2–3 months—
Application Type · Estimated Processing Time · Notes
Reconsideration request (informal)
No formal process; timing varies
30–90 days—
IAD appeal (immigration officer decision)
Immigration Appeal Division; formal hearing required
12–24 months▲
Judicial Review (Federal Court)
Must file within 15 days (refugee) or 60 days (other) of decision
12–18 months—
TRP (Temporary Resident Permit)
For inadmissible individuals with compelling need to enter Canada
30–90 days—
Time ▼ Processing getting faster
Time ▲ Processing getting slower
Time — Stable/no change
Common Questions About Processing Times
How accurate are IRCC processing times?▾
IRCC publishes processing times weekly at ircc.canada.ca. These are estimates based on how long it took to process 80% of applications in the past. Your actual timeline may differ depending on application completeness, biometrics, medical exams, and background checks.
Why is my application taking longer than the posted processing time?▾
Common reasons for delays: incomplete application, security screening, medical or criminal admissibility issues, requests for additional documents, or high application volumes. A licensed RCIC can request your GCMS notes to investigate.
Can I check my IRCC application status?▾
Yes — through your IRCC online account at canada.ca. For more detail, you can request GCMS notes via an ATIP request. VMC can assist with GCMS note requests and advise on next steps based on what the notes reveal.
Does hiring an RCIC make my application process faster?▾
An RCIC does not bypass IRCC processing queues. However, a well-prepared, complete application avoids the most common source of delays: IRCC requests for additional documents (which can add months). VMC prepares applications to minimize any back-and-forth with IRCC.
Concerned About Your Timeline?
Our licensed RCICs can review your application, request GCMS notes, and advise on whether to follow up or wait.