IRCC Updates Processing Times for Temporary Visas
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revised its official processing times for temporary resident applications, including visitor visas, work permits, and study permits. The latest update reflects variations across different application categories and regions.
The update provides insight into current operational trends, highlighting steady or improved timelines for some applicants and increased wait times for others. These changes affect individuals seeking to travel, work, or study in Canada.
- Visitor visa processing times have improved for India but lengthened slightly for Nigeria and within-Canada applicants.
- Work permit timelines have become longer for Pakistan and the United States.
- Study permit processing remains largely consistent across countries.
- Super visa applications from the United States doubled in wait times within two weeks.
- IRCC continues to track both historical and forward-looking processing estimates.
Overview of the Latest Update
The new figures compare processing times published on January 14 with those released in the most recent IRCC update. The data shows notable differences among application categories, especially between visitor visas and work permits.
Visitor Visa Processing
Among visitor visa applicants, India recorded the largest improvement, with average processing times reduced from 99 to 83 days. Applicants in Nigeria saw their wait times increase slightly from 36 to 40 days, while those applying from within Canada now face 21 days instead of 17.
Processing times for Pakistan and the United States showed minor changes, now averaging 56 and 25 days, respectively. IRCC’s standard target for visitor visa applications made abroad remains 14 days, though this is not always achieved.
Work Permit Applications
Work permit timelines show broader fluctuations. Applications from within Canada increased from 220 to 241 days on average. Among overseas applicants, processing times rose from 13 to 20 weeks for Pakistan and from 7 to 10 weeks for the United States. Meanwhile, India saw a modest improvement from 9 to 8 weeks, and Nigeria improved from 11 to 9 weeks.
According to IRCC, the service target for work permits is 120 days for in-Canada applications and 60 days for those submitted outside Canada, excluding International Experience Canada permits, which carry a 56-day standard.
Study Permit Processing
Study permits remain the most stable category. Current processing times are unchanged for applicants within Canada, staying at seven weeks. Small increases were recorded for India (from three to four weeks) and Nigeria (from six to seven weeks). Applications from Pakistan hold steady at five weeks, while those from the United States rose from six to seven weeks.
The service benchmark for study permits is 120 days for domestic submissions and 60 days for international ones. These standards apply to both new applications and extensions.
Super Visa Processing
Processing for the super visa program shows mixed results. India’s average timeline increased slightly to 214 days, while Pakistan’s improved to 126 days, down from 133. Nigeria’s processing time decreased to 38 days. However, the largest shift occurred in the United States, where applications now take 187 days, up from 93 days two weeks earlier. The official service target for super visa applications is 112 days, and submissions must be made from outside Canada.
Understanding IRCC Processing Times
IRCC updates its processing time estimates weekly to show how long new applicants can expect to wait for a decision. These figures are based on past performance data and the current inventory of active applications.
Processing begins when an application is received and ends when a decision is issued. Factors such as application volume, case complexity, and response times from applicants can influence results.
IRCC publishes two types of estimates: historical data, reflecting how long it took to finalize 80% of cases, and forward-looking projections, which estimate future completion times based on current processing capacity.
Programs Using Forward-Looking Estimates
Forward-looking processing times are used for several key categories, including:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Provincial Nominee Program, including base and enhanced nominations such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
- Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program
- Spousal and common-law partner sponsorships (inland and outland)
- Parents and Grandparents Program
- Citizenship grants and certificates
Service Standards and Application Volume
Unlike processing times, service standards are internal goals set by IRCC to finalize approximately 80% of cases within a defined timeframe. These benchmarks are not adjusted weekly and may vary depending on demand and complexity. Some categories, such as in-Canada visitor visa applications, have no formal service standard.
Public Relevance
The updated timelines provide applicants, employers, and educational institutions with the latest information on expected wait periods for temporary immigration applications. Regular updates allow stakeholders to plan for travel, study, or employment activities requiring Canadian authorization.
For continuing coverage on IRCC operations and provincial immigration programs, including updates from Manitoba, readers can explore related reporting across Canadian immigration news channels.