Canada Visa and PR Processing Times: What IRCC Shows Now
IRCC shows about 7 months for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, about 6 months for the Canadian Experience Class, about 13 months for a provincial nominee outside Express Entry and about 18 months for a spouse outside Canada. Visitor, study and work permit times depend on your country, so use the country tool below. IRCC data updated 9 October 2026.
This page is filled automatically from IRCC data, so the figures match what IRCC shows. Last updated: October 2026.
since 1991
How long does a Canadian visa or PR application take?
IRCC shows about 7 months for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, about 6 months for the Canadian Experience Class and about 26 months for a spouse inside Canada. Temporary permits are faster, and the time depends on your country. IRCC data updated 9 October 2026.
How does IRCC work out these times?
IRCC shows how long it took to process 80% of that type of application in the past. The tool updates monthly. IRCC says your application may take longer, and the times are not a maximum or a guarantee.
What changes your time
- Documents: a complete file moves faster
- Checks: medical and police certificates take time
- Replies: slow answers to IRCC add weeks
- Queue: IRCC says times can rise when more applications arrive than spaces in the levels plan
Permanent residence and citizenship times by program
IRCC lists these as of its data update on 9 October 2026. The queue column shows how many people are waiting. Source: IRCC. Related: immigration fee calculator and how to verify an RCIC.
Economic immigration
| Program | IRCC processing time | Queue |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker | About 7 months | About 58,300 people waiting |
| Canadian Experience Class | About 6 months | About 53,900 people waiting |
| Provincial nominee through Express Entry | About 7 months | About 13,100 people waiting |
| Provincial nominee outside Express Entry | About 13 months | About 96,500 people waiting |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | About 26 months | About 11,500 people waiting |
| Home care workers (caregivers) | About 77 months | About 36,400 people waiting |
| Quebec skilled worker | 11 months | About 20,500 people waiting |
| Quebec business immigration | About 75 months | About 3,600 people waiting |
| Start-up Visa | More than 10 years | About 47,500 people waiting |
| Self-employed persons | More than 10 years | About 8,000 people waiting |
Family sponsorship
| Program | IRCC processing time | Queue |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse or partner, applying from outside Canada | About 18 months | About 65,600 people waiting |
| Spouse or partner, applying inside Canada | About 26 months | About 55,600 people waiting |
| Spouse or partner outside Canada, Quebec | About 33 months | About 19,400 people waiting |
| Spouse or partner inside Canada, Quebec | About 32 months | About 14,500 people waiting |
| Parents and grandparents | About 28 months | About 35,600 people waiting |
| Parents and grandparents, Quebec | About 63 months | About 10,300 people waiting |
| Dependent children, outside Canada | About 41 months | About 60,400 people waiting |
| Dependent children, outside Canada, Quebec | More than 10 years | About 22,900 people waiting |
Humanitarian and protection
| Program | IRCC processing time | Queue |
|---|---|---|
| Humanitarian and compassionate | More than 10 years | About 58,800 people waiting |
| Humanitarian and compassionate, Quebec | More than 10 years | About 20,800 people waiting |
| Protected persons in Canada | About 13 months | About 77,600 people waiting |
| Protected persons in Canada, Quebec | More than 10 years | About 42,600 people waiting |
| Government-assisted refugees | About 14 months | About 17,900 people waiting |
| Government-assisted refugees, Quebec | About 9 months | About 400 people waiting |
| Privately sponsored refugees | About 40 months | About 71,000 people waiting |
| Privately sponsored refugees, Quebec | About 54 months | About 2,200 people waiting |
Citizenship
| Program | IRCC processing time | Queue |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship grant | About 12 months | About 322,700 people waiting |
| Proof of citizenship (certificate) | About 34 months | About 130,700 people waiting |
IRCC data updated 9 October 2026. IRCC shows how long it took to process 80% of that type of application. Your time can be longer.
Visitor, study and work permit times by country
IRCC shows temporary residence times by country of residence. Pick yours below, then see the times that do not depend on your country. IRCC data updated 21 October 2026. Source: IRCC.
Processing times for your country
IRCC shows different times for visitor, study and work applications depending on where you live. Pick your country to see them.
| Application or service | IRCC processing time |
|---|---|
| Visitor record or visitor visa, applying inside Canada | 12 days |
| Extend your stay as a visitor | 341 days |
| Study permit extension | 56 days |
| Work permit extension | 121 days |
| International Experience Canada work permit | 6 weeks |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) | 5 minutes |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program work permit | 95 days |
| Permanent resident card, new PR | 30 days |
| Permanent resident card, existing PR | 40 days |
| Replace an immigration document | 11 weeks |
| Amend an immigration document | 13 weeks |
| Verify your status | 16 weeks |
| Search for a record of citizenship | 19 months |
| Renounce citizenship | 4 months |
| Citizenship for adopted persons, part 1 | Part 1: 4 months |
IRCC data updated 21 October 2026. These times do not depend on your country.
Rules to know before you plan around a processing time
Not a promise
IRCC says your application may take longer than the time shown. Treat the number as a guide.
Country matters
For visitor, study and work permits, IRCC shows a time for each country of residence.
People waiting
IRCC also lists how many people are waiting. A big queue explains a long time.
Not enough data
For some programs or countries, IRCC shows not enough data in its latest update.
Monthly refresh
IRCC updates permanent residence times monthly. A number you saw last month can change.
Check the update date
This page shows the IRCC data update of 9 October 2026.
How to plan your timeline
Five actions help you plan with the right numbers.
Pick your program
Choose the route you will use, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or a PNP.
Read the IRCC time
Find your program in the tables on this page, or use the country tool for a visitor visa, study permit or work permit.
Add the provincial stage
For a PNP, add the time your province takes to nominate you.
Prepare your documents
Get your police certificates, medical exam and language results ready before you apply.
Check again each month
IRCC updates the numbers monthly. Check before you plan travel or a job change.
Want your timeline checked?
We review your program and your documents, then give you a plan.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases. 3rd generation in the immigration industry. Our team includes Rijah Amir, also a licensed RCIC, so every file gets a second expert review.
Licensed expert guidance
Advice from CICC-licensed RCICs, not sales staff or unlicensed agents.
A strategy built for your profile
We identify the fastest realistic pathway for you, not a template.
Application accuracy
Documentation review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track every draw, policy shift and IRCC announcement for you.
End-to-end support
From eligibility checks to landing, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
What our clients say
Real reviews from clients we have guided to Canada and beyond.
More in Canada Immigration
Processing time FAQs
How long does Canadian immigration take?
It depends on the program. IRCC shows about 7 months for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, about 6 months for the Canadian Experience Class and about 18 months for a spouse outside Canada. See the tables on this page for every program.
How long does a Canadian visitor visa take?
It depends on where you live, because IRCC shows a different time for each country. Pick your country in the tool on this page. For a visitor inside Canada, IRCC shows 12 days.
How long does a study permit or work permit take?
IRCC shows study permit and work permit times by country of residence, so use the country tool on this page. For extensions inside Canada, IRCC shows 56 days for a study permit and 121 days for a work permit.
How long does a Super Visa take?
IRCC shows Super Visa times by country of residence, so pick yours in the country tool. The Super Visa also needs medical insurance and a medical exam, which add to your own preparation time.
How long does it take to get a PR card?
IRCC shows 30 days for a new permanent resident card and 40 days for an existing PR.
How long does Canadian citizenship take?
IRCC shows about 12 months for a grant of citizenship and about 34 months for proof of citizenship. IRCC lists about 130,700 people waiting for proofs.
How does IRCC work out processing times?
IRCC shows how long it took to process 80% of that type of application in the past. IRCC says your application may take longer, so treat the number as a guide.
