Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released updated processing times for temporary resident applications. These include visitor visas, work permits, study permits, and super visas.
If you are not familiar with immigration terms or government language, don’t worry. This guide is written in simple, clear English to help you understand what has changed, who is affected, and how it may impact your plans to come to Canada.
Overall, the update shows one clear pattern: visitor visas are moving a little faster for some countries, while work permits are taking longer and changing more unpredictably. Study permits remain mostly steady, and super visas show mixed results.
Big Picture Summary (In Simple Words)
Canada is still processing temporary visas, but not all applications move at the same speed. Some applications are being handled faster than before, while others are slowing down due to higher demand and backlogs. Where you apply from makes a big difference.
The most positive news is for visitor visa applicants from India, whose waiting time has dropped noticeably. The biggest concern is for work permit and super visa applicants, especially those applying from the United States, where wait times have increased sharply.
Visitor Visas: Some Faster, Some Slightly Slower
Visitor visas are for people who want to come to Canada temporarily for tourism, family visits, or short stays. In this category, IRCC’s processing times are mostly stable, with a few important changes.
The biggest improvement is for India, where visitor visa processing is now 16 days faster than before. Applicants from Pakistan and the United States saw almost no change. However, people applying from Nigeria and from inside Canada may wait slightly longer than before.
Applying from Current processing time Processing times as of January 14
Canada 21 days 17 days
India 83 days 99 days
Pakistan 56 days 57 days
Nigeria 40 days 36 days
United States 25 days 27 days
IRCC aims to process visitor visas within 14 days for applications made outside Canada, but this is only a target. Applications from inside Canada do not have an official service standard.
Work Permits: Slower and Less Predictable
Work permits allow foreign nationals to work legally in Canada. This category is showing the most strain in the system.
While some countries saw small improvements, many applicants are now waiting longer, especially those applying from Pakistan, the United States, and from within Canada. The increase for Pakistan-based applicants is particularly noticeable.
This slowdown suggests higher application volumes, stricter reviews, or limited processing capacity in certain visa offices.
Applying from Current processing time Processing times as of January 14
Canada 241 days 220 days
India 8 weeks 9 weeks
Pakistan 20 weeks 13 weeks
Nigeria 9 weeks 11 weeks
United States 10 weeks 7 weeks
IRCC’s internal target is 120 days for work permits submitted inside Canada and 60 days for applications submitted outside Canada. However, many applicants are currently waiting longer than these targets.
Study Permits: The Most Stable Category
Study permits are required for international students studying in Canada. Among all temporary resident applications, study permits remain the most consistent and predictable.
Only small changes were seen, usually an increase of just one week for some countries. This suggests that IRCC’s student processing system is still functioning relatively smoothly compared to other categories.
Applying from Current processing time Processing times as of January 14
Canada 7 weeks 7 weeks
India 4 weeks 3 weeks
Pakistan 5 weeks 5 weeks
Nigeria 7 weeks 6 weeks
United States 7 weeks 6 weeks
The service standard is 120 days for applications inside Canada and 60 days for applications submitted from outside Canada, even though many files are processed faster in practice.
Super Visas: One Major Surprise
Super visas allow parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for extended periods. Most countries saw only small changes in processing time.
However, applications from the United States doubled in processing time, jumping from 93 days to 187 days. This sudden increase may be due to a surge in applications or resource shifts inside IRCC.
Applying from Current processing time Processing times as of January 14
India 214 days 206 days
Pakistan 126 days 133 days
Nigeria 38 days 41 days
United States 187 days 93 days
The official service standard for super visas is 112 days, and these applications must be submitted from outside Canada.
What Do Processing Times Really Mean?
IRCC processing times are estimates, not guarantees. They show how long it may take for most applications submitted today to receive a final decision.
Processing begins when IRCC receives your application and ends when a decision is made. Some applications take longer because they require extra checks, missing documents, or additional review.
IRCC uses past data and current application volumes to calculate these timelines. About 80% of applications are processed within the posted time, while the remaining 20% may take longer.
Does a faster processing time mean approval is guaranteed?
No. Faster processing only means decisions are made sooner. Approval still depends on eligibility, documents, and case strength.
Why do processing times change so often?
Processing times change due to application volume, staffing levels, policy updates, and seasonal demand.
Can I speed up my application?
You cannot officially speed it up, but submitting a complete, accurate application with strong documents can prevent delays.
Are service standards the same as processing times?
No. Service standards are IRCC’s internal goals. Processing times show what applicants are actually experiencing.
Should I apply now or wait?
In most cases, waiting only increases risk. Immigration rules and timelines change frequently, and early action gives you more options.
Final Thoughts from Ask Kubeir
Understanding IRCC processing times helps you plan better, avoid surprises, and choose the right pathway. Whether you are visiting, studying, working, or bringing family to Canada, timing and preparation matter.
If you are unsure which option suits you best, getting professional guidance early can save months of delay and costly mistakes.
