Canadian Immigration Processing Times
Below are estimated processing times for major Canadian immigration programs, taken from IRCC, IRB and ESDC published data. They may vary depending on your country of residence, application complexity, and current processing volumes.
IRCC last updated these figures on Oct 29, 2026 (visitors, students and workers) and Oct 9, 2026 (permanent residence and citizenship). — Page reviewed: October 2026
IRCC figures are read directly from IRCC's published processing-time data. IRB and ESDC figures show their own dates.
Current Estimated Processing Times
Permanent residence
Protected persons in Canada (permanent residence, outside Quebec)
SlowStart-Up Visa
Very SlowThe program is paused and closed to new applications.
Self-Employed Persons
Very SlowIntake has been paused since April 30, 2024.
Family sponsorship
Spouse or partner living inside Canada (not going to Quebec)
Very SlowParents and grandparents (not going to Quebec)
Very SlowIRCC has paused new intake (notice of July 15, 2026). Times are for applications already in process.
Parents and grandparents (going to Quebec)
Very SlowIRCC has paused new intake (notice of July 15, 2026). Times are for applications already in process.
Visitors, students and workers
Visitor visa (from outside Canada)
FastVaries by country
Most countries: 23 days to 60 days
Iran: 79 days
Super Visa (parents and grandparents)
FastVaries by country
Most countries: 40 days to 90 days
Iran: 231 days
Study permit (from outside Canada)
FastVaries by country
Most countries: 4 weeks to 7 weeks
Iran: 30 weeks
Work permit (from outside Canada)
FastVaries by country
Most countries: 5 weeks to 11 weeks
Iran: 59 weeks
Citizenship and PR cards
Refugee claims and appeals (IRB)
Refugee claim (IRB Refugee Protection Division)
Very SlowAverage wait from referral to decision. The IRB projects longer waits for claims referred now.
Refugee appeal (IRB Refugee Appeal Division)
FastAverage wait from filing to decision.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (ESDC)
LMIA: Global Talent Stream
FastMonthly average. Does not include the 14 days to 8 weeks of required job advertising.
LMIA: high-wage stream
FastMonthly average. Does not include the 14 days to 8 weeks of required job advertising.
LMIA: low-wage stream
FastMonthly average. Does not include the 14 days to 8 weeks of required job advertising.
Important Disclaimer
Processing times shown are estimates published by IRCC, the IRB and ESDC. They are not a promise of how long your application will take. Actual times vary with your country of residence, application complexity, completeness of documentation and processing volumes, and IRCC's times do not include the time needed to give biometrics. Each row links to the official source; check it, or speak with a licensed consultant, before relying on a figure.
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