Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its online processing-time estimates on February 24, 2026.
These numbers are estimates, not promises. They can change as IRCC’s inventory and staffing change, and they are not a guarantee of approval.
What changed in this update
Based on the February 24 snapshot (compared to February 17), the largest change in the sample below was for study permit applications from Pakistan.
Work permit processing times (selected locations)
| Applying from | Feb 24 estimate | Feb 17 estimate | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 256 days | 246 days | +10 days |
| India | 8 weeks | 8 weeks | No change |
| Pakistan | 30 weeks | 30 weeks | No change |
| Nigeria | 11 weeks | 9 weeks | +2 weeks |
| United States | 10 weeks | 10 weeks | No change |
Internal guidance: If you are applying from inside Canada, compare the tool estimate with IRCC’s service standard for in-Canada work permit extensions (120 days).
Study permit processing times (selected locations)
| Applying from | Feb 24 estimate | Feb 17 estimate | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 9 weeks | 8 weeks | +1 week |
| India | 4 weeks | 4 weeks | No change |
| Pakistan | 15 weeks | 7 weeks | +8 weeks |
| Nigeria | 8 weeks | 8 weeks | No change |
| United States | 6 weeks | 7 weeks | -1 week |
If you are planning school start dates, do not rely only on one week’s estimate. Check the tool regularly and plan for delays.
Visitor visa and super visa processing times (selected locations)
Visitor visa (from outside Canada)
| Applying from | Feb 24 estimate | Feb 17 estimate | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 19 days | 21 days | -2 days |
| India | 71 days | 78 days | -7 days |
| Pakistan | 53 days | 58 days | -5 days |
| Nigeria | 56 days | 51 days | +5 days |
| United States | 23 days | 25 days | -2 days |
Super visa (parents or grandparents)
| Country | Feb 24 estimate | Feb 17 estimate | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 210 days | 213 days | -3 days |
| Pakistan | 136 days | 124 days | +12 days |
| Nigeria | 47 days | 46 days | +1 day |
| United States | 205 days | 205 days | No change |
What IRCC processing times actually mean
IRCC processing times are usually historical (how long it took to finalize 80% of cases in a recent period). IRCC updates many historical times regularly.
Your processing time typically starts when IRCC receives a complete application (online submission time, or mailroom arrival for paper).
Service standards vs processing times (important difference)
A service standard is IRCC’s internal target for finishing 80% of complete applications within a set time. For temporary residence, IRCC lists service standards such as:
-
Work permits: 60 days (outside Canada, excluding IEC) and 120 days (in Canada extensions)
-
Study permits: 60 days (outside Canada) and 120 days (in Canada)
-
Visitor visas: 14 days (outside Canada)
-
Super visa: 112 days (outside Canada)
FAQ
Do faster processing times mean higher approval chances?
No. Processing time is about how long a decision may take, not the result.
Why can one country’s time jump quickly?
IRCC estimates can shift with application volumes, inventories, and operational capacity.
When does the clock start for my application?
When IRCC receives your complete application (online submit time or mailroom arrival).
Reality check
Processing times are a planning tool, not a guarantee. Even if the estimate looks short, your case can take longer if IRCC requests extra documents or if your file needs more review. Use the IRCC tool for the latest number, and avoid making non-refundable travel or school decisions until you have a decision.
IRCC – Check processing times (last updated Feb 24, 2026):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
IRCC – Service standards (work permits, study permits, visitor visas, super visas):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/service-declaration/service-standards.html
IRCC Help Centre – Processing times vs service standards:
https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=535&top=3
IRCC Help Centre – How processing times are calculated:
https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=068&top=3
IRCC Help Centre – When processing time starts:
https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1474&top=3
