ImmigrationTracker
IRCC Processing Times: Monthly Tracker for In-Canada Applications
How long IRCC is taking for work permit and study permit extensions, visitor records and PR cards made from inside Canada, with the history IRCC’s own tool does not keep.
- Free
- No sign-up
- Data as of IRCC data of September 22, 2026
Current Processing Times — Applications Made Inside Canada
| Application | IRCC time (Sept 22, 2026) | What you can do while you wait |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit extension (inside Canada) | 107 days | Keep working under the same conditions if you applied before your permit expired (maintained status) |
| Study permit extension (inside Canada) | 62 days | Keep studying, and working if your permit allowed it, while on maintained status |
| Visitor record (extend stay as a visitor) | 393 days | Stay as a visitor on maintained status; no work authorization |
| Visitor visa (applied inside Canada) | 11 days | — |
| New PR card | 35 days | Your eCOPR proves your status in Canada (what to do after eCOPR) |
| PR card renewal | 38 days | You remain a PR while the card is renewed (PR card renewal guide) |
| International Experience Canada (IEC) | 6 weeks | — |
| Verification of status | 11 weeks | — |
| Citizenship record search | 18 months | — |
| Citizenship renunciation | 4 months | — |
Key facts
- As of IRCC’s September 22, 2026 update, an in-Canada work permit extension takes about 107 days.
- A study permit extension takes about 62 days; a visitor record about 393 days.
- A new PR card takes about 35 days; a PR card renewal about 38 days.
- IRCC’s figure is how long it took to finish 80% of recent applications; one in five took longer.
- If you applied before your permit expired, you can keep working or studying on maintained status while you wait.
What does an IRCC processing time actually mean?
It is backward-looking: the time IRCC took to finish 80% of recent applications in that category. It is not a deadline or a promise for your file.
- Your file can move faster or slower depending on completeness, biometrics and background checks.
- Temporary resident and PR card lines update weekly; permanent residence and citizenship lines update monthly.
How have processing times changed in 2026?
The biggest change in 2026: in-Canada work permit extensions fell from 259 days in March to 107 days by late September. IRCC only shows today’s figure, so we record each update.
| Application | Feb 2026 | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 | Sept 22, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work permit extension (inside Canada) | — | 259 days | — | 107 days |
| Visitor record | — | — | over 299 days | 393 days |
| New PR card | 61 days | — | — | 35 days |
| PR card renewal | 30 days | — | — | 38 days |
| Citizenship grant | 14 months | — | 12 months | see IRCC tool |
| Spouse/partner sponsorship, inside Canada (outside Quebec) | 21 months | — | — | see IRCC tool |
How long do applications from outside Canada take?
It depends on your country of residence. For applicants in India, IRCC’s September 22, 2026 data showed about 10 weeks for a work permit, 5 weeks for a study permit and 32 days for a visitor visa.
For permanent residence programs and citizenship, check the category in IRCC’s processing times tool.
What can I do while I wait for an extension?
If IRCC received your application before your permit expired, you keep working or studying under the same conditions on maintained status, as long as you stay in Canada.
- See every date that follows from yours with the status expiry timeline.
- My SIN expired while on maintained status.
- Health card on maintained status.
- Travelling while on maintained status.
What if my application is taking longer than the posted time?
Check that IRCC has everything it asked for, then use the IRCC web form. A case well past the posted time is worth following up, but the posted time is not a guarantee.
Sources
Processing times are copied from IRCC’s tool on the date shown. Canadianow is not affiliated with IRCC; check IRCC’s tool for the current figure.
Questions
Processing times FAQ
How long does a work permit extension take in Canada?
About 107 days for an application made inside Canada, according to IRCC’s September 22, 2026 update. The figure changes often; check IRCC’s tool for today’s number.
Can I keep working while my extension is processed?
Yes, if IRCC received your application before your permit expired and you stay in Canada. This is called maintained status.
How often is this page updated?
Every month. Each update is recorded in the history table so you can see the trend.
