Canada Work and Study Permit Wait Times Rise in July 2026

Canada Work Permit Processing Times as of July 28, 2026

Work permit estimates increased for Pakistan and Nigeria, remained unchanged for India and the United States, and decreased for applications submitted from Canada and the Philippines.

The country shown in the processing-time tool generally relates to the location from which the application is being processed, not simply the applicant’s citizenship.

Applicants should select the correct application category and country in IRCC’s official processing-time tool rather than relying on a general national average.

Work permit service standards

IRCC’s published service standard for an initial work permit application submitted from outside Canada is generally 60 days, excluding certain programs such as International Experience Canada.

The service standard for a work permit extension submitted from within Canada is generally 120 days.

A service standard is a departmental performance target. It is different from the processing-time estimate shown for a newly submitted application.

Canada Study Permit Processing Times as of July 28, 2026

Study permit estimates increased by one week for applications processed from Pakistan and Nigeria after remaining unchanged during the previous four-week period.

Study permit service standards

IRCC’s service standard for a new study permit application submitted outside Canada is generally 60 days.

New study permit and extension applications submitted from within Canada have a published service standard of 120 days.

Some applicants may receive a decision before the service standard, while complex or incomplete applications may take considerably longer.

Visitor Visa and Super Visa Processing-Time Updates

IRCC’s July 28 figures also showed changes to visitor visa and parent and grandparent super visa estimates.

Visitor visa estimates

Super visa estimates

Super visa applications are submitted from outside Canada. IRCC’s published service standard for these applications is generally 112 days.

Processing Times and Service Standards Are Different

Applicants should not treat processing-time estimates and service standards as interchangeable.

Published processing times are not maximum timelines and do not guarantee that an individual file will receive a decision within the number of days or weeks shown.

IRCC uses historical processing times for some application categories. These are generally based on how long it took to finalize 80% of recently completed applications.

For other categories, IRCC may use forward-looking estimates based on current inventory, expected future applications and available processing capacity.

Why Can IRCC Processing Times Increase or Decrease?

A change in the published estimate does not necessarily mean that every individual application has been delayed or accelerated by the same amount.

Processing times can be affected by:

• The number of applications already in IRCC’s inventory;
• The number of new applications received;
• The number of officers available to process the application type;
• Seasonal increases in study permit applications;
• Whether an application is complete;
• The time required to verify employment, education or finances;
• Biometrics and medical examination requirements;
• Criminal, security or admissibility assessments;
• Requests for additional information;
• The time the applicant takes to respond to IRCC.

As of May 31, 2026, IRCC reported 404,070 new temporary residence applications that had not yet been finalized.

This included approximately 31,665 new study permit applications and 35,040 new work permit applications. These inventory figures excluded permit-extension applications.

What Should Study Permit Applicants Do?

Apply after receiving the required documents

Students should apply as early as reasonably possible after receiving a valid letter of acceptance and any required provincial or territorial attestation letter.

Quebec-bound students may also require a valid Quebec Acceptance Certificate.

Do not rely on the estimate as an arrival date

Applicants should avoid making non-refundable travel or accommodation commitments solely because the published estimate appears shorter than their program start date.

Submit an updated letter after a deferral

A student who defers enrolment while the application is being processed should obtain approval from the designated learning institution and submit an updated letter of acceptance through the online account or IRCC web form.

Apply early for an extension

Students in Canada are generally advised to apply to extend their study permits at least 30 days before expiry.

A student who applies before the current permit expires may normally continue studying under the same conditions while waiting for a decision, provided the person remains in Canada and continues to meet the applicable requirements.

What Should Work Permit Applicants Do?

Confirm that the employer-side process is complete

Employer-specific applicants should confirm that the employer has completed the required Labour Market Impact Assessment or International Mobility Program compliance process before submission.

Review the job offer carefully

The employment offer, LMIA or Employer Portal submission should be consistent with the work permit application regarding:

• The employer’s legal name;
• The occupation and duties;
• The NOC code;
• The wage;
• The work location;
• The duration of employment.

Apply before the current permit expires

A worker applying for an extension should generally submit the application at least 30 days before the existing permit expires.

An eligible worker who applies before expiry may receive maintained status and continue working under the same conditions while IRCC makes a decision, provided the worker remains in Canada.

An employer-specific worker on maintained status must normally continue with the same employer, job and work location. An eligible open work permit holder may retain greater flexibility.

How to Reduce Preventable Application Delays

1. Use the correct application category. Select the correct work permit, study permit or extension application.
2. Submit a complete application. Include all mandatory forms, signatures, fees and supporting documents.
3. Provide consistent information. Employment, education, travel and family information should match supporting records.
4. Complete biometrics promptly. Follow the biometric instruction letter before its deadline.
5. Complete the medical examination when required. Use an IRCC-approved panel physician.
6. Monitor the online account. Check for document requests, messages and status updates.
7. Update important changes. Report changes to contact details, family composition, school, employment or passport information when required.
8. Respond before IRCC’s deadline. Delayed responses can extend processing or lead to a decision based on the existing information.

Calling IRCC generally does not cause an application to be processed faster.

How Always Canada Group Can Help

Always Canada Group is a Canadian immigration consultancy led by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants.

Our services may include:

• Reviewing work or study permit eligibility;
• Preparing new permit applications;
• Preparing work or study permit extensions;
• Reviewing employer and employment documents;
• Reviewing letters of acceptance and study plans;
• Assessing proof-of-funds documentation;
• Responding to additional document requests;
• Updating IRCC after a material change;
• Reviewing applications exceeding the published processing time;
• Assessing previous work or study permit refusals.

A published processing time does not guarantee a decision date or application approval.

Final processing and immigration decisions remain with IRCC and, where applicable, the Canada Border Services Agency.

Book a Canadian immigration consultation with Always Canada Group to review a work permit, study permit or extension application.