IRCC Updates Temporary Residence Processing Times for September 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its temporary residence processing-time estimates on September 2, 2026.
The latest figures show shorter estimated waits for several application categories, including study permits submitted from India, work permits submitted from Pakistan and Super Visa applications from several countries.
Other estimates increased. Work permits from India and the Philippines now show longer waits than in the August 26 update, while the estimate for study permit applications from inside Canada increased by one week.
Applicants should use IRCC’s official processing-times tool to check the current estimate for their application category and location.
Important: These Are Estimates, Not Guarantees
IRCC processing times are estimates of how long applications may take. They are not deadlines, maximum processing periods or promises that a particular application will receive a decision within the published period.
Actual processing can take longer or less time depending on factors such as:
- Whether the application is complete;
- How easily IRCC can verify the information;
- Requests for additional documents;
- Medical, criminal or security screening;
- The complexity of the individual case;
- Application volumes and available processing capacity; and
- Whether the applicant responds promptly to IRCC.
The tables below compare the September 2 estimates with the figures recorded on August 26, 2026.
Work Permit Processing Estimates
| Applying from | September 2 | August 26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 113 days | 115 days | 2 days shorter |
| India | 10 weeks | 9 weeks | 1 week longer |
| Pakistan | 7 weeks | 8 weeks | 1 week shorter |
| Nigeria | 9 weeks | 9 weeks | No change |
| United States | 2 weeks | 2 weeks | No change |
| Philippines | 7 weeks | 5 weeks | 2 weeks longer |
The in-Canada work permit estimate decreased to 113 days. Applicants applying from India and the Philippines, however, saw their published estimates increase.
A longer estimate does not necessarily mean an individual application has been delayed. The tool provides a general indication based on IRCC’s current calculation method and available information.
Applicants seeking an extension from inside Canada should submit a complete application before their existing work permit expires. Depending on their circumstances, applying before expiry may allow them to continue working under maintained-status rules while IRCC processes the application. Eligibility to continue working depends on the applicant’s specific situation and the conditions of their original permit.
Study Permit Processing Estimates
| Applying from | September 2 | August 26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 8 weeks | 7 weeks | 1 week longer |
| India | 5 weeks | 7 weeks | 2 weeks shorter |
| Pakistan | 7 weeks | 7 weeks | No change |
| Nigeria | 9 weeks | 9 weeks | No change |
| United States | 5 weeks | 5 weeks | No change |
| Philippines | 4 weeks | 4 weeks | No change |
The most notable change was for study permit applications submitted from India, where the estimate fell from seven weeks to five weeks.
The in-Canada estimate increased from seven to eight weeks. Estimates for Pakistan, Nigeria, the United States and the Philippines remained unchanged in this comparison.
International students should not use a published estimate as a guaranteed arrival timeline. They should allow time for application preparation, biometrics, medical examinations when required, passport submission and travel arrangements. Students should also remain in contact with their designated learning institution if processing affects their planned start date.
Visitor Visa Processing Estimates
| Applying from | September 2 | August 26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside Canada | 11 days | 12 days | 1 day shorter |
| India | 31 days | 32 days | 1 day shorter |
| Pakistan | 78 days | 77 days | 1 day longer |
| Nigeria | 80 days | 78 days | 2 days longer |
| United States | 20 days | 21 days | 1 day shorter |
| Philippines | 18 days | 20 days | 2 days shorter |
Visitor visa estimates changed only slightly during the week. Estimates decreased for in-Canada applications and applications from India, the United States and the Philippines. They increased modestly for Pakistan and Nigeria.
A visitor visa does not guarantee entry to Canada. Travellers must still satisfy a border services officer that they meet the applicable entry requirements when they arrive. Applicants should avoid purchasing non-refundable travel arrangements based only on an estimated processing time.
Super Visa Processing Estimates
| Applying from | September 2 | August 26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 66 days | 61 days | 5 days longer |
| Pakistan | 139 days | 162 days | 23 days shorter |
| Nigeria | 52 days | 55 days | 3 days shorter |
| United States | 116 days | 123 days | 7 days shorter |
| Philippines | 93 days | 104 days | 11 days shorter |
Super Visa estimates declined for four of the five countries included in this comparison. Pakistan recorded the largest decrease, from 162 to 139 days. The Philippines decreased from 104 to 93 days, while the United States and Nigeria also recorded shorter estimates. India moved in the opposite direction, increasing from 61 to 66 days.
Super Visa applications must be submitted from outside Canada. Applicants must satisfy the current eligibility, medical insurance, financial-support and medical examination requirements. A shorter processing estimate does not change those requirements.
Processing Times and Service Standards Are Different
A processing-time estimate and a service standard are not the same thing. A processing time indicates how long IRCC currently estimates an application may take. Depending on the application category, the estimate may rely on recently finalized applications or on current inventory and processing capacity.
A service standard is an operational target describing how quickly IRCC aims to finalize a specified proportion of complete applications under normal circumstances. Neither measure guarantees when an individual applicant will receive a decision.
Applicants should use the figure shown for their exact application type and location rather than relying on a general number from social media or an older article.
How Applicants Can Prepare
Submitting an incomplete application can lead to delays, a returned application or additional document requests. Before applying, applicants should verify:
- All required forms are completed correctly;
- Supporting documents are current and legible;
- The correct government fees have been paid;
- Whether biometrics or a medical examination are required;
- Translations meet IRCC requirements; and
- Contact and passport information remain current.
Applicants with an active application should monitor their IRCC account and email, respond promptly to requests, keep immigration documents valid and avoid submitting duplicate applications unless professionally advised.
An application exceeding the current estimate is not automatically refused or lost. Processing can vary because of verification, admissibility reviews or case complexity.
Key Takeaway
IRCC’s September 2 update brought shorter estimates for several temporary residence categories. Study permits from India fell to five weeks, work permits from Pakistan fell to seven weeks and several Super Visa estimates declined.
Other categories increased, including work permits from India and the Philippines and in-Canada study permits.
Applicants should treat every figure as an estimate, verify the latest result directly through IRCC and avoid making non-refundable plans until the necessary immigration document has been issued.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Processing estimates and immigration requirements can change without notice. Confirm current information directly with IRCC before acting.
