Canadian Immigration Processing Times Update: Visitor Visas Improve While Study Permit Applications Surge
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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released updated processing times for temporary resident applications, including work permits, study permits, visitor visas, and super visas.
The latest update shows modest improvements for visitor visas across several countries, while study permit applications from Pakistan have seen a sharp increase in wait times.
Below is a detailed breakdown comparing processing times from February 17, 2026, to the most recent update on February 24, 2026.
Work Permit Processing Times
Work permit processing remained mostly stable. However:
- Applications from Canada increased by 10 days
- Applications from Nigeria increased by 2 weeks
- Other countries remained unchanged
Current Work Permit Processing Times
| Applying From | Current Time | Feb 17, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | 256 days | 246 days |
| India | 8 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Pakistan | 30 weeks | 30 weeks |
| Nigeria | 11 weeks | 9 weeks |
| United States | 10 weeks | 10 weeks |
Work Permit Service Standards
- In-Canada submissions (initial & extensions): 120 days
- Outside Canada submissions: 60 days
- International Experience Canada permits: 56 days
Study Permit Processing Times
Study permit wait times show significant variation this week.
Key Changes:
- Pakistan: Jumped from 7 weeks to 15 weeks (nearly 3.5 months)
- United States: Improved by one week
- Other countries remained steady
Current Study Permit Processing Times
| Applying From | Current Time | Feb 17, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | 9 weeks | 8 weeks |
| India | 4 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Pakistan | 15 weeks | 7 weeks |
| Nigeria | 8 weeks | 8 weeks |
| United States | 6 weeks | 7 weeks |
Study Permit Service Standards
- In-Canada submissions: 120 days
- Outside Canada submissions: 60 days
The surge in Pakistan-based applications suggests higher demand or processing backlog adjustments.
Visitor Visa Processing Times
Visitor visa processing times improved slightly across most countries.
Notable Changes:
- India: Reduced from 78 to 71 days
- Pakistan: Reduced from 58 to 53 days
- United States: Reduced from 25 to 23 days
- Canada (inland): Reduced from 21 to 19 days
- Nigeria: Slight increase from 51 to 56 days
Current Visitor Visa Processing Times
| Applying From | Current Time | Feb 17, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | 19 days | 21 days |
| India | 71 days | 78 days |
| Pakistan | 53 days | 58 days |
| Nigeria | 56 days | 51 days |
| United States | 23 days | 25 days |
Visitor Visa Service Standards
- In-Canada submissions: N/A
- Outside Canada submissions: 14 days
Super Visa Processing Times
Super visa wait times show mixed movement.
Most Significant Change:
- Pakistan: Improved by 12 days
Current Super Visa Processing Times
| Applying From | Current Time | Feb 17, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| India | 210 days | 213 days |
| Pakistan | 136 days | 124 days |
| Nigeria | 47 days | 46 days |
| United States | 205 days | 205 days |
Super Visa Service Standard
- 112 days
- Super visa applications cannot be submitted from within Canada
Understanding IRCC Processing Times
IRCC processing times reflect estimated durations for new applications submitted today. The timeline begins when IRCC receives the application (online submission timestamp or physical mailroom receipt) and ends when a final decision is made.
Processing times may vary based on:
- Application volume
- Case complexity
- Accuracy and completeness of documents
- Response time to additional document requests
There are two types of processing time calculations:
1. Historical Processing Times
Based on how long it took IRCC to process 80% of past applications. These are updated weekly and used for temporary residence applications.
2. Forward-Looking Processing Times
Based on current application inventory and expected finalizations.
What Are Service Standards?
Service standards are IRCC’s internal benchmarks. The department aims to finalize 80% of applications within a specific timeframe.
Approximately 20% of applications may exceed these timelines due to complexity or additional review requirements.
Not all application categories have established service standards.
Final Thoughts
The latest update shows encouraging improvements in visitor visa processing times, particularly for India and Pakistan. However, the significant increase in Pakistan study permit wait times could impact students planning upcoming intakes.
Applicants are advised to:
- Apply well in advance
- Ensure documentation is complete
- Monitor IRCC processing updates regularly
As immigration demand fluctuates globally, processing times may continue to shift in the coming weeks.
