Canada Immigration Update: IRCC Processing Times Improve for Visitor Visas While New PR Opportunities Expand for In-Canada Applicants

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its latest updates on processing times for temporary resident applications, including visitor visas, study permits, work permits, and super visas. At the same time, Canada has introduced major permanent residence (PR) initiatives that strongly favor candidates already inside the country.

These changes directly impact international students, skilled workers, healthcare professionals, and families planning their pathway to Canadian permanent residence

New IRCC wait times

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Visitor Visa Processing Times Show Encouraging Improvements

One of the most positive developments is the reduction in visitor visa processing times, particularly for applicants from India.

Updated Visitor Visa Processing Times

• India: Reduced from 99 days to 83 days

• Canada (in-country): Increased slightly to 21 days

• Pakistan: Stable at 56 days

• Nigeria: Slight increase to 40 days

• United States: Reduced to 25 days

IRCC’s service standard for visitor visas submitted outside Canada remains 14 days, though actual timelines vary based on application volume and complexity

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Real-Time Example

An Indian family planning to visit relatives in Toronto for summer 2026 can now expect a shorter wait, making it easier to align travel plans with school holidays or family events.

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Work Permit Processing Times Become Slower and Less Predictable

In contrast, work permit processing times have become more volatile, with noticeable delays in several regions.

Current Work Permit Processing Trends

• Canada (inside): Increased to 241 days

• Pakistan: Jumped from 13 weeks to 20 weeks

• United States: Increased to 10 weeks

• India: Slight improvement to 8 weeks

IRCC’s service standard remains 120 days for in-Canada applications and 60 days for applications from outside Canada, except for specific programs like International Experience Canada (IEC)

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Real-Time Example

A skilled worker awaiting a work permit extension inside Canada may benefit from maintaining valid status early or exploring bridging open work permits while preparing for PR through Express Entry or PNPs.

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Study Permits Remain the Most Stable Immigration Stream

Among all temporary resident categories, study permits have remained the most consistent, with only minor fluctuations.

Study Permit Processing Times

• India: Increased slightly to 4 weeks

• Canada: Stable at 7 weeks

• Nigeria: Increased to 7 weeks

• United States: Increased to 7 weeks

This stability suggests that Canada continues to prioritize international students, recognizing their long-term contribution to the workforce and PR pipelines

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Real-Time Example

An international student admitted to a Canadian college for Fall intake still has a predictable timeline, making Canada a reliable destination compared to other countries.

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Super Visa Applications See Mixed Results

While some super visa applicants saw small improvements, U.S.-based applications experienced a major delay, with processing times nearly doubling.

Super Visa Processing Time Snapshot

• United States: Increased to 187 days

• India: Increased slightly to 214 days

• Nigeria: Reduced to 38 days

• Pakistan: Slight improvement to 126 days

Super visa applications must be submitted outside Canada, with a service standard of 112 days

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Canada Expands PR Opportunities for In-Canada Candidates

Beyond processing times, IRCC is clearly shifting its immigration strategy toward transitioning temporary residents to permanent residence.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Admissions Increase by 66%

Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan increased PNP admissions from 55,000 to 91,500, creating more opportunities for candidates with Canadian work or study experience.

Since most PNP streams prioritize local ties, in-Canada applicants gain a significant advantage through provincial draws

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Express Entry Continues to Favor Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Express Entry remains Canada’s largest PR pathway, with 109,000 PR spaces allocated. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) continues to receive dedicated draws, emphasizing Canadian work experience.

In 2026 alone, IRCC has already issued 14,000 ITAs through CEC draws, signaling strong momentum for in-Canada workers.

Real-Time Example

A temporary foreign worker with one year of Canadian experience may now receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) faster through CEC-specific draws.

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New PR Pathways for Workers, Doctors, and Francophone Candidates

IRCC has announced several targeted initiatives, including:

• 33,000 PR spaces for temporary foreign workers (2026–2027)

• 115,000 PR pathways for in-Canada protected persons

• A new Express Entry category for physicians with Canadian experience

• 5,000 PR spaces reserved for licensed doctors

• 5,000 PR spaces reserved for French-speaking immigrants

These initiatives directly support healthcare professionals, rural workers, and bilingual candidates, aligning immigration with Canada’s labor market needs

New IRCC wait times

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Understanding IRCC Processing Times vs Service Standards

IRCC processing times are estimates, not guarantees. They depend on:

• Application complexity

• Applicant responsiveness

• Current inventory levels

Service standards represent IRCC’s internal goal to finalize 80% of applications, while the remaining cases may take longer due to additional checks or documentation.

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Final Thoughts: Why This Is the Right Time to Plan Your Canada PR Journey

Canada’s immigration system is clearly evolving toward faster temporary processing where possible and stronger PR pathways for those already contributing to the country. Whether you are an international student, skilled worker, nurse, doctor, or Francophone applicant, these updates create real opportunities to transition from temporary status to permanent residence.

With Express Entry draws, expanded PNP allocations, and new occupation-based pathways, now is the time to strategically plan your Canadian immigration journey and take advantage of these favorable changes.

✨ Your Canadian dream is still very much alive—timing and preparation will make all the difference.