Processing times
| Application | IRCC posted time | Data updated |
|---|---|---|
| Study permit extension in Canada | 8 weeks (if you apply today) | 2026-10-10 |
| Study permit from outside Canada (applying from China) | 6 weeks | 2026-10-14 |
| Work permit extension in Canada (includes new PGWPs) | 13 weeks (if you apply today) | 2026-10-10 |
| Visitor extension (visitor record) | 357 days | 2026-10-14 |
| Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class | About 6 months | 2026-10-09 |
| Federal Skilled Worker | About 7 months | 2026-10-09 |
| New PR card | 33 days | 2026-10-14 |
| PR card renewal or replacement | 38 days | 2026-10-14 |
BC PNP, provincial stage: around 80% of applications are processed within 3 months. The last BC PNP draw for priority technology occupations was on 2024-12-03; there is no separate tech stream now.
Source: IRCC: Check processing times; WelcomeBC: For workers; WelcomeBC: News, checked 2026-10-17.
How IRCC calculates them
Most temporary residence times are historical: how long it took to process 80% of applications in a recent period. Permanent residence and some extension categories show an estimate for an application submitted today. IRCC says the times are not a maximum or a guarantee.
Permanent residence times are updated monthly and temporary residence times weekly. Check the official figure on the day you apply.
Source: IRCC: Check processing times, checked 2026-10-17.
When your application is past the processing time
- Check your status online first: IRCC says its agents have no more details than what is available online.
- Web form: once your application is over the normal processing time, use the IRCC web form to ask about it, with your application number and UCI. Submitting another web form does not speed things up.
- Your own file: you can request your personal information from IRCC under the Privacy Act, wherever you live, at no cost.
BC PNP does not respond to status inquiries while an application is within its standard processing times.
Source: IRCC: Web form; IRCC: Privacy Act request; BC PNP Skills Immigration Program Guide, section 1.8, checked 2026-10-17.
Working while you wait for a PGWP
You can work full time until IRCC decides your PGWP application if you:
- had a valid study permit when you submitted your application;
- completed your study program;
- were eligible to work off campus without a work permit while studying and did not work more hours than allowed.
Source: IRCC: PGWP, After you apply, checked 2026-10-17.