Canada temporary residence processing times update — July 28, 2026
Why the July 28 update matters
IRCC’s processing-time estimates for temporary residence applications changed on July 28, with most categories showing modest increases. Even small shifts can affect study start dates, employment start times, family visits and employer hiring plans. The July 28 figures show which applicant groups moved the most over the one-week window (July 22 → July 28) and underscore the need to build time buffers into immigration plans.
Short summary of this week’s movements
This update compares processing-time estimates for newly submitted temporary residence applications between July 22 and July 28.
– Work permits: Shorter for in‑Canada and Philippines-based filings; up by one week for Pakistan and Nigeria.
– Canada: 120 days (was 122 days)
– India: 9 weeks (unchanged)
– Pakistan: 11 weeks (up from 10 weeks)
– Nigeria: 7 weeks (up from 6 weeks)
– United States: 3 weeks (unchanged)
– Philippines: 6 weeks (down from 7 weeks)
– Service standards: In‑Canada submissions (initial and extensions) 120 days; outside‑Canada submissions 60 days.
– Study permits: After several weeks of stability, waits rose by one week for applicants in Pakistan and Nigeria.
– Canada: 7 weeks (unchanged)
– India: 5 weeks (unchanged)
– Pakistan: 7 weeks (up from 6 weeks)
– Nigeria: 6 weeks (up from 5 weeks)
– United States: 5 weeks (unchanged)
– Philippines: 4 weeks (unchanged)
– Service standards: In‑Canada 120 days; outside‑Canada 60 days.
– Visitor visas: Slight improvements for applicants inside Canada and the U.S.; small increases for most other listed countries.
– Canada: 24 days (down from 29 days)
– India: 22 days (up from 21 days)
– Pakistan: 43 days (up from 40 days)
– Nigeria: 64 days (up from 63 days)
– United States: 26 days (down from 27 days)
– Philippines: 17 days (up from 16 days)
– Service standard (outside Canada): 14 days.
– Super visas: Stable for U.S. applicants; increases of 2–5 days for other listed countries.
– India: 52 days (up from 49 days)
– Pakistan: 196 days (up from 194 days)
– Nigeria: 41 days (up from 39 days)
– United States: 124 days (unchanged)
– Philippines: 73 days (up from 68 days)
– Service standard: 112 days. (Note: super visa applications can only be submitted from outside Canada.)
Context and why processing times vs. service standards matter
IRCC’s processing-time estimates and its service standards are related but different. Processing-time estimates are informational—based on past finalizations or current inventory and capacity—and are not guarantees. Service standards are internal performance targets (typically for 80% of cases). A specific application can take more or less time than either published figure, depending on complexity, backlogs, operational capacity, requests for additional information, or further assessment.
Snapshot and next update
IRCC finalized more than 1.2 million temporary residence applications in the first five months of 2026; over 404,000 temporary residence applications remained pending as of May 31. The next temporary residence processing times update is expected on or around August 5, 2026.
Deeper look at country-level movements and implications
Week-to-week changes are mostly days or one week but reveal pressure points:
– Pakistan and Nigeria: Repeated increases across categories. Work and study permits rose by one week for both; visitor and super visa times also ticked up. Pakistan’s super visa estimate (196 days) is well above the 112‑day service standard. Applicants and sponsors in these countries should factor in longer waits and arrange contingency plans.
– Philippines: Mixed results. Work permit processing improved (6 weeks), while super visa and visitor visa times rose slightly. Employers and institutions should note the shorter work-permit timeline but watch visa timelines for visitors and super visa applicants.
– Canada and United States: Visitor visa processing improved slightly for domestic applicants. In‑Canada work and study permit estimates remain at 120 days (the published in‑Canada figure), so applicants filing inside Canada should plan for multi-month waits and apply early.
– India: Small increases in visitor and super visa estimates; work and study permit times stable. Families and sponsors should be aware of small upward movement in some categories.
Who feels the effects most acutely
– Prospective international students: Study-permit timing affects arrival for semester starts, housing and orientation. A one-week increase can matter for on-time arrival.
– Temporary foreign workers and employers: Work-permit delays can disrupt hiring and start dates.
– Visitor and super visa applicants: Super visa estimates exceed the service standard for some countries; avoid irreversible travel or booking commitments until a visa is issued.
– People in Canada filing extensions: In‑Canada processing estimates remain at 120 days—apply well ahead of expiry and keep evidence of maintained status.
– Advisers, employers and institutions: Advise candidates conservatively and monitor weekly trends.
Practical steps applicants and sponsors should take now
– Build time buffers: Plan using the highest recent estimate for your jurisdiction and application type, plus extra time for possible requests.
– Submit complete files: Well-organized, complete evidence reduces follow-up requests.
– Respond promptly to IRCC requests: Quick responses can prevent long delays.
– Avoid non-refundable commitments: Wait for visa/permit issuance before booking non-refundable travel, housing or employment starts.
– Monitor weekly updates: Look for trends over several weeks rather than reacting to a single-week change.
– Consider contingency plans: Deferred registration, flexible start dates, or alternate caregiving options.
– Keep records of submissions: Save forms, receipts and correspondence for follow-ups.
Numbers to watch from this update
(Selected figures from July 28 vs. July 22)
– Work permits
– Canada: 120 days (122 days)
– India: 9 weeks (9 weeks)
– Pakistan: 11 weeks (10 weeks)
– Nigeria: 7 weeks (6 weeks)
– United States: 3 weeks (3 weeks)
– Philippines: 6 weeks (7 weeks)
– Study permits
– Canada: 7 weeks (7 weeks)
– India: 5 weeks (5 weeks)
– Pakistan: 7 weeks (6 weeks)
– Nigeria: 6 weeks (5 weeks)
– United States: 5 weeks (5 weeks)
– Philippines: 4 weeks (4 weeks)
– Visitor visas
– Canada: 24 days (29 days)
– India: 22 days (21 days)
– Pakistan: 43 days (40 days)
– Nigeria: 64 days (63 days)
– United States: 26 days (27 days)
– Philippines: 17 days (16 days)
– Super visas
– India: 52 days (49 days)
– Pakistan: 196 days (194 days)
– Nigeria: 41 days (39 days)
– United States: 124 days (124 days)
– Philippines: 73 days (68 days)
What to watch in the next updates
– Look for consistent trends vs. one-week blips.
– Watch super visa times for countries where estimates are well above the service standard.
– Note any changes to service standards (rare but consequential).
– Check for simultaneous increases across study and work permits for the same country.
Final considerations
The July 28 IRCC update shows modest week-over-week increases across several temporary residence categories—most notably for applicants in Pakistan and Nigeria. Even small changes can affect plans for study, work and family visits, so apply early, submit complete files, respond quickly to requests, and avoid irreversible commitments until your visa or permit is issued.
For personalized support with your Canadian immigration pathway, contact GTR Immigration. Call us: +91-8810-686-447
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