Processing times: Temporary Residence
This information is updated weekly. It indicates the time (in calendar days) it takes to process an application after we receive a complete application package. Processing times are subject to change.
Last update: June 12, 2013
Alert – Strike Action
The Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) union is currently taking strike action. PAFSO union members responsible for processing visa applications have been walking out of offices in Canada and overseas.
Posted processing times for both temporary and permanent resident visa applications do not take into account work stoppages.
Anyone applying for a visa should anticipate delays and submit their application as far in advance as possible.
Contingency plans are already in place to ensure all offices remain open and are providing at least a minimum level of service. Priority will be placed on urgent humanitarian applications.
CIC continues to closely monitor the situation.
| Type of Application | Processing times |
|---|---|
Visitor |
|
Study Permit |
|
Work Permit |
| Type of Application | Paper Application | Online Application | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processing times | Working on applications received on | Processing times | Working on applications submitted on | |
| Visitor |
88 days |
March 10, 2013 |
58 days |
April 12, 2013 |
| Student | 62 days |
April 5, 2013 |
27 days |
May 10, 2013 |
| Off-Campus Work Permit (OCWP) |
67 days |
N/A |
12 days |
May 25, 2013 |
Work Permit |
67 days |
March 31, 2013 |
29 days |
May 8, 2013 |
| Work Permit (same employer) |
88 days |
March 10, 2013 |
29 days |
May 8, 2013 |
New temporary resident visa (For valid Study or Work Permit holders ONLY) |
21 days | May 23, 2013 | 22 days | May 22, 2013 |
If you submitted your application to an office outside Canada, please note that the Call Centre does not have information about your application.
If you submitted your application to an office inside Canada and if it has been longer than the time shown above since you applied, please contact the Call Centre. Call Centre agents cannot speed up the process of your application or make decisions on your case.
Top questions
- If I apply today, will the processing times show how long it will take to finalize my application?
- Why are there differences in processing times among regions and offices?
- What happens after I send in my application?
- How can I check if my application has been received?
- How can I check the status of my application?
Find more answers in the Help Centre.
Application form
How-to video
Save Time: Send a Complete Application
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