If you’re thinking about moving to Canada, you’re not alone. Canada is famous for being friendly to immigrants, having beautiful scenery, and offering a great quality of life. But one of the first questions you might have is, “how long does it take for Canada visa to be approved?” The answer to this question depends on the type of visa you’re applying for.
In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of Canadian visas, their processing times, and what can affect these times.
| Also Read: How To Get Transit Visa | Complete Guide |
Overview: Canada Visa Processing Times
Before diving into specific visas, it’s important to understand what we mean by “processing time.” The processing time for Canadian visas refers to how long it takes for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process your application from the day they receive it. This can also be referred to as CIC or IRCC processing times.
Types of Canadian Visas and Their Processing Times
There are several types of Canadian visas, each with its own processing time. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones:
| Type of Visa or Program | Average Processing Time (2024) |
| Express Entry | 6 months or less |
| Canada PR Card | 34 days |
| Canada PR Renewal | 2 months |
| Canada Work Permit | 5 weeks – 36 months |
| LMIA | 8 – 76 days |
| Canada Student Visa | 8 – 17 weeks |
| Canadian Citizenship | 8 – 24 months |
| Canadian Visitor Visa | 10 – 27 days (inside Canada) |
| 2 – 8 months (outside Canada) | |
| Canada Spousal Sponsorship | 13 – 17 months |
| Super Visa | 4 – 6 months |
| Post-Graduate Work Permit | 2-6 months |
How Long Does It Take For Canada Visa To Be Approved
Express Entry Processing Time
Processing Time
6 months or less
The Express Entry system
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Most Express Entry applications are approved within six months of being submitted. However, this time can vary if you don’t provide all the necessary documents on time.
Example
John, a software engineer from India, applied through the Express Entry system. He made sure all his documents were ready and uploaded them promptly. His application was processed in exactly five months, and he is now happily settled in Toronto.
Canada Permanent Resident (PR) Card Processing Time
Processing Time
34 days
If you have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a PR visa, the processing time is about 34 days after you submit your application.
Canada PR Card Renewal Processing Time
Processing Time
2 months
If your PR card is about to expire, you should apply for renewal. The renewal process can take a couple of months, so plan ahead if you need to travel.
Canada Work Permit Processing Time
Processing Time
5 weeks – 36 months
The processing time for a work permit can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as where you are applying from and how complete your application is.
Example
Maria applied for a work permit from Brazil. Since she had all her documents in order and applied through an office with fewer applications, her permit was processed in just six weeks.
LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) Processing Time
Processing Time
8 – 76 days
LMIA is required for employers in Canada who want to hire foreign workers. The processing time depends on the stream:
- Global Talent Stream: 8 business days
- Agricultural stream: 15 business days
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program: 10 business days
- Permanent residence Stream: 76 business days
Canada Student Visa Processing Time
Processing Time
8 – 17 weeks
If you’re planning to study in Canada, the processing time for a student visa depends on your country of residence:
- Inside Canada: 8 weeks
- Outside Canada: 17 weeks
Canadian Citizenship Processing Time
Processing Time
8 – 24 months
Becoming a Canadian citizen can take quite some time. From submitting your application to receiving your citizenship certificate, it can take around 8 to 24 months.
Canadian Visitor Visa Processing Time
Processing Time
15 days – 8 months
The processing time for a visitor visa varies depending on where you’re applying from:
- Inside Canada: 15 days
- Outside Canada: 2 to 8 months
Example
Liam from Australia applied for a visitor visa to Canada. Since he applied from outside Canada, it took 3 months for his visa to be processed.
Canada Spousal Sponsorship Processing Time
Processing Time
13-17 months
If you’re sponsoring your spouse to come to Canada, the process can take a bit longer, especially if your spouse is outside Canada.
Super Visa Processing Time
Processing Time
4-6 months
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens to visit Canada for extended periods. This visa usually takes about 4 to 6 months to process.
Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
Processing Time
2-6 months
If you’ve studied in Canada and are applying for a post-graduate work permit, it can take between 2 to 6 months, depending on whether you apply online or via paper.
Factors That Can Affect Visa Processing Times
Several factors can influence how long it takes for your Canadian visa to be approved:
- Type of Visa Application: Different visas have different processing times.
- Country of Applicant’s Residency: Processing times can vary depending on where you are applying from.
- Application Completion and Correctness: Ensure all your documents are complete and correct.
- Confirmation of Information: How easily IRCC can verify your information can affect processing time.
- IRCC Processing Capacity: The number of applications already in the system can impact how quickly your application is processed.
- Response Time: How quickly you respond to additional requests or concerns from IRCC.
Example
Anisha from Nepal applied for a student visa. She made sure her application was complete and responded quickly to any additional requests. As a result, her visa was processed in just 10 weeks.
Tips to Reduce Visa Processing Time
While you can’t control all the factors affecting visa processing time, there are steps you can take to ensure your application is processed as quickly as possible:
- Submit a Complete Application: Make sure all required documents are included and properly filled out.
- Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to send in your application.
- Be Honest: Provide accurate information to avoid delays caused by verification.
- Respond Promptly: Quickly respond to any requests from IRCC for additional information or documents.
- Keep Copies: Always keep copies of your application and any correspondence with IRCC.
Conclusion
Understanding how long does it take for Canada visa to be approved can help you plan your move more effectively. Each type of visa has its own processing time, which can be influenced by several factors.
By submitting a complete and accurate application and responding promptly to any requests from IRCC, you can help ensure your application is processed as quickly as possible. Remember to stay informed and check the latest processing times on the IRCC website to stay updated. Good luck with your journey to Canada!
