Processing Times and Procedures

Processing times for the services delivered at a visa office generally depend on three factors - the volume of applications, their complexity and the amount of resources (staff) available to the visa office.

The following processing times and procedures apply to applications being received and processed at the present time. They apply to average, straightforward applications without complications.

There will always be a small number of applications where complications arise which delay finalization. When this happens, we will endeavour to advise applicants of the reason for the delay and to advise what information is required to continue processing, and provide a realistic estimation of the expected processing time.

Should we find ourselves unable to meet our predicted processing times because of sudden changes in volume or other factors, we will endeavour to adjust the information on this page so that visa applicants will have a realistic expectation of the time required to process each category of application. Statistical information on processing times for cases completed during the past year at visa offices is available on the CIC Website.

Processing Times for Permanent Resident Applications

Family Class - Spouses, Common-law partners, Conjugal partners, Dependent Children
9 months

Family Class - Other Members Including Parents and Grandparents
More than 36 months

Skilled Workers - With Confirmed Permanent Offer of Employment
12 months

Skilled Workers - Provincial Nominees
12 months

Other Skilled Worker and Business Applicants (Investors, Entrepreneurs, Self-Employed)
36-60 months

Processing Times for Temporary Resident Visas

Temporary Resident (Visitor) Visa application

Every effort is made to process all applications as quickly as possible. Applicants should count, however, on processing taking a minimum - not maximum - of 30 working days (excluding statutory Canadian holidays) from the time a complete application is submitted at the Visa Section, to the time the decision is released from our office for return to the applicant. As supplementary checks are frequently required, you should be aware that processing may well take more than thirty days. Please note that the thirty day working day minimum does not include the time taken for handling of applications to and from the Embassy.

The processing time may also be subject to change due to volumes of applications received. It might also change if a medical examination is required or if additional documents or verifications are required.

We therefore strongly encourage travellers to submit their applications at least six weeks before their intended date of travel, to avoid disappointment.

Work Permits

Applicants should count, on processing taking a minimum - not maximum - of 16 weeks (excluding statutory visa office holidays) from the time a complete application is submitted at the Visa Section, to the time the decision is released from our office. As supplementary checks are frequently required, you should be aware that processing may exceed 16 weeks from the receipt of a complete application.

Study Permits

Applicants should count, on processing taking a minimum - not maximum - of 4 weeks (excluding statutory visa office holidays) from the time a complete application is submitted at the Visa Section, to the time the decision is released from our office. As supplementary checks are frequently required, you should be aware that processing may exceed 4 weeks from the receipt of a complete application.

Permanent Resident Travel Document

Applicants should count, on processing taking a minimum of 12 weeks (excluding statutory visa office holidays) from the time a complete application is submitted at the Visa Section, to the time the decision is released from our office. As supplementary checks may be required, processing may exceed 8 weeks from the receipt of a complete application.