Temporary Residence Processing Times Improve Across the Board, IRCC Data Shows

Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released the latest processing times for temporary residence applications, with no overall increases and several categories posting improvements as of March 24 compared with the March 11 update.\n\nSuper visas showed notable gains: submissions from the Philippines improved by five weeks, while US-based submissions improved by three weeks.\n\nIn study permits, Pakistan-based applications declined by four weeks, and in-Canada submissions fell by one week.\n\nFor visitor visas, India submissions dropped by three weeks; nearly all countries saw progress in visitor visa wait times, with the Philippines as an exception.\n\nFor work permits, processing times have decreased or remained steady since March 11, with a one-week decrease for applications from Pakistan and the United States. By country, current times (as of March 24) include Inside Canada at 255 days (slightly better than 259 days on March 11), India at seven weeks, Pakistan at 29 weeks (down from 30), Nigeria at 13 weeks, the United States at eight weeks (down from nine), and the Philippines at seven weeks.\n\nIRCC also reaffirmed service standards: 120 days for in-Canada submissions (initial and extensions), 60 days for submissions from outside Canada, and 56 days for International Experience Canada permits.\n\nPermanent residence and citizenship processing times are updated monthly, with the most recent update having occurred on March 9. The next update is expected on April 9.\n\nWhile the improvements are welcome, timelines remain lengthy in several regions, underscoring the importance of monitoring IRCC updates and planning accordingly.