IRCC’s first temporary residence processing update for September shows shorter waits in several key categories, especially for some work permits, study permits, and super visas. The latest figures also show where timelines rose slightly, helping applicants better understand current trends, service standards, and what these estimates really mean when planning a move, visit, job, or studies in Canada.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its temporary residence processing times on September 2, 2026, and the latest numbers bring some welcome relief for many applicants. Several categories moved down, including work permits for Pakistan, study permits for India, and super visas for both Pakistan and the Philippines.
At the same time, not every stream improved. Some applicants, including certain work permit and in-Canada study permit applicants, saw modest increases. For people planning to explore Canadian immigration options, these weekly updates are useful because they offer a snapshot of how quickly IRCC is moving through files right now.
Although this update focuses on temporary residence, many applicants use temporary status as part of a longer immigration to Canada process. A study permit, work permit, visitor visa, or super visa can sometimes become the first step toward future permanent residence through programmes such as Express Entry immigration pathways, the Provincial Nominee Program, or other Canadian immigration programmes.
Where processing times improved in early September
The strongest improvements in this update appeared in three areas: work permits for Pakistan, study permits for India, and super visas for several countries. These changes do not guarantee faster decisions for every file, but they do suggest that IRCC’s current inventory may be easing in some streams.
Work permit changes
Among the countries tracked in this update, Pakistan posted the clearest improvement for work permits, dropping from 8 weeks to 7 weeks. In-Canada work permit processing also moved slightly lower, from 115 days to 113 days. That is a small change, but it is still notable for applicants already in Canada who are extending status or applying from inside the country.
For foreign nationals considering employment in Canada, it is important to understand that different work permit routes can involve very different rules. Some require an LMIA, while others may qualify under LMIA-exempt categories or employer-specific exemptions. Readers who want to better understand these routes can review Canada’s work permit options and related employer pathways before applying.
Study permit improvements
India saw one of the biggest positive shifts in the update. Study permit processing fell from 7 weeks to 5 weeks, a meaningful change for students trying to prepare tuition payments, housing, travel, and class start dates. For many international students, even a two-week improvement can make planning much less stressful.
Anyone preparing to study in Canada should still make sure the rest of the application is strong. Processing speed is only one part of the picture. A complete file usually includes a proper letter of acceptance, proof of funds, and a clear explanation of study plans. Students can review the current Canadian study permit requirements and broader study in Canada guidance before submitting an application.
Super visa reductions
Super visa applicants also received encouraging news. Pakistan dropped sharply from 162 days to 139 days, while the Philippines improved from 104 days to 93 days. Nigeria and the United States also saw shorter waits, while India moved in the opposite direction.
Because the super visa is designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, these changes matter to families hoping for longer visits and more stability. This category remains especially important for households balancing childcare, family support, and long-distance separation.
Which categories became slower
Even in a generally positive update, some streams became slower. These increases were not dramatic in most cases, but they still matter for applicants trying to meet travel, work, or school deadlines.
Work permits for India and the Philippines
India’s work permit estimate rose from 9 weeks to 10 weeks. The Philippines saw a larger jump, moving from 5 weeks to 7 weeks. Nigeria and the United States stayed unchanged at 9 weeks and 2 weeks respectively.
These shifts show why applicants should avoid relying too heavily on one week’s estimate. Processing times can move up or down based on demand, staffing, volume of new files, and the complexity of applications received.
In-Canada study permits
Study permit processing for applicants inside Canada increased from 7 weeks to 8 weeks. That may not sound large, but it can affect students extending status, changing schools, or adjusting plans for future work eligibility. Applicants should leave enough time before expiry dates and keep records organized, especially if they may later pursue a study-to-permanent residence pathway.
Visitor visas stayed mostly stable
Visitor visa timelines changed only slightly. Canada improved from 12 days to 11 days, India from 32 to 31 days, the United States from 21 to 20 days, and the Philippines from 20 to 18 days. Pakistan rose from 77 to 78 days, and Nigeria from 78 to 80 days.
In other words, visitor visa processing was relatively steady, with most movement limited to one or two days. People preparing a visitor visa application for Canada should still focus on document quality, travel purpose, and proof of ties, since a well-prepared application remains essential regardless of published averages.
Current processing times by application type
Work permits
| Applying from | September 2 | August 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | 113 days | 115 days |
| India | 10 weeks | 9 weeks |
| Pakistan | 7 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Nigeria | 9 weeks | 9 weeks |
| United States | 2 weeks | 2 weeks |
| Philippines | 7 weeks | 5 weeks |
Study permits
| Applying from | September 2 | August 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | 8 weeks | 7 weeks |
| India | 5 weeks | 7 weeks |
| Pakistan | 7 weeks | 7 weeks |
| Nigeria | 9 weeks | 9 weeks |
| United States | 5 weeks | 5 weeks |
| Philippines | 4 weeks | 4 weeks |
Visitor visas and super visas
| Category | Country | September 2 | August 26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa | India | 31 days | 32 days |
| Visitor visa | Pakistan | 78 days | 77 days |
| Visitor visa | Nigeria | 80 days | 78 days |
| Super visa | India | 66 days | 61 days |
| Super visa | Pakistan | 139 days | 162 days |
| Super visa | Philippines | 93 days | 104 days |
What these numbers really mean for applicants
One of the most common misunderstandings in Canadian immigration is the difference between a processing time and a service standard. They are related, but they are not the same thing.
Processing times versus service standards
Processing times are estimates. They help applicants understand how long a newly submitted file may take under current conditions. Depending on the category, IRCC may calculate these estimates using past results or current inventory and available resources.
Service standards, by contrast, are performance targets. They show how quickly IRCC aims to finalize most applications under normal circumstances. For example, the service standard listed in this update is 120 days for in-Canada work permit and study permit submissions, 60 days for many outside-Canada work permit and study permit submissions, 14 days for visitor visas processed outside Canada, and 112 days for super visas.
Why individual files can take longer or shorter
Actual timelines can still vary widely. A case may move faster if it is complete and straightforward, or slower if officers request extra documents, conduct additional background checks, or face higher inventory levels. This is especially relevant for applicants also planning future steps such as language testing through IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF, educational credential assessments, or permanent residence planning through economic immigration streams.
For many people, temporary status is only one stage in a larger journey. A worker may later qualify under the Canadian Experience Class. A skilled professional may compare options under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Others may wish to determine their eligibility through a free immigration assessment before deciding whether to come as a student, worker, visitor, or future permanent resident.
IRCC also reported that more than 1.56 million temporary residence applications were processed in the first half of 2026, with over 401,000 still waiting for a final decision at the end of June. That helps explain why weekly changes can happen even when overall demand remains high.
Canadian immigration rules, forms, and processing practices can change quickly, so readers should always confirm current details directly with IRCC or seek advice from a licensed immigration professional before making important decisions. EverNorth Immigration is here to help with experienced, caring support at every stage of your move to Canada, and if you would like personalised guidance, you can book your free immigration assessment.
