IRCC's October 21, 2026 data: work permit extensions 121 days, visitor records 341 days, study permit extensions 56 days, plus super visa times.
IRCC's processing-time data, last updated on October 21, 2026, shows a general estimate of 121 days (about 17 weeks) for a work permit extension made from inside Canada and 341 days for a visitor extension (visitor record). This is a routine data update, not a rule change. The figures are IRCC's estimates for new applications and can move every week.
What the October 21 data shows for applications made inside Canada
These are IRCC's general estimates for new applications made from inside Canada, as published in its processing-time data updated October 21, 2026:
| Application (inside Canada) | IRCC estimate |
|---|---|
| Work permit extension | 121 days |
| Study permit extension | 56 days |
| Visitor extension (visitor record) | 341 days |
| Visitor visa, applying from inside Canada | 12 days |
| PR card, new | 30 days |
| PR card, renewal or replacement | 40 days |
Super visa estimates by country
Super visa estimates depend on the country the parent or grandparent applies from. Selected values from the same October 21 update:
| Applying from | Super visa estimate |
|---|---|
| Iran | 231 days |
| Pakistan | 104 days |
| Philippines | 103 days |
| China | 89 days |
| India | 83 days |
| United States | 75 days |
| Vietnam | 46 days |
| Nigeria | 34 days |
Who is affected
These numbers matter most to:
- Workers inside Canada who are extending or changing a work permit and are planning around their current permit's expiry date.
- Visitors inside Canada who have asked to stay longer: a 341-day estimate means some applicants may be waiting most of a year for an answer.
- Families planning a parent's or grandparent's long visit on a super visa, especially from Iran, where the estimate is the longest in the table above.
What it does not change
A long processing estimate does not, by itself, change your status. If you applied to extend before your permit expired, you may be able to keep working or studying under the same conditions while IRCC decides (maintained status), as long as you meet the conditions. Check your own situation against IRCC's rules before relying on this.
If you already applied: use your personal estimate
Since October 9, 2026, people who already applied inside Canada for a work permit extension, PGWP, bridging open work permit or study permit extension can see a personal estimate on IRCC's processing-times page by entering their application date. For these applicants, that personal figure is more useful than the general number above. We explained how it works in our post on IRCC's personalized processing times.
What to do next
- Apply for any extension well before your current permit or status expires. A late application can leave you without maintained status.
- Check the current estimate for your application type and country with our processing-times tool or on IRCC's own page.
- If you are applying from outside Canada, see our country comparison for work, study and visitor applications.
- Planning a work permit, study permit or visitor stay? Our temporary residence page explains the options, or book a consultation to review your timing.
Processing times are IRCC estimates based on past applications. They change often and are not a promise of when a decision will be made, and no outcome is assured. Check the latest figures on IRCC's processing-times page before you plan around them.
Not sure how this applies to your situation? A licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) can review your profile with you.
