Applicants from India applying for Canadian visitor visas now face an average wait of 99 days, according to the latest update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Meanwhile, those applying for work permits can expect to wait about 10 weeks. Super visa applicants, who intend to stay with family for longer periods, face even longer delays, averaging 169 days.

The IRCC clarified that these processing times reflect real‑time durations for 80 % of applications, rather than older estimates that often did not match reality. The update aims to help applicants plan better. In addition, study permits for Indian students are now being processed in roughly 4 weeks, providing a quicker route for those planning to study in Canada. Nevertheless, processing times for extensions and other visa categories remain variable, depending on volume and background checks.

🧾 Broader Immigration Backlogs

Beyond visitor and work permits, Canada is facing delays across other immigration programs. For instance, there are currently around 290,700 individuals awaiting citizenship decisions, with an average processing time of 13 months. Citizenship certificates take up to 9 months, while renunciation requests may take as long as 22 months.

Family sponsorship programs remain among the slowest. Spousal sponsorships submitted outside Canada take about 14 months, whereas applications filed within Canada average 20 months. Meanwhile, sponsorship for parents and grandparents extends to 42–50 months, depending on the province. Applications for protected persons and humanitarian cases are taking over 10 years in some instances.

The IRCC noted that processing times can vary significantly based on the location of the application, the complexity of background checks, and the overall workload of the immigration system. The agency emphasized that it is continuously working to manage these delays, while global travel demand and labor needs put additional pressure on resources.

💡 What This Means for Indian Applicants

For Indians looking to travel, work, or study in Canada, these processing times highlight the need to plan applications well in advance. Applicants should submit complete and accurate documentation to avoid further delays. Additionally, understanding the expected processing duration can help in scheduling travel, work start dates, or academic enrollment.

In conclusion, while Canada remains a popular destination for education, employment, and family reunification, Indian applicants are particularly affected by these extended waits. Staying informed about current processing times and planning applications carefully will be essential for a smoother immigration experience.