According to the latest processing time update issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the processing time for citizenship and confirmation of citizenship has increased, likely due to the increasing volume of applications.
However, family sponsorship processing times have improved overall, particularly under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
For dependent child sponsorships, there was no change in processing times in Canada over the past month, while applications from Nigeria saw a one-month decrease.
Applications for citizenship
For applicants from India, the processing time for citizenship is currently 16 months, unchanged from 15 January 2025.
Applications for temporary residence: Visitor visas
India has seen significant improvement in visitor visa processing times. The current processing time is 78 days, down from 99 days as of January 15, 2025, IRCC said.
In comparison, applications in Canada increased slightly from 17 days to 21 days. It should also be noted that IRCC only publishes service standards for applications filed outside of Canada, which is 14 days.
Work permit for Indian applicants
Work permit processing times for Indian applicants have improved slightly. The current processing time is 8 weeks compared to 9 weeks from 15 January 2025.
This contrasts sharply with Pakistan, where processing times have increased significantly over the past month.
Work permit in Canada
Work permit applications submitted from Canada, including extensions, currently take 256 days to process. This represents an increase of four days compared to last week, 15 days from January 28, 2026 and 46 days from December 31, 2025.
Processing under the Seasonal Farmworker Program remains steady at eight days, unchanged from last week and two days faster than at the end of December.
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International Experience Canada (IEC) applications are now processed in approximately two weeks, reflecting a significant six-week reduction from January 28, 2026 and a decrease of four weeks from December 31, 2025.
For electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), most applicants receive approval within five minutes, although cases requiring additional review can take up to 72 hours.
Study permit
The processing time for a study permit from India has been extended slightly. Applications now take 4 weeks, from 15 January 2025 3 weeks.
Similarly, study permit applications in Canada increased from 7 weeks to 8 weeks.
Super Visa for Indian Applicants
The processing time for supervisions for Indian applicants has been extended slightly. The current processing time is 213 days compared to 206 days as of January 15, 2025.
Among the countries mentioned, only Pakistan saw a decline, while applications in the US saw a sharp increase.
Economy class processing shifts
Under Canada’s economic immigration category, the processing time for CECs has increased to seven months, up one month from January. The backlog of applications also rose significantly to around 34,200 candidates, an increase of around 8,800.
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Meanwhile, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) processing time remains unchanged at seven months. However, its inventory has also expanded, with a queue now numbering roughly 43,000 applicants.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney lands in Mumbai on a four-day visit to India
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Mumbai on Friday, kicking off his four-day visit to India. During his stay in Mumbai, he is expected to meet leading business leaders.
On March 1, he will travel to New Delhi, where he is scheduled to meet Narendra Modi on March 2, according to the official itinerary. In the national capital, Carney will also meet S. Jaishankar and address the India-Canada CEO Forum before leaving for Canada.
(With input from agencies)
