IRCC Reports Faster Processing for In-Canada Work Permit Applications
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released updated processing times for temporary residence applications, showing a significant improvement for individuals applying for work permits from within Canada.
Processing Time Drops to 144 Days
As of June 24, 2026, IRCC estimates that most in-Canada work permit applications are being processed in 144 days, down from 171 days in the previous update released on June 17, 2026. This represents a reduction of 27 days in just one week.
Although processing times have improved considerably, they remain above IRCC’s service standard of 120 days, which is the department’s goal for processing 80% of in-Canada work permit applications.
Who Is Affected?
These estimates are based on historical processing data and indicate how long it took IRCC to finalize approximately 80% of similar applications. Actual processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the application, document completeness, and overall application volumes.
Maintained Status Continues to Protect Eligible Workers
Maintained status allows eligible individuals to continue working under the same conditions as their previous work permit while IRCC processes their extension application, provided they remain in Canada and continue to meet the applicable legal requirements.
Why Processing Times Are Improving
Several factors may be contributing to shorter processing times, including:
- Continued reduction of application backlogs.
- Ongoing improvements to IRCC’s processing systems.
- Lower projected admissions of temporary foreign workers under Canada’s 2026 Immigration Levels Plan.
- Changes in overall application volumes.
While processing times continue to fluctuate throughout the year, the latest update represents the fastest in-Canada work permit processing time recorded in 2026.
What Applicants Should Do
Individuals planning to apply for an in-Canada work permit or work permit extension should:
- Submit a complete application with all required supporting documents.
- Apply before their current work permit expires whenever possible.
- Monitor IRCC processing times regularly, as estimates are updated frequently.
- Respond promptly if IRCC requests additional documents or information.
Submitting a complete and accurate application can help reduce unnecessary delays.
What This Means for Temporary Foreign Workers
The reduction in processing times is welcome news for many temporary foreign workers already living in Canada. Faster processing can help applicants receive decisions sooner, reduce uncertainty, and support continued employment while awaiting a final decision. Although processing times have improved, applicants should still plan ahead and submit renewal applications well before their current authorization expires.
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Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Processing times published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are estimates and may change without notice. Individual application processing times vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances, document completeness, and operational requirements. Readers should consult official Government of Canada resources or seek qualified immigration advice before making immigration decisions.
