Study permit processing times moved again in IRCC’s weekly update of October 14, 2026. Waits grew by one week for applicants from several large source countries, while applications from the United States and from inside Canada became slightly faster. For families aiming at a February or September 2027 start in a Canadian high school, college or university, these numbers decide when the file needs to be submitted.
Study permit processing times (weeks)
| Applied from | Estimated time | Change |
|---|---|---|
| India | 7 weeks | +1 |
| Pakistan | 8 weeks | +1 |
| Philippines | 6 weeks | +1 |
| Nigeria | 10 weeks | no change |
| United States | 5 weeks | −1 |
| Inside Canada | 7 weeks | −1 |
Students already in Canada who need to extend a study permit face about 8 weeks, with roughly 27,700 applications in the queue.
Visitor visas move in the other direction
Visitor visa times — important for parents who want to accompany a child or visit later — fell for India (29 days), Pakistan (65 days) and the Philippines (24 days), but rose for Nigeria (103 days).
Your country is not in the table?
IRCC publishes an estimate for every country. Times are estimates, not guarantees, and they change weekly, so always check the official IRCC processing times tool on the day you plan your submission.
How to plan around processing times
- Count backwards from the start date. Add the processing time, plus 4–6 weeks for biometrics, a possible medical exam and travel booking.
- Secure the Letter of Acceptance first. Most schools need several weeks to issue it, and the study permit cannot be filed without it.
- Minors need extra documents. Students under 18 usually need a custodian in Canada and a signed custodianship declaration (IMM 5646).
- Track the file. Once the application is submitted, the relaunched IRCC Application Status Tracker shows each step.
Not sure which school or intake fits your timeline? Compare 165 Canadian school boards and private schools with current fees, or read our 72 answers on studying in Canada.
Sources
- IRCC.com (independent news site), October 20, 2026
- Business Today, October 21, 2026
- Official IRCC processing times
Want a personal timeline for your child’s study permit? Request a free pre-assessment from Canadian Edu Centre.