Application times vary depending on your visa type, family status, national origin and processing location. Charts can be found on the CIC website, showing a year's worth of statistical data about processing times separated by processing center, organized in great detail by temporary residence and sponsorship visas. Once you've applied, an online web form is available to follow up on your application status.
Temporary resident visas for visitors and transit passengers typically take one month to process. Anyone is eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, although many countries are exempt and you may not need a visa to come to Canada as a visitor. If you are on the list of countries required to obtain a visa for travel to Canada, you must obtain a transit visa, even if you are just passing through on a flight to another destination.
Permits for students and workers take longer to approve. You should apply for your study permit as soon as you've received your acceptance letter from an academic institution in Canada. Refer to the CIC website for detailed information about whether you're required to get a work permit, based on your visa class and job.
Spouses, domestic partners, dependent and adopted children, parents, grandparents and other relatives may apply for a sponsored visa. Family class applications require a two-step process. First, the sponsorship visa application is reviewed in Canada, and then the application for permanent residence card is reviewed at your local visa office outside of Canada. Each of the two steps has a separate processing time. Check the CIC website for up-to-date information about processing times for your location.
To expedite and streamline service, the Canadian government launched a pilot program for processing temporary resident visa applications submitted in their Buffalo, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and D.C. offices. Should you apply at one of these consular locations, you are required to complete a different set of forms that can be found on the CIC website.
Some offices may have special instructions or require additional documents to approve your visa application. An extensive list of PDF forms and instructions can be found on the CIC website. The CIC recommends sending visa applications with a tracking number through Canada Post or another carrier. If your mailing address changes during your application process, an online form is available to update it.
