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Visa Processing Timelines

How long each visa really takes, step by step. Compare two countries side by side.

Canada

3 visas: 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 3-6 months

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)

6-12 months
Start18 mo

Range: 6 mo to 12 mo

Step by step

  1. 1
    Get ECA (Educational Credential Assessment)4-8 weeks
  2. 2
    Create Express Entry profile1 week
  3. 3
    Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)Depends on your score and draws
  4. 4
    Submit full application with documentsWithin 60 days of ITA
  5. 5
    IRCC processing, background & medical checksAbout 6 months (IRCC service standard)
  6. 6
    Receive COPR (Confirmation of PR)2-4 weeks

Speed it up

  • Get your ECA done before creating your profile to avoid delays
  • Apply to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams at the same time. A nomination adds 600 CRS points
  • A higher language test score is one of the fastest ways to raise your CRS score
  • Canadian work experience boosts your score significantly

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

12-18 months
Start18 mo

Range: 12 mo to 18 mo

Step by step

  1. 1
    Research and select a province1-2 weeks
  2. 2
    Submit Expression of Interest to province1 month
  3. 3
    Receive provincial nominationVaries by province
  4. 4
    Apply for permanent residence (federal)1 month
  5. 5
    Federal processing & security checksAbout 6 months via Express Entry; longer for paper applications
  6. 6
    Receive COPR2-4 weeks

Speed it up

  • Smaller provinces like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Atlantic Canada often have lower requirements
  • A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA
  • Some PNP streams require a valid job offer. Network with employers early
  • Provincial fees vary: Ontario charges CAD 1,500-2,000 and BC CAD 1,750

LMIA Work Permit

3-6 months
Start18 mo

Range: 3 mo to 6 mo

Step by step

  1. 1
    Employer applies for LMIAVaries by stream (check ESDC's current times)
  2. 2
    LMIA approval receivedVaries
  3. 3
    Submit work permit application1-2 weeks
  4. 4
    Biometrics & processingVaries by country, e.g. 4 weeks from the UK, 11 weeks from India (IRCC, October 2026)
  5. 5
    Receive work permit1-2 weeks

Speed it up

  • Your employer must show no Canadian worker is available for the role
  • Canadian work experience on an LMIA work permit counts towards Express Entry CRS points
  • Apply for PR while working on a work permit to save time

Estimates for standard, complete applications. Complex cases, missing documents or busy periods take longer. Check the official government page for current times.

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