Date: May 7, 2025
Applying for a work permit from inside Canada — whether it’s your initial application or an extension — has become a test of patience. As of today, the official processing time is 233 days. That’s over 7 months just to get a decision.
For thousands of workers, students transitioning to work permits, and employers relying on skilled labor, this is a worrying development.
Why Are Processing Times So High?
Several factors have led to this delay:
- Backlogs from pandemic-era applications
- Increased volume of applications from international graduates and workers
- Policy changes and new pilot programs creating administrative pressure
- Limited staffing at IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
Even though IRCC has promised modernization and AI tools for faster decisions, the results are yet to be seen at scale for in-Canada work permit processing.
Who Is Affected?
- International students applying for their Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
- Temporary workers applying for extensions to continue working
- Visitors changing status to workers under temporary public policies
- Spouses of students and workers applying for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP)
These delays affect not just the applicants but also Canadian businesses that rely on international talent
What Can You Do?
Apply early: Submit your work permit application as soon as you become eligible.
Maintain legal status: Thanks to implied status, you can continue working if you apply before your current permit expires.
Keep documents ready: Ensure you have a complete application to avoid extra delays.