Once your Canada visa application is submitted, all that’s left to do is waiting for the results. That said, different factors affect how long the Canada visa processing time will be.
To avoid interruption to your study, work, or travel plan to Canada, consult our handy list of processing times and tips to prepare your documents.
Average online Canada visa processing time
Canada visa processing times are generally long. It may take 1 – 4 months or even longer during peak months, and it also varies depending on the type of visa:
Temporary visas
Temporary Canada visas often take 15 days to 3 months for approval.
- • Visitor visa (V1): .Around 2 – 3 months.
- • Business Visitor visa (B1): Around 4 – 5 months.
- • Super visa: Around 1 – 2 months.
- • Study visa/permit (DLI): Around 3 months.
Permanent visas
Permanent visas require further scrutiny to ensure security. Thus, they are more complex and will take more time to process:
- • Family sponsorship:
- • For settling in Quebec: The average processing time ranges from 35 to 48 months.
- • For settling in other regions: The processing time ranges from 11 to 24 months.
- • For economic reasons: The processing time ranges from 5 to 71 months, depending on the visa types.
- • Permanent Residence (PR) card: A new PR card takes around 15 – 22 days for processing, and subsequent renewals take around 10 days
⚠️ Note: The above information is for reference only. Processing times may change. Visit the official website of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRRC) for the latest information.
📌 Or visit: Check processing times at IRCC – Canada.ca
Why does it take so long to process my Canada visa?
If you feel that your Canada visa is being delayed, here are some common reasons:
- ❌ Large number of applications during peak seasons such as holidays and summer breaks.
- ❌ Incomplete or inaccurate application, for which additional documentation may be required. The verification of such documents adds to the processing time.
- ❌ The lack of legally valid certified translation, which may lower the credibility of your application and even result in rejection.
- ❌ Complicated travel history and personal records, which calls for scrutiny and further investigation.
- ❌ Changes in the Canada Government’s immigration policy.
To avoid these pitfalls, allow yourself some time to prepare a complete, accurate, and properly translated application from the beginning. Whenever possible, try to submit your application early so that you have more time to resolve issues as they crop up.

How early should you submit your Canada visa application?
Getting a visa on time helps avoid interruptions to your plans. It’s recommended to apply for at least 3 – 4 months before your expected departure day. This allows you to:
- • Supplement missing documentation
- • Perform a health assessment and background check (if required)
- • Immediately respond to changes in Canada’s immigration policy
- • Have peace of mind during peak seasons
Accurate Canada visa application documents translation
If you are looking for high quality Canada visa application translation services, Thao & Co. is here to help. We pride ourselves on the accuracy and speed we have provided for thousands of clients, who have also successfully applied for their visas.
When choosing certified translation services at Thao & Co., you gain access to:
- ✅ Qualified linguists: Our in-house experts with Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Linguistics possess years of experience in translating visa documents.
- ✅ Complete quality assurance: All domain-specific terms, especially legal, are thoroughly checked by industry experts.
- ✅ Comprehensive services: With each translation, you will receive a complimentary Certificate of Translation Accuracy from Thao & Co. After-service support: Additional procedures to ensure legal validity, including certified translation and consular authentication, only cost a little more.
- ✅ Swift turnaround: Guaranteed delivery time translates to fewer delays in your Canada visa application.
- ✅ Streamlined and professional workflow: Thao & Co.’s proprietary platform facilitates easy and transparent progress tracking.
Eager to learn more about our services and pricing? Contact Thao & Co. via our Get a Quote form to receive a complimentary quotation!