Étudiants et travailleurs étrangers : pourquoi les délais IRCC s’aggravent en 2026

Why are IRCC processing times increasing in 2026?

On August 5, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its temporary residence processing estimates, revealing significant delays across most application categories. The most striking increases include a 14-week surge in work permit processing for applicants from Pakistan, a one-week rise in study permit wait times for Nigeria and the Philippines, and a four-week jump for super visa applications from the Philippines. These changes reflect a broader trend of growing backlogs in Canada’s immigration system.

Which countries are most affected?

The latest IRCC data shows that applicants from Pakistan face the steepest delays. Work permit processing times for Pakistani applicants jumped from 11 weeks to 25 weeks—a more than three-month increase in just one week. Study permit wait times for Nigerian and Filipino applicants also rose by one week, while super visa processing for Filipinos increased by four weeks. In contrast, minor improvements were noted, such as an 11-day reduction in super visa processing for Pakistan.

The table below highlights the most affected categories:

Work permits (Pakistan): 25 weeks (up from 11 weeks)

Study permits (Nigeria/Philippines): 1-week increase

Super visas (Philippines): 4-week increase

What’s causing the delays?

Several factors contribute to the worsening wait times. First, IRCC is grappling with a massive backlog of applications. As of May 2026, the department reported 2.2 million immigration applications in its system, with nearly 959,000 exceeding service standards. Temporary residence applications, including study and work permits, are particularly affected due to high demand and limited processing capacity.

Second, IRCC’s processing times are backward-looking averages. If the department receives a sudden surge in applications or reallocates staff to other priorities, the posted timelines may not reflect these changes for weeks or even months. For example, the recent spike in work permit applications from Pakistan could be tied to economic instability in the region, driving more people to seek opportunities abroad.

Third, security checks, medical reviews, and document requests can further slow down processing. Complex cases may take significantly longer than the average wait time, while straightforward applications may be processed faster.

How does this impact students and workers?

For international students, longer processing times can disrupt academic plans. A student from Nigeria or the Philippines may now wait an additional week for their study permit, potentially delaying their enrollment in Canadian institutions. Similarly, workers from Pakistan face a 14-week increase in work permit processing, which could jeopardize job offers or force employers to seek alternative candidates.

These delays also have economic consequences. Canada relies on temporary foreign workers to fill labor shortages in sectors like healthcare, technology, and agriculture. Prolonged wait times can exacerbate these shortages, impacting businesses and local economies.

What can applicants do?

While applicants cannot control IRCC’s processing times, they can take steps to minimize delays:

Submit complete applications: Ensure all required documents are included and accurate to avoid requests for additional information.

Apply early: Given the unpredictability of processing times, submit applications well in advance of deadlines.

Monitor updates: IRCC updates processing times weekly. Applicants should check the latest estimates on the official website before submitting their applications.

Seek professional advice: Immigration consultants or lawyers can help navigate complex cases and ensure compliance with IRCC requirements.

What’s next for IRCC?

IRCC is expected to release its next temporary residence processing time update around August 12, 2026. The department has not yet provided a clear plan to address the backlog, but stakeholders are calling for increased transparency and efficiency. With Canada’s new Immigration Levels Plan on the horizon, the government may introduce measures to streamline processing and reduce wait times for temporary residents.

For now, applicants are advised to stay informed, prepare thoroughly, and brace for potential delays as IRCC works through its growing backlog.