Study Permit Processing Time
Canada study permit processing times are estimates, not guaranteed decision dates. The time can vary by application type, where the application is processed, application volumes, completeness, biometrics, verification and the complexity of the file.
How Long Does a Canada Study Permit Take?
There is no single fixed processing time for every Canadian study permit application. IRCC publishes current estimates through its online processing-time tool, and those estimates can change as inventories, application volumes and processing capacity change.
Applicants should therefore check IRCC's current estimate for their application immediately before applying and continue to treat it as an estimate rather than a guaranteed completion date.
A processing-time estimate is not a promise that IRCC will decide an individual application within that period. Some applications take less time and others take longer.
For the broader application requirements, see Study Permit Canada: Complete Guide .
How Does IRCC Calculate Processing Time?
IRCC's processing-time tool provides an estimate of how long an application may take to process. The methodology depends on the immigration program and the type of processing-time estimate being displayed.
For temporary residence applications, historical processing times can be calculated by examining how long it took IRCC to finalize 80% of that type of application during a recent period. IRCC also uses forward-looking estimates for certain application categories based on factors such as:
- the number of applications already in inventory;
- the number of people available to process that application type; and
- the number of applications IRCC expects to receive.
This is why the displayed estimate can move up or down even when nothing has changed in a particular applicant's file.
When Does Study Permit Processing Time Start?
IRCC states that processing time starts when it receives a complete application and ends when it makes a decision.
For an online application, this generally means when the application is submitted online. For a paper application, where paper filing is permitted, it means when the application reaches IRCC's mailroom.
An incomplete application can be delayed or returned. Applicants should therefore treat document preparation as an important part of processing-time planning.
See Study Permit Documents Checklist for the principal supporting-document issues.
Study Permit Processing Time vs. Service Standard
IRCC's service standard and its current processing-time estimate are two different measures.
| Application | IRCC service standard | Target |
|---|---|---|
| New study permit submitted outside Canada | 60 days | 80% of applications |
| New study permit or extension submitted in Canada | 120 days | 80% of applications |
The service standard is an organizational performance target. It does not create an individual guarantee that a particular application will be finalized within 60 or 120 days.
The live processing-time tool is more useful when an applicant wants to know IRCC's current estimate for an application being submitted now.
Do Biometrics Affect Study Permit Processing Time?
Yes. IRCC's processing-time information states that the estimate includes the time required to provide biometrics.
If biometrics are required, IRCC sends a biometric instruction letter. Current study permit instructions state that an applicant normally has 30 days from the date on the letter to provide biometrics.
IRCC advises applicants to complete this step as soon as possible after receiving the letter. Waiting unnecessarily can delay further processing.
For biometrics fees, validity and exemptions, see Study Permit Fees and Biometrics .
Can Letter of Acceptance Verification Affect Processing?
Yes. IRCC has a mandatory process for designated learning institutions to verify letters of acceptance submitted with study permit applications.
When IRCC sends an LOA verification request, the DLI generally has up to 10 calendar days to verify the letter through IRCC's online portal.
If the DLI does not verify the LOA within the required period, the application may be returned and the processing fee refunded.
Applicants should therefore make sure that the LOA is genuine, accurate and issued by the appropriate DLI.
What Can Delay a Study Permit Application?
IRCC identifies several reasons why an application may take longer than the published estimate.
Incomplete application
Missing forms, documents or required information can delay processing and may result in an application being returned.
Additional document requests
IRCC may request further documents or information before an officer can complete the assessment. The time the applicant takes to respond can affect overall processing.
Verification
IRCC may need additional time to verify information or documents submitted with an application.
Medical examination
Where an immigration medical examination is required, medical processing or further medical information can add time to the application.
Security or admissibility screening
Some applications require additional security, background or admissibility review. IRCC specifically identifies additional security checks as one reason an application can exceed the normal processing time.
Application complexity
A file requiring additional review can take longer than a straightforward application even if both applications were submitted on the same day.
Application volumes
Processing estimates can also change because of the number of applications IRCC receives and the size of its existing inventory.
Two applicants who submit on the same date should not assume their applications will be decided on the same date. File-specific review can produce different processing timelines.
Faster Study Permit Processing for Doctoral Students
IRCC currently provides a faster processing pathway for eligible doctoral degree students applying for a study permit from outside Canada. Eligible accompanying family members may also benefit when they meet the applicable requirements and apply together.
To qualify, the applicant must be accepted into an eligible doctoral degree program at a Canadian public DLI and satisfy IRCC's other requirements for the faster process.
The applicant must submit a complete application and, where biometrics are required, provide them within 2 weeks of receiving the biometric instruction letter.
IRCC also requires the DLI to verify the applicant's LOA. The institution can have up to 10 calendar days to complete that verification.
After the required preliminary steps are completed, including LOA verification, IRCC states that it aims to process an eligible application within 2 weeks.
The doctoral pathway is an expedited processing commitment, not an approval guarantee. An incomplete application, delayed biometrics, delayed LOA verification or additional medical or security screening can prevent faster processing.
How to Check Your Study Permit Application Status
Applicants who submitted online can sign in to the account used for the application and review the application status and messages from IRCC.
A paper application can generally be linked to an online account where the application type supports linking.
Applicants should monitor their account and contact information because IRCC may send requests for biometrics, medical information, passports or additional documents during processing.
IRCC also notes that Client Support Centre agents generally do not have more information about an application than the information available through the applicant's account.
What If Your Study Permit Is Over the Processing Time?
First, compare the application with the current processing time shown by IRCC for the relevant application type. Processing-time estimates can change after an application is submitted.
If the application is beyond the normal processing time, IRCC's web form can be used to ask about the application.
However, submitting repeated web forms or contacting IRCC does not by itself accelerate processing. IRCC states that Client Support Centre agents cannot speed up an application unless the applicant is already eligible for an urgent-processing measure.
A long processing period also does not by itself mean that the application will be refused. Processing time and the substantive merits of the application are separate issues.
When Should You Apply for a Study Permit?
Applicants should generally apply as early as reasonably possible after obtaining the documents needed for a complete application, rather than planning around the minimum published processing estimate.
The timeline should leave room for:
- application preparation;
- PAL or TAL requirements where applicable;
- Quebec authorization where applicable;
- biometrics;
- an immigration medical examination where required;
- LOA verification;
- possible additional document requests;
- passport submission where required;
- travel arrangements; and
- unexpected processing delays.
A school start date should therefore not be treated as evidence that IRCC must decide the application before that date.
For the application procedure, see How to Apply for a Study Permit in Canada .
Study Permit Processing Time FAQs
Is there a fixed processing time for a Canada study permit?
No. IRCC's current processing time is an estimate and can change. Individual applications may be decided sooner or later.
Is the 60-day service standard a guarantee?
No. The 60-day standard for new study permit applications submitted outside Canada is an IRCC service-performance standard with an 80% target. It is not an individual decision guarantee.
What is the service standard for an in-Canada study permit application?
IRCC currently lists a 120-day service standard for new study permit and extension applications submitted in Canada, with an 80% performance target.
Does processing time include biometrics?
Yes. IRCC states that its processing-time estimate includes the time required to provide biometrics.
How long do I have to give biometrics?
Current study permit instructions state that applicants who receive a biometric instruction letter normally have 30 days from the date of the letter to provide biometrics.
Can contacting IRCC make my application faster?
Normally, no. IRCC states that Client Support Centre agents cannot speed up processing unless the applicant already qualifies for an applicable urgent-processing measure.
Does a long processing time mean my study permit will be refused?
No. A longer processing period does not itself establish that an application will be refused. A file may require additional verification, security screening, medical review or other processing.
Can doctoral students get faster processing?
Certain doctoral degree students applying from outside Canada can qualify for IRCC's faster processing pathway. After the applicable preliminary requirements are completed, IRCC aims to process eligible applications within two weeks.
Should I buy a flight before my study permit is approved?
Applicants should be cautious about making non-refundable travel arrangements based only on an estimated processing time. A published estimate does not guarantee that an application will be approved or decided by a particular date.
Processing times change. Always check IRCC's current estimate rather than relying on a processing time quoted in an older article, forum post or previous application.