Applicants for work‑permit extensions and for post‑graduation work permits (PGWPs) can now view processing‑time estimates that are tailored to the date they submitted their application.
The immigration department updated its Processing Times web page in late September 2026. Visitors who choose Temporary residence → Work permit extension in Canada see:
- An estimated remaining wait time (in weeks) based on the applicant’s actual submission date.
- The number of work‑permit applicants ahead of them in the queue.
- The total number of pending decisions – 202,900 applicants as of 26 September 2026.
The tool also allows users who have not yet applied to view the projected wait time if they were to submit an application at that moment.
Who can use the personalized estimates
- In‑Canada applicants who are extending an existing work permit.
- International‑student graduates filing their first PGWP.
- Holders applying to change the conditions of their current permit.
The personalized view is not available for:
- First‑time work‑permit applicants (non‑PGWP) applying from within Canada – they must use the older “Work permit in Canada” option, which still provides a generic estimate based on the lookup date.
Maintained status
When a work‑permit holder submits an extension before the current permit expires, they receive maintained status (formerly “implied status”). This permits the holder to continue working under the conditions of the existing permit until a decision on the extension is issued, provided they remain in Canada.
Related temporary measure (June 9 2026)
A separate temporary policy, effective until 31 December 2026, eases extensions for many provincial nominees:
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants for permanent residence may apply for a bridging open work permit (BOWP) months earlier.
- The usual requirement to first receive an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) for the permanent‑residence application is waived.
Background
The immigration department introduced personalized processing‑time estimates for citizenship and permanent‑residence applicants in October 2025, paving the way for the current rollout for work‑permit extensions and PGWPs.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
