This update is part of the IRCC processing times hub, with the Permanent residence guide. Applicants seeking work permit extensions and post graduation work permits can now access personalized processing time estimates. The immigration department updated its processing times web page in late September 2026 to provide these more specific details, allowing individuals to see estimated remaining wait times based on their application date.

The updated web page allows applicants to look up processing time estimates by selecting "Temporary residence" and then "Work permit extension in Canada." Users can view an estimated remaining wait time in weeks, along with the number of applicants ahead of them and the total number awaiting a decision.

This new feature, launched in late September 2026, applies to in Canada applicants extending existing work permits or submitting their first application for a post graduation work permit. This includes current work permit holders in Canada who are applying to change the conditions of their existing permit. As of September 26, 2026, 202,900 applicants were awaiting decisions.

Prior to this update, the web page offered only a single drop down selection, "Work permit in Canada," which provided a general processing time estimate based on the time of lookup. The immigration department previously launched personalized processing times for citizenship and permanent residence applicants in October 2025.

The enhanced service provides more specific information to applicants regarding their processing times. Work permit holders in Canada who apply for an extension before their existing permit expires can benefit from maintained status, allowing them to continue working under existing conditions until a decision is made. A temporary measure, put in place on June 9, 2026, offers relief to provincial nominees seeking extensions for soon to expire work permits, enabling them to apply for a bridging open work permit sooner. This temporary measure is set to remain until December 31, 2026.

The immigration department has enhanced its online services by introducing personalized processing time estimates for work permit extensions and post graduation work permits, offering applicants more tailored information and greater clarity on their application status.