The processing time for a Canadian work permit depends on the type of work permit, the completeness of the application, and your country. Typically, processing times range from four weeks to six months. You can find current estimates on the IRCC Processing Times page. If you are applying outside of Canada, expect the process to take about two to six months, varying by visa office and country of residence. Extra steps like biometrics, medical exams, or security checks might cause delays. If you're applying from within Canada to extend or change your work authorization, online applications usually take three to four months, while paper applications might require more time.