If you’re applying for a spousal open work permit from within Canada in 2026, expect to wait approximately 7 to 8 months for a decision. Current government data shows processing times ranging from 7 weeks to 241 days depending on application type and circumstances, with most initial work permit applications inside Canada averaging around 218 to 241 days from the day Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives your complete application.
These timelines aren’t guarantees. Your application could take longer depending on factors like application volume, completeness of your submission, and whether additional…
