Can I apply for an open work permit after my PGWP expires?

Yes, in certain cases you can apply for an open work permit after your PGWP expires, such as through a Spousal Open Work Permit or if you qualify under a temporary IRCC public policy. You must restore your status within 90 days of PGWP expiry to remain in Canada legally.

How to get Canada visa refusal notes?

For temporary resident applications (Visitor, Study, Work Permits), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now often includes the 'Officer Decision Notes' automatically with the refusal letter. For the complete internal file, you must submit an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request for your GCMS notes, which can be done by a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, or a representative on your behalf.

What is the processing time for temporary resident visa in Canada?

Processing time varies depending on where you apply. For a Visitor Visa (TRV) applied from inside Canada, a recent benchmark is around 16 days (as of October 20, 2025). This is an estimate and actual times may be longer if your case is complex.

How long can you stay in Canada on a temporary resident visa?

Most visitors can stay in Canada for up to 6 months per entry unless an immigration officer indicates a different length of stay on the entry stamp or visitor record. Multiple-entry TRVs may be valid for up to 10 years or until passport expiry.

Can parents apply for H&C in Canada?

Yes. Parents in Canada without valid status or ineligible for sponsorship can apply for permanent residence through an H&C application if removal would cause undue hardship.

How long does it take for an H&C parent application?

Parental H&C applications typically take 30–42 months from submission to final decision, depending on case complexity.

What factors matter in a parent's H&C case?

Officers consider medical needs, emotional dependency on Canadian family, length of stay in Canada, and hardship if returned home.

What is the success rate for H&C parent applications?

As of 2025, parental H&C applications have an average success rate of around 42–45%, slightly higher than general H&C cases.

What documents strengthen a parent's H&C application?

Medical records, proof of family dependency, community letters, country condition reports, and establishment evidence in Canada help strengthen the application.

How to apply for Canada visa for H-1B holders?

The temporary Open Work Permit stream for H-1B principal applicants is closed. However, eligible family members (spouses and dependents) of H-1B holders who successfully applied in 2023 can still apply for their own OWP until September 26, 2024.[4, 5] For a long-term route, H-1B holders should prepare their profiles for the Express Entry system (Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class) and the upcoming Accelerated PR Pathway in 2025.[6, 3]

How long does it take to get H-1B work permit in Canada?

The Open Work Permit (OWP) under the H-1B policy provided temporary status quickly, but that program is closed for new principal applicants. For the ultimate goal, Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) via the Express Entry system generally takes between 5 to 8 months after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), making it one of the fastest permanent residency pathways globally.[7, 8]

Can H-1B holders go to Canada?

Yes. H-1B holders and their families can move to Canada. If they missed the 2023 Open Work Permit deadline, they should pursue permanent immigration pathways like Express Entry or wait for the 2025 Accelerated PR Pathway. The OWP allowed immediate labor market access for both the H-1B holder and their spouse.[2, 3]

What is the 100k fee for H-1B? Who pays 100k for an H-1B visa?

The $100,000 fee was proposed by the U.S. government for certain new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, as a condition of eligibility.[9, 10] This fee would be paid by the U.S. employer (petitioner). This measure, which signals high regulatory uncertainty, is a major factor driving skilled workers to Canada.[10]

Can I stamp my H-1B visa in Canada?

Yes, Third-Country Nationals (TCNs)—individuals who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens—can apply for an H-1B visa stamp at a U.S. consulate in Canada. However, TCN processing is discretionary and carries the risk of administrative delays, which could temporarily prevent return to the U.S..[11, 12]

How long is an H-1B visa valid?

The H-1B status is typically granted for an initial period of three years and can be extended for an additional three years, for a total standard duration of six years.[13, 9]

What happens after 6 years of H-1B?

Generally, the holder must leave the U.S. or change status. However, exceptions allow extensions beyond six years in 1-year or 3-year increments if the U.S. employer has initiated the Green Card process (Form I-140 or labor certification) at least 365 days prior to the requested extension start date.[13, 14]

What is the minimum salary for H-1B?

The U.S. employer must pay the H-1B worker a wage that is no less than the 'actual wage' paid to similarly qualified workers, or the 'prevailing wage' for that occupation in the geographic area, whichever amount is higher.[15, 16]

What is the 3 to 1 rule for H-1B visa? / What is the 3 for 1 rule for H-1B?

The '3 to 1' or '3 for 1' reference is related to the H-1B Dependent Employer rule. An employer with 51 or more full-time equivalent employees is considered H-1B dependent if 15% or more of its workforce are H-1B workers. This classification triggers additional regulatory requirements and non-displacement attestations.[17, 18]

Is it better to live in the US or Canada?

The decision is subjective. The U.S. typically offers higher nominal salaries (median U.S. tech wage is higher than Canada's [19]), but Canada offers greater immigration certainty (PR in 5-8 months), universal public healthcare, and better work rights for dependent spouses (immediate Open Work Permit), leading many skilled workers to prioritize Canadian stability over the U.S. salary advantage.[8, 20]

Is Canada rejecting 80% Indian visas? / Is Canada suspending Indian visas?

Canada is not suspending visas, but student visa applications from Indian nationals faced a significant tightening, resulting in a rejection rate of approximately 74% in August 2025.[21, 22] This high scrutiny is tied to fraud concerns and an international student cap.[23, 24] The H-1B Accelerated Pathway, however, is a targeted stream for high-credibility, skilled workers and is not subject to the same generalized scrutiny.

Can Canadians get H-1B visas?

Yes, Canadian citizens are eligible to apply for an H-1B visa like any other nationality. Crucially, Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa stamp requirement entirely; they only need to present their approved I-797 Notice of Action and passport when entering the U.S. in H-1B status.[25, 26]

What is the fastest work permit in Canada?

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is often considered the fastest route, offering 2-week processing for the associated Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The H-1B Open Work Permit (OWP) was also a very fast temporary option for principal applicants, but is currently closed.[1]

Which province gives the fastest PR in Canada?

The fastest route to PR is through any province offering an Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream, which is aligned with Express Entry. A nomination through an Enhanced PNP grants an applicant 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR, which is then processed quickly (6-8 months).[7, 8]

Can I get Canada PR in 3 months?

No. While Canada’s Express Entry system is extremely fast, the average processing time for a Permanent Residence application after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is 5 to 8 months. Starting the process to enter the pool and receive an ITA takes additional time.[7]

How many years of H-1B until green card?

There is no fixed time. The wait for a U.S. Green Card depends on the applicant’s country of chargeability and visa availability, which can result in backlogs that last for years or even decades, despite having H-1B status.[14]

What are the disadvantages of an H-1B visa?

Key disadvantages include the six-year status limit, the required dependence on a single sponsoring employer, the lack of automatic work authorization for spouses (H-4 EAD is separate), the high regulatory costs for the employer, and general policy uncertainty (like the $100k fee proposal).[13, 9, 27]

Who pays for an H-1B visa?

The U.S. employer is responsible for paying most of the required H-1B fees, particularly the mandatory Labor Condition Application (LCA) compliance costs. Employers are prohibited from requiring the employee to pay the fraud prevention and detection fee or the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) fee.[15]

Is a H-1B visa risky?

Yes, in comparison to Canadian Permanent Residence, the H-1B is considered risky. The risk stems from the temporary nature (6-year limit), the cap-restricted annual lottery, dependency on employer sponsorship, and the continuous threat of status expiration if the Green Card process stalls.[13, 9]

Is hiring H-1B cheaper?

No. U.S. law requires the employer to pay the prevailing wage or actual wage (whichever is higher), ensuring H-1B workers are not hired at below-market rates. Furthermore, high compliance costs and the proposed $100k fee for certain petitions make H-1B hiring expensive for U.S. companies.[9, 15]

Is H-1B high skilled?

Yes. The H-1B visa is designated for 'Specialty Occupations,' which are defined as requiring a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in the specific specialized field. These roles generally cover high-skilled occupations in fields like technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.

Which USA visa is hardest to get?

While many U.S. visas are challenging, the H-1B is notoriously difficult due to the annual cap lottery, which often results in hundreds of thousands of applicants vying for just 85,000 slots, making selection highly competitive and unpredictable.[9, 15]

Who hires the most H-1B visas?

Based on Department of Labor disclosure data, the highest volume of H-1B applications historically comes from large technology and consulting firms.[28] This public disclosure data is available for researchers and the public.[29, 28]

Did Elon Musk have an H-1B?

There is no public record indicating Elon Musk held an H-1B visa. As a South African-born Canadian citizen, he would have been eligible to enter the U.S. using other visa categories, such as the TN professional visa (as a Canadian) or an investment-based visa, before becoming a U.S. citizen.

Which Big 4 sponsor H-1B?

All major 'Big 4' accounting and consulting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG) sponsor H-1B visas. Due to their global nature and need for specialized talent, these firms are consistently among the top H-1B petitioners documented in U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data.[28]

How to get 100% Canada visa?

There is no method to guarantee 100% approval for any Canadian visa or permanent residence application. The best way to maximize success is by meeting all eligibility requirements, submitting a fully complete application, and clearly demonstrating strong ties to the country if applying for a temporary visa, or high credentials if applying for PR via Express Entry.

Can I get PR after 1 year study in Canada?

Completing a one-year study program in Canada can lead to eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). After gaining one year of skilled work experience in Canada on the PGWP, the individual becomes eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), a top PR pathway within Express Entry.[30]

Is it hard to get PR in Canada?

For highly skilled professionals, particularly those moving from H-1B status, securing Canadian PR is considered manageable and predictable. The Express Entry system offers clear, points-based criteria and fast processing times (5-8 months), making it a reliable path compared to the long, uncertain process of obtaining a U.S. Green Card.[7, 8]

What jobs are in demand in Canada?

Canada's immigration strategy, including the upcoming H-1B Accelerated Pathway, explicitly targets labor shortages in several high-demand areas. These include: Technology (AI, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity), Healthcare (Registered Nurses, Physicians), Research, and Advanced Industries.[2, 31]

Can I work in Canada with a temporary resident visa?

No. A temporary resident visa (TRV) alone does not permit work. To work legally you must obtain the appropriate work permit or be otherwise exempt.

What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an Express Entry immigration stream for individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. It allows temporary workers and graduates to apply for permanent residency faster.

What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)?

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a federal immigration pathway under Express Entry for skilled professionals abroad who have at least one year of continuous work experience in a skilled occupation and meet the eligibility points requirement.

Which program is faster: CEC or FSWP?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is typically faster, averaging 4–6 months compared to 6–8 months for FSWP, due to simplified documentation and domestic processing.

Do I need proof of funds for CEC?

No, proof of funds is not required for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). It is required only under the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs, unless you have a valid job offer.

Can I apply for both CEC and FSWP?

Yes. You can qualify for more than one program under Express Entry. IRCC will automatically consider you under the stream where you have the best chance of success.

Can I get PR with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

Yes, PGWP holders can gain Canadian work experience and apply for PR through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). One year of skilled full-time work experience is required.

What are the benefits of CEC compared to FSWP?

CEC applicants enjoy faster processing, no proof of funds, and generally higher acceptance rates because they already have Canadian work experience and integration.

Can I apply for PR while on a work permit?

Yes, many applicants apply for PR through CEC while working in Canada on an open or employer-specific work permit. This is a common and encouraged pathway.

What documents are required for FSWP proof of funds?

You must provide official bank letters showing account numbers, current and average balances, account opening dates, and 6 months of statements. Only liquid, accessible funds are accepted.

What is the approval rate for CEC in 2025?

As of 2025, the CEC approval rate exceeds 90%, making it one of the most successful immigration streams in Canada.

What's the difference between TR and PR?

A Temporary Resident (TR) is in Canada for a limited time (visitor, worker, student) while a Permanent Resident (PR) has the right to live and work in Canada indefinitely and access benefits such as healthcare and a path to citizenship.

How long does a temporary resident permit take in Canada?

Processing times for Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs) vary by case complexity and visa office. Check IRCC's processing times tool for live estimates. TRPs are discretionary and may take longer than standard TRV decisions.

Last Updated Oct 24, 2025

Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa) Processing Time Inside Canada

By Vineet Tiwari

Canadian Immigration

Last updated: October 20, 2025

When you’re in Canada and you apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) (Visitor Visa) from inside the country (for example, switching from study or work permit status, or extending your stay as a visitor), understanding how long it takes, what the steps are, and what can delay the process is critical. This guide gives you a current snapshot, useful tips, and answers to the most common questions.

✅ Latest Processing Time

The processing time for a Visitor Visa (TRV) from inside Canada is 16 days. We’ll treat this as the benchmark for inside-Canada applications. (Note: Always confirm on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the live figure.)

The IRCC website explains that their published processing times represent how long it took to process 80% of the applications of that type in recent months.

🧭 What Happens in the Application Process?

When you apply for a TRV from inside Canada:

You submit your application online in your IRCC account, specifying that you are applying from inside Canada.
IRCC issues a Biometrics Instruction Letter if you haven’t already given biometrics (fingerprints + photo).
After biometrics (if required), IRCC reviews your application: eligibility, status, travel history, ties to Canada and your home country, financials, etc.
Decision is made: If approved, you’ll receive an approval/”passport request” (if required) If refused, you’ll receive a refusal letter explaining the reason.

Processing time starts when IRCC receives your complete application (including fees paid, required documents, and if applicable, biometrics) and ends when they make a decision.

🕒 What the 16-Day Figure Means (And What to Keep in Mind)

The “16 days” is likely a typical decision time for applications from inside Canada that meet all criteria, have complete documents, and don’t require extra checks.
This timeframe does not guarantee your application will be processed in 16 days — IRCC still stresses “estimates only”.
If your case requires extended review (e.g., security/background, incomplete docs, complex history), you may wait much longer.
The timeframe may exclude postal time (if physical documents/passports have to be mailed) or delays in processing after decision (e.g., issuing the visa stamp).
For applications made outside Canada, or for different types of temporary residence, the processing time is often much longer.

📋 What Can Delay Processing?

Several factors can extend your processing time beyond the usual:

Incomplete application (missing documents, unpaid fees)
You need an interview or security check (often for applicants with complex travel history)
IRCC asks for more information after submission (so you need to respond)
High application volume, staffing constraints, or processing centre workload
Biometrics not submitted promptly after instruction letter IRCC
You applied from a non-standard category (inside Canada vs outside) where shorter benchmarks may not apply.
Mailing time (if documents/passport need to be sent back) or back and forth mailing.

🔍 What Happens After Approval?

If your TRV from inside Canada is approved:

IRCC will send you a decision letter or notification in your IRCC account.
If a visa stamp (TRV sticker) is required in your passport and you submitted your passport, you’ll get a “passport request” (PPR). You’ll need to send your passport so IRCC/VISA office can stamp it. Canada.ca
Once the visa sticker is placed, you can travel to Canada as a visitor or extend your stay depending on your status.
If you are already in Canada, you’ll need to follow the conditions of your new visitor status (e.g., length of stay, no work unless authorised, etc.).

📌 Why Is It Taking Longer in Some Cases?

Even though the benchmark is 16-days for inside Canada, many applications take longer. Reasons include:

The application was incomplete or missing key documents.
The applicant changed their program or had irregular status prior to applying.
Extra background/security checks (travel history, criminality, irregular immigration history).
Volume of applications increased and IRCC backlog has grown.
Biometrics were delayed or required and that added extra days.
Application submitted via paper rather than online (though inside Canada it is usually online).
The applicant’s country of origin or type of application (even inside Canada) may still influence lead time.
External factors (e.g., policy changes, operational delays).

🔗 External Resources for Live Processing Times

IRCC “Check our current processing times” page: shows real-time estimates by application type. Canada.ca
IRCC’s “How long will it take” help-centre page. IRCC
Independent monitoring services (forums, blogs) show anecdotal timelines for TRV applications inside Canada. Reddit+1

❓ FAQ Section

Below are frequently asked questions with answers, tailored for the context of TRV applications inside Canada. This section is also structured for FAQ schema (see below).

What is the processing time for a Temporary Resident Visa in Canada?

The processing time for a visitor visa (TRV) varies depending on where you apply (inside or outside Canada), your specific category, travel history, and completeness of your application. For applications inside Canada, a recent benchmark is about 16 days (as of October 2025). However, this is an estimate and your actual wait may be longer if your case is complex.

Can I apply for a TRV from inside Canada?

Yes — if you are already lawfully in Canada (for example, on a study permit, work permit, or visitor status) and you meet eligibility, you can apply online for a TRV from inside Canada. The official IRCC guide shows the process for “Visitor visas for workers and students: How to apply from inside Canada”. Canada.ca

What happens after a TRV is approved?

After approval:

You’ll receive a notification in your IRCC account or via email.
If a visa sticker is required, you’ll receive a passport request and send your passport for stamping.
Once stamped, you can travel (if needed) and stay as a visitor under the conditions on your visa.
If you were in Canada and applied to change status, your new conditions take effect as per the decision letter.

Why is my TRV taking so long?

Possible reasons:

Incomplete application or missing documents.
Required biometrics were delayed.
The application triggered security/background checks or an interview.
High volume/back-log at the processing office.
You applied outside the usual “inside Canada” category or from a visa office with a longer backlog.
You submitted a paper application when online would be faster.
Centre requires extra mailing time (if physical documents/passport movement).

Can a TRV get rejected?

Yes. TRV applications can be refused if:

You fail to establish your purpose of travel or visits, or ties to your home country.
Your documents are incomplete or inaccurate.
You misrepresented information.
You failed to pay correct fees or lacked required biometric/medical/other checks.
If refused, you’ll get a letter explaining the reason.

Does visa processing time start after biometrics?

No — the processing time starts when IRCC receives a complete application. This includes the payment and submission of required documents. The time of biometrics is part of the overall timeline, not the start.

How long does a residence permit take after biometrics?

If referring to a TRV applied from inside Canada, once biometrics are received, the remaining processing time could be relatively short (benchmark 16 days). But if additional checks are required, it may take longer. If referring to study/work permits inside Canada, that timeframe may differ significantly (many weeks or months) depending on category.

What can delay visa processing?

Delays may occur because of:

Missing/incomplete documents.
Late submission of biometrics.
Security/background checks.
High volume and staffing constraints.
Complex cases (health, criminal history, previous refusals).
Postal/mailing delays for physical documents.
Applying through slower channels (paper vs online).

How much time does VFS take to return a passport?

The time VFS (or other visa application centres) takes to return a passport after a visa decision varies by location and logistics. IRCC’s published processing time does not always include the time for passport transfer to/from the visa office. It may add days or even a week or more depending on region. Always check the local VFS site for country-specific timelines.

Which VFS is fastest in India?

There is no official public ranking of which VFS centre in India is the fastest. Processing speed depends on document completeness, local workload, and IRCC visa office backlog. Applicants should check the IRCC website for the visa office’s “Visitor visa processing time” for their country/region.

Does VFS deliver passports to home?

In many countries, VFS (or VAC) centres provide the option of home delivery (courier) for passports once processed, instead of you collecting from a centre. Whether home delivery is available depends on the local VFS service provider, country, and fee paid. Applicants should check the relevant VFS website for their country.

How long does Canadian passport stamping take after VFS?

Once IRCC issues the “passport request” letter and you submit your passport, the stamping (visa sticker insertion) and return passport may take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the visa office’s workload and courier/mailing logistics. The published processing time (e.g., 16 days) may not fully reflect the passport-corridor time.

Social Share :

Related Blogs:

Canada’s $1.7 Billion Impact+ Research Talent Initiative ...

Canadian Permanent Residence and Economic Migration Index: ...

Canada invites 1,000 healthcare workers in category-based ...

Written By

Vineet Tiwari

Vineet is a caring and creative leader who has lived in India, Oman, UAE, and Canada, giving him a rich multicultural perspective. His commitment to physical fitness keeps him energetic and focused. Vineet's dedication to his clients is evident as he often takes calls on weekends, ensuring they always feel supported and valued. His diverse background and unwavering availability help build strong, trusting relationships with our clients.