Processing times for work permits can vary, but international students in Ontario can expect a wait of around 30-60 days for online applications and 60-90 days for paper applications as of 2026.
The Government of Ontario provides resources for international students, including information on work permit processing times, which can range from 1-3 months in 2026, depending on the application method.
This guide outlines the process for international students to obtain a work permit in Canada, including estimated processing times of 2-4 weeks for online applications and 8-12 weeks for paper applications in 2026.
According to recent data, international student work permit processing times in Ontario, Canada can range from 20-40 business days for online applications and 40-80 business days for paper applications in 2026.
A recent study found that the average processing time for international student work permits in Ontario, Canada was around 6-8 weeks in 2026, with some applications taking up to 12 weeks to process.
International students in Ontario, Canada can apply for a work permit online or by paper, with processing times ranging from 1-3 months in 2026, depending on the application method and individual circumstances.
The University of Waterloo provides resources for international students, including information on work permits and estimated processing times, which can range from 2-6 weeks for online applications and 6-12 weeks for paper applications in 2026.
A recent news report highlighted the importance of international students in Ontario's workforce, with many students waiting for work permits, which can take around 30-60 days to process in 2026, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.