If IRCC has issued you a deadline, whether it’s for a PFL,
additional document request, biometrics, medical, study permit, work permit, or
PGWP, you should understand the deadline.
Let’s start with online applications.
IRCC uses the UTC time zone to calculate all online
submission deadlines.
That means you must submit your documents before midnight UTC on the
date mentioned.
For example,
If your deadline is September 15, you must submit no later than 11:59
PM UTC.
Here’s how that converts across Canadian time zones:
- Toronto
(EST): 8:00 PM
- Winnipeg
(CST): 7:00 PM
- Calgary
(MST): 6:00 PM
- Vancouver
(PST): 5:00 PM
So, even if your IRCC portal shows September 15, you
actually need to submit your documents several hours earlier based on your
local time.
Now let’s talk about paper-based applications.
For paper applications sent by mail, IRCC considers the date
they physically receive your package at the case processing center, not the
day you mailed it.
To account for postal delays or strikes, IRCC allows a 7-day
grace period, but your package must still arrive and be stamped at
their center within that extended window.
Always remember, Your application timeline is determined
by UTC time, not your local time zone.
To stay safe, aim to submit your application at least a
few hours early. Don’t wait until the last minute.
