What is the Canadian visa processing time?

Canada visa processing time
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Canada has one of the largest immigrant populations in the world as of 2019, with immigrants making up 21% of its population.

This is one of the highest percentages among industrialized Western nations.

Though getting a Canadian visa is just as uneasy as any other western nation, the population of immigrants in Canada grows at a fast rate.

In the last couple of years, the influx of immigrants to Canada has seen the processing time of Canadian visas move from days to weeks and months as the country’s authorities do their best to ensure that only the right persons are allowed into the country for the right reasons.



And if you are planning to move to Canada, one of the first things you will need to worry about is the processing time of your Canadian visa.

See also: Which countries allow dual citizenship with Canada

Canada visa processing time varies depending on a lot of factors ranging from what you can control as an applicant to the ones beyond your control.

This article provides

  •  An overview of the Canada visa processing time.
  • The processing time of different Canadian visas.
  • The factors that can affect your Canada visa processing time; including how long it takes to get a decision on your application and
  • What you can do as an applicant to fasten your visa processing time

There are different types of visas that you can apply for if you want to come to Canada.


The requirements for each type of visa vary, just as their processing time.

If you’re coming to Canada for tourism, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa.

See also: Why People are Leaving Canada

This type of visa allows you to stay in Canada for the period of your visit. If you’re coming to study or work, you’ll need to apply for a different type of visa.

Student visas allow you to study in Canada for a specific period, while work visas allow you to work in Canada for a specific employer.

No matter what type of visa you’re applying for, you’ll need to meet the requirements as well as wait for your visa to be processed before you can come to Canada.

See Also: Does Canada give citizenship by birth

Visa processing time refers to the amount of time it takes for a visa application to be processed by the consular officer.

This processing time takes from days to weeks to months and in the worst-case scenario, years depending on your situation.

Factors that affect Canada visa processing time

The time needed to process your visa application varies depending on the type of visa, the time of year, the number of applications received by the Canadian authorities, the accuracy of the information you provided in your application, your country of citizenship, your ties with Canada, and whether or not you have all of the required documents.

The type of visa

The type of visa you are applying for is one of the most important factors in determining processing time.

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For example, tourist visas are usually processed much faster than work visas.

Your country of citizenship

Your country of citizenship can also affect processing time. citizens of certain countries, such as the United States, are typically processed faster than those from other countries.

Time of the year

The third factor is the time of year you apply. During the peak travel season, from May to September, visa applications tend to take longer to process.


Whether or not you have all of the required documents

Finally, having all of the required documentation can also affect processing time. If you are missing any of the required documents, your application will likely take longer to process.

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See Also: Which countries allow triple citizenship

All of these factors are important to consider when planning your trip to Canada.

So to get it right, apply for the right visa, choose the right time to apply, and ensure you have all the documents required, hopefully, the embassy does not receive too many applications and your country of citizenship is considered a priority.

Aside from these factors, everything else will work fine and the processing time will be as quick as possible.

See also: Which Province in Canada is best for international students?

Here is the processing time of different Canadian visas according to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Visitor visa processing time Canada

The processing time for a Canada visitor visa is 21 days (three weeks). However, the processing time for a visitor visa is largely affected by the country you are applying from, the ties you have with Canada, and the time of the year you applied.

For example, processing times are generally longer than two weeks during the summer months.

In addition, if you are applying from the United States of America, it can take less than two weeks.

See also: Will houses ever be affordable again in Canada?

If you are planning to visit Canada, it is important to submit your application as early as possible to ensure that you have enough time to receive your visa.

Canada student visa processing time

The Canada student visa processing time is 70 days (10 weeks) but this can take more than 70 days if your documents are not complete, if the authority has a criminal record against you, if the number of applications received is too much or if there are mistakes in the application you submitted.

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There are a few things you can do to help ensure that your student visa is processed as quickly as possible.

First, make sure that you have all of the required documentation.

Second, submit your application as early as possible.

And finally, track your application status online so that you can follow its progress.

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By following these tips, you can help ensure a smooth and speedy student visa application process for yourself.

Canada tourist visa processing time

The Canadian tourist visa processing time is 14 days (2 weeks), however, it can take more than 14 days if you are applying from a country with a high crime rate.

The processing time can also be affected by the time of year you applied for your visa.

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In general, it is recommended that you apply for your tourist visa at least four weeks in advance of your trip.

And make sure that you complete all of the required forms and include all of the required supporting documents in your application.

Student spouse visa Canada processing time

The average student spouse visa Canada processing time is between 6 – 10 months. If your spouse is a  frequent traveler and has ties with Canada, it can be faster.

Generally, if you are applying for a student spouse visa, it is important to be prepared for the possibility of a longer processing time.


Be sure to have all of your documents in order and give yourself plenty of time to complete the application process correctly.

Avoid mistakes in your application as well, mistakes can cause delays in processing your visa.

Canada business visa processing time

The Canada business visa processing time is 10 – 14 days depending on the individual applying, your relationship with Canada, how frequently you travel, and what type of business you intend to do in Canada.

Also important is the country you are applying from. A known businessman (with lots of travel history) will get his business visa processed faster than a first-time traveler who intends to do business in Canada if both are applying from the same country and at the same time.

Canada tourist visa from India processing time

The Canadian tourist visa from India processing time is between 15 – 21 days depending on whether you apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

Single-entry visas are typically processed faster than multiple-entry visas.

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Other factors that can affect the processing time include the time of year you apply and how complete your application is.

Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from a few days to weeks to get a tourist visa from India to Canada.

The best way to ensure a quick and easy process is to make sure you have all the required documents and information before you apply.

Visitor visa extension Canada processing time

The visitor visa extension Canada processing time is from 7 – 15 days but you must give good reasons for applying for an extension which should be convincing to the authorities else you won’ the granted approval.

The good thing is the number of times a person may extend their visitor status is not regulated by law.

Instead, the officer will take into account your background, the reason for your visit, and whether there is a good cause to keep staying in Canada.

Once there is a good reason, your application will be approved within a short time.

Visit visa to Canada from Pakistan processing time

The visit visa to Canada from Pakistan processing time is 14 – 21 days, though the time can be affected by how complete and accurate your application is, how well you meet the eligibility requirements, and how busy the embassy is.

If your application is incomplete or inaccurate, processing time may take longer.

If you meet the eligibility requirements and submit a complete and accurate application, the processing time will be shorter.

Canada visa stamping processing time

The Canada visa stamping processing time is 10 – 14 days. Visa stamping is usually short and takes little time to complete unless the number of applications received is much or you have an incomplete application.

So, to help ensure a smooth and fast processing time for your visa stamping.

First, make sure to complete all the required forms and attach all the required documents.

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Second, avoid peak times for visa applications, such as summer and holidays.

And finally, if possible, apply online, which will help the processing time go even faster.

Canada family visa processing time

The Canadian family visa processing time is between 4 – 6 months but its largely affected by individual circumstances, the number of persons traveling, the accuracy of information provided, and their records.

If there is a member of the family with a criminal record, it will delay the approval of your application.

Your application will also be delayed if there is inaccuracy with the information provided in the application form.

The best way to ensure a speedy processing time is to complete your application accurately, be truthful with the information you are providing and submit all required documentation.

Canada transit visa processing time

This is visa that merely allows the bearer to travel through nation, not to remain there.

The Canada transit visa processing time is usually around 14 days. However, it can take longer if you need to provide additional documentation or if your application is incomplete.

If you are planning to travel through Canada, it is important to apply for your transit visa as soon as possible to avoid any delays.

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Canada visit visa from Dubai processing time

The Canada visit visa from Dubai processing time is 21 days if you correctly completed your application.

Dubai to Canada visitor visa is one of the most seamless visas to get.

The two countries enjoy good relations and obtaining a visa from one another is easy.

You just need to meet the requirements from documents to payment of application fees and your visa will be processed immediately.

Canada work visa processing time

Canadian work visa processing time is between 40 – 60 days depending on the type of work visa you are applying for.

Each one differs in its processing time and the processing time for each can also be affected by other factors such as your country’s visa policy, how complete and accurate the information provided in your application is and the number of applications received for the same type of visa you applied for.

Canada student visa processing time after medical passed

The Canada student visa processing time after medical is passed takes up to  8 weeks from the day you submitted your medical examination results.

See Also: How to Resize and Merge your Canadian Visa documents

However, processing times can be affected by the time of year you applied and the workload of the visa office.

If you are concerned about the processing time for your visa, you can contact the visa office directly to inquire about the status of your application.

Generally, the type of visa, the season, the volume of applications the Canadian Consulate receives, your nation of citizenship, your country’s visa policy, social policies (such as those experienced during Covid-19), and whether or not you possess all necessary papers are the key factors that determine the time taken for your visa to be processed.

Therefore, to ensure that your visa is processed on time.

See Also: How to know if a Canadian immigration consultant is legitimate

First, make sure you complete all the required forms and documents.

Second, submit your application as early as possible.

The earlier you submit your application, the more time the processing center will have to review it.

See also: New rules for international students in Canada 

Third, pay any fees that are required and ensure you attached your receipt to your application.

And fourth, plan and allow enough time for the visa to be processed.

Finally, follow up with the processing center regularly to make sure your application is still on track.

You can track the processing time of your visa from the Immigration refugees Citizenship Canada website here

Conclusion

The processing time of your Canadian visa depends on several factors, such as the type of visa you are applying for, your country of origin, the number of applications received by the authority, and the time of your application.

While you cannot control most of these factors, having all the required documents, applying on time, and keeping a crime-free record can help you get your visa approved on time thereby reducing the processing time of your visa.

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