Are you a foreigner looking to travel to Canada for work, school, business, or tourism? The first and foremost step in your Canadian journey is getting the appropriate visa. However, the application process for a visa can be very stressful. One major concern for anyone wanting to obtain a Canadian visa is the processing time.
The Canada visa processing times can be confusing, as they differ depending on several factors, like the visa type and volume of applications the Canadian embassy receives. It is necessary to understand the Canada visa processing time beforehand and how long it will take to get your visa approved.
Whether you are planning to apply for a study visa, work visa, or any other type of Canadian visa, this article will guide you with all the necessary information to have a hitch-free application process. Let’s delve right in and start exploring Canada Visa processing times.
Canada Visa Processing Times
The Canada visa processing time for each of the visas varies. We will be looking at the different processing times for these visas.
Canada Tourist Visa
The processing time for a Canada tourist visa can be up to 30 days to process after the submission of biometrics.
Canada Super Visa
The processing time for a Canada super visa is within 6 months, varying from country to country.
Canada Business Visa
The processing time for a Canada business visa is up to 15 business days after receiving the application. However, depending on your business program, it can exceed that and still take up to months.
Labour Visa
The processing time for a Canada labor visa takes about 6 weeks to process.
Canadian Student Visa
The processing time for a Canada student visa varies. It can take up to 90 days or less. Hence, starting your application process 4-6 months before departure time is best.
Canadian Temporary Work Visa
The processing time for Canada’s temporary work visa takes up to 6 weeks.
Temporary Residence Permit
Processing time for Canada temporary residence permit takes 3-24 months.
Quebec Skilled Worker Visa
Processing time for Quebec skilled worker visa is within 6 months.
Family Sponsorship Visa
The processing time for a family sponsorship visa takes approximately 12 months.
Live-In Caretaker Visa
The processing time for a live-in caretaker visa takes up to 12 months to process.
Self-Employed Person Visa
The processing time for a self-employed person visa takes approximately 24 months.
Startup Visa
The processing time for a startup visa is between 12-16 months.
Express Entry Visa
This visa is processed within 6 months of receiving the application. However, the processing time does not include the time to submit an express entry profile. The processing time starts counting after the final submission has been made.
Tips to Speed up your Canada Visa Processing Time
- -Ensure to include all the information required for your application process. You can always use the document checklist here to confirm that you have your complete documents.
- -Ensure the prints of your documents and photocopies are clear enough.
- -If any changes were made to your personal information while applying (e.g. name, contact info), do well to make it known while submitting your application.
- -Always tell the truth. If you lie about issues like a criminal case, divorce, or unresolved child custody, it could delay the time it will take to process your application. So, be sincere.
How To Check Your Canada Visa Application Status Online
You can check the status of your Canada visa application online via IRCC’s website.
- Open IRCC “Check status” page here
- Select your type of visa from the options. E.g. you can select a Canada study visa if you applied for one.
- Log in to the account you created while submitting your application online. If you didn’t submit your application online but on paper, there is an option provided for you to link your account.
- Click on “View my submitted application or profile,” then click on ” Check status and messages.” You would see either “Visa approval,” “Visa disapproval,” or “processing.”
Factors that can affect Canada Visa Processing Times
Volume Of Application
The number of applications received for each program can affect the Canada visa processing times. This means that if there is a high rate of applicants applying at the same time, there is a tendency that the processing time can increase. In other words, the larger the volume of visa applications, the longer the processing time.
Completeness Of Application
If an applicant submits incomplete details to the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, & Canada Citizenship), the application will not be accepted, as you will be required to submit the necessary details before your visa processing can commence. All of these can lead to delays.
Eligibility Of Applicant
After you’ve handed over the necessary application documents and processing documents, the IRCC will confirm if you meet the eligibility requirements. Your application will be reviewed to check if you meet the requirement for the visa.
Security Clearance Requirement
This security check ensures you have no previous criminal record. A police certificate (a statement that you don’t have a criminal record) is submitted to the IRCC to confirm that you won’t be a risk to the country.
You can get a police certificate by asking for one from your state or country. However, you may be required to give out information like photographs, fingerprints, and addresses. You might also be required to pay a fee to obtain the certificate.
Medical Requirement
During the Canada visa processing time, your health will be checked to ensure that you are medically fit to travel and work (if you are traveling for work purposes).
Your application will only be declined if the result of your health condition does not deem you fit for travel. Some health conditions that can disqualify you from traveling include active pulmonary tuberculosis, untreated syphilis, brain disorders, sexual disorders, etc.
Background Check
This is carried out by the Canadian intelligence & Security agencies. The process involves the team running a background check on you while verifying the authenticity of your education and work history.
Final Thoughts on Canada Visa Processing Times
The Canada visa processing times can be a very tedious process, but still very achievable. With the right information and early preparation, you can get the right visa or permit to get into Canada.
Obtaining a Canadian visa or permit is worth it, as many opportunities come with it. With the right mindset and appropriate planning and preparation, you can successfully get through the Canada visa processing times and begin your journey to this beautiful country.
