Canada Visa Processing Time
The processing time of each Canadian Visa varies, so it’s important to research the standard time before submitting the online application. Personal circumstances can also affect the waiting time, so applicants should apply for the appropriate visa as soon as possible.
To find out the processing time of a specific Canadian Visa application and receive guidance on obtaining a visa as fast as possible, contact Total Law on +1 844 290 6312 to discuss with our experienced team.
Overview of Canadian Visa Processing Times
Canadian Visa processing times are dependent on the type of visa applied for and the visa office in question. The waiting times can also vary depending on which country the applicant is applying from.
However, the IRCC provides a general processing time for each type of visa:
- Express Entry: 6 months
- Permanent Resident Card: 36 days
- Visitor Visa: 10-27 days
- Study Permit: 8 weeks
- Sponsoring a Spouse for Permanent Residence: 12 months
- Post-Graduation Work Permit: 134 days
It’s also sensible to prepare for delays in the process. The standard processing time is how long candidates can expect to wait if everything runs smoothly. However, issues such as missing documents in the form or an increased volume of applicants can prolong the waiting process.
Applicants can use the Canadian government to check the processing time for a particular visa based on the candidate’s home country.
The tool shows the average time a candidate can expect to wait before they receive the visa. For example, applying for a Work Permit from the UK takes around 10 weeks, while the Canada Visitor Visa processing time would be 108 days for someone moving to Canada from Spain.
This government tool is updated regularly, meaning it is highly reliable for anyone hoping to obtain a Canada Visa.
Applicants can request Canada Visa priority processing for faster processing. This option is available for people in high-risk professions and anyone who meets the criteria for either the Global Skills Strategy (GSS) or fast-track immigration programs.
Canadian Visa Interview Wait Times
There is no standard waiting time for Canadian Visa interviews as many factors affect this, particularly the type of visa that is applied for.
You should expect to wait between 3 and 8 weeks for the interview with an immigration officer. Any longer would generally be considered a delayed process.
To ensure the interview process is as efficient as possible, it’s advisable to:
- Gather the required documents
- Research the interview questions
- Find out what you need to take with you
- Meet with an immigration lawyer to prepare for the appointment
What is the Fastest Way to Get a Visa for Canada?
Before planning the fastest way to get a visa for Canada, it’s important to consider the circumstances surrounding the visit to Canada. Certain pathways will be quicker for certain people, and some routes may be impossible due to ineligibility.
For example, the requirements for a Canada Visit Visa are very different from the eligibility criteria for a Family Visa.
For individuals with close Canadian family members, such as parents or spouses, applying for a Family Visa may be the fastest way to enter Canada. By being sponsored as dependents, they can rely on their loved ones’ immigration status to live and work in the country.
Business owners may find that the fastest way to enter Canada is to apply for a business immigration program, such as the Start-Up Visa Program. If evidence can be provided that they run a successful business, the Canadian government may want to benefit from this, so there is a good chance of being accepted into the country on these grounds.
If a job offer has been presented, the easiest method for moving to Canada may be to apply for a Work Visa program, such as the Global Talent Stream (GTS). While not all Work Visas require employment offers, the GTS is an opportunity to live and work in Canada for those with existing job offers.
Finally, the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are one of the most popular routes into Canada for skilled workers who can contribute a particular skill set to a region.
Overall, the quickest way to obtain a Canadian Visa is different for everyone. The main consideration should be meeting the specific requirements and whether they route is suitable for them regardless of processing times.
Why is My Canada Visitor Visa Taking So Long?
There are many reasons a Canadian Visitor Visa may be delayed.
Often Visitor Visas may take longer due to:
- High volume of applications
- Missing documents (e.g., passport, travel document or photo identification)
- Interview arrangements
- Choice of correspondence (communicating by email rather than an online account can cause delays)
- Prolonged medical and security screening
- Delayed responses from the applicant
- Biometrics information not yet being submitted (e.g., fingerprints)
Why Hiring Immigration Lawyers Can Save Time
Immigration lawyers can assess a client’s situation thoroughly to determine which Canadian Visa route would be the most suitable. This immediately saves time in the decision-making process and prevents the client from submitting an irrelevant application.
When working on a particular application, immigration lawyers understand exactly what the client must do to receive a Canadian Visa, so they will provide specialist advice to improve the quality of the application. Getting it right the first time prevents clients from going through visa rejections and appeals.
Immigration lawyers will advise clients on approaching each stage of the process, including post-application events, such as interviews. Rather than attempting to research interviews and potentially receiving poor advice, clients can go straight to the experts and prepare for the interview in the best possible way
How Total Law Can Help
The processing time of Canadian Visas is something the candidate is only partially in control of. However, speeding up the processing time is certainly possible, and the best way to do this is with a Total Law immigration specialist.
Our professional team is highly experienced in advising on all types of Canadian Visa, from Family Visas to Work Visas. Contact us on +1 844 290 6312 to access our top-of-the-range immigration services, from handy fast-track packages to tailored application assistance.
After talking to one of our expert lawyers, you’ll be ready to tackle any conversation with an immigration officer, from justifying your desire to stay in Canada to explaining your immigration history in various countries.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying for a visa in a foreign country is not necessarily easy, due to the time it takes, the effort it requires, and the potential for challenges along the way.
Getting a Canada Visa is much easier when an immigration professional is involved in the process, as they can apply their expertise to each stage.
Most UAE residents need a visa to enter Canada. However, residents with different citizenship may not require a visa.
For example, if a UAE resident has US citizenship, they may be able to stay in Canada for up to 6 months without holding a visa.
Before beginning the application, check with an immigration lawyer to ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements. This is the safest way to increase your chances of obtaining a Canada Visa.
Immigration lawyers will help you avoid common mistakes in visa applications that result in rejections, putting you in an excellent position to obtain the right visa for you.
