How Many Days Does Canada Visa Processing Take?

Imagine this: you’ve finally decided to take that dream trip to Canada, whether it’s for business, studies, or simply to explore the breathtaking landscapes. You’ve got everything planned, from the flights to accommodations, but there’s just one thing standing between you and your adventure — the Canada visa. And here’s the kicker: you don’t know how long it will take to get it.

Visa Processing Time Varies
Let’s be honest, the most frustrating part of visa applications is the waiting game. When it comes to Canada, the time it takes to process a visa depends on several factors. But the burning question is: how many days will it take? Well, it’s not a straightforward answer, but here’s what you need to know.

Express Entry Can Be Fast
If you're applying under the Express Entry system for permanent residence, the Canadian government aims to process applications within six months. This means that from the moment you submit a complete application, you could be holding that approval in 180 days. But don’t get too comfortable with that time frame. Any mistakes or missing documents could push you back into the uncertainty of further delays. And here’s the biggest catch — it doesn’t include the time it takes to gather all the necessary documents and complete the preliminary steps like biometric collection. So, while the six-month promise is tempting, it's only part of the story.

Temporary Visas Might Surprise You
Now, if you’re applying for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — which covers tourists, students, and workers — the processing time fluctuates wildly depending on where you’re applying from. For instance, if you’re applying from countries like the United States or European nations, you might see a decision within two to four weeks. But applicants from other countries could wait much longer. The processing time for certain countries can stretch up to 90 days or more.

The Biometric Factor
Here’s another twist: Canada requires biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for most visa types, which adds an extra step to the application process. For some applicants, scheduling and attending a biometric appointment might only take a day or two, while for others, it could add a week or more to the waiting period. Keep in mind, your visa processing won’t start until the biometrics have been submitted.

Student Visas – A Roller Coaster Ride
Are you a student eager to start your studies in Canada? The processing time for a student visa (also known as a study permit) can vary greatly. If you apply early enough and have all your documents in order, you might get an answer in four to six weeks. But if you’re applying close to the start of the school year, prepare for delays — it could take as long as 12 weeks or more depending on the time of year and the volume of applications being processed.

COVID-19 and Its Lingering Effects
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: COVID-19. The pandemic has not only caused delays in visa processing times but has also made predictions more difficult. Canada’s immigration offices were closed or operating at limited capacity for months, creating a significant backlog. Even now, as things begin to normalize, some offices are still catching up. Expect delays, especially for paper-based applications, which could take much longer than online submissions.

Application Center Backlogs
Where you submit your application matters. If you’re applying from a visa application center (VAC) in a country with a large backlog of applicants, you’re likely to experience extended wait times. For example, some VACs in India, Nigeria, and Pakistan have been dealing with significant backlogs, which means your application could take longer than the average processing time posted on the Canadian government’s website.

Do Online Applications Help?
In a word: yes. Submitting your visa application online is the fastest way to ensure it gets processed as quickly as possible. The Canadian government even recommends this route, as it allows for more efficient processing. Paper applications can take much longer, and they’re more prone to delays, especially if postal services are slow or unreliable in your region.

How to Speed Up the Process
While you can’t control every aspect of the visa application process, there are ways to ensure your application moves along as quickly as possible. Here’s what you can do:

• Submit a complete application: Double-check that you’ve included all the required documents, forms, and fees.
• Provide accurate information: Any inconsistencies or errors in your application can cause delays, or worse, lead to rejection.
• Submit biometrics promptly: Don’t wait for a reminder. Schedule your biometric appointment as soon as possible.
• Apply early: This might seem obvious, but many people wait until the last minute to submit their visa applications. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of avoiding delays.

Expect the Unexpected
When applying for a Canada visa, you need to expect the unexpected. Even if you’ve followed all the rules, submitted everything on time, and double-checked your application, there’s always a chance of delay. Canadian immigration officers may request additional documents, or your application could be randomly selected for further review. While these situations are rare, they can add days or even weeks to your processing time.

Conclusion: The Waiting Game
So, how many days does it really take to process a Canada visa? The answer is: it depends. Whether you're applying for a temporary visa, permanent residence, or a student permit, several factors come into play, from where you're applying to how complete your application is. While some visas might be processed in as little as a few weeks, others could take months — and in some cases, even longer.

But here's the good news: as long as you submit a thorough, well-prepared application and stay proactive throughout the process, you're giving yourself the best chance of receiving that visa as quickly as possible. And before you know it, you'll be on your way to Canada.