How long does it take to get a Canadian Visa is something which one will naturally wonder about in case they wish to go and visit, work, or even begin their life in Canada.
Whether you are applying for the visitor visa or study permit or merely seeking permanent residence, waiting time is like forever. It is natural not to worry, especially when there are plans at stake.
Generally, the processing of a Canadian visa depends on the type of visa and also where you apply. There are some visas that are processed rapidly, and some that take time.
Delays also happen if more documents need to be submitted or if there are too many applications pending at a given time.
Luckily, Canada does try to process visas as quickly as they can. It is always a good idea, however, to apply ahead of time and be ready with all of the correct documentation.
In this article, we will break down the waiting periods you can expect and give you tips to help speed things up. Let’s get moving!
Table of contents
- What are Processing Times for Canadian Visa?
- Factors That Affects Canada Visa Processing Time
- How Long Does It Take To Get A Canadian Visa
- How Long Does It Take To Get A Canadian Visa After Biometrics
- How Can You Check the Status of Your Application?
- Tips to Speed Up the Canadian Visa Application Process
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
What are Processing Times for Canadian Visa?
Canada visa and permit processing times tell you how long it will take for your application for a visa, permit, citizenship or other immigration matter to be processed and reach a decision under normal circumstances.
The processing time for your application starts on the date that Canadian authorities receive your application and ends when they make a decision.
If you’re submitting a paper application through the mail, it starts when your application is received by the mailroom. If you’re submitting an electronic application or filing one in person, it’s when you submit your application.
Read Also – Germany Transit Visa: All You Need to Know Before Your Stopover
Factors That Affects Canada Visa Processing Time
Below are the determining Canadian visa processing time factors –
Visa category
There is a specific set of requirements and processing for each visa class. Some visa classes require complex background investigations, additional documentation, and interviews. These will, therefore, take longer to process.
For example, spouse visas require a detailed verification of the relationships and other eligibility factors. As such, these visas require more time to process than others.
Accuracy and completeness of the application
Before you submit your visa application, you must ensure that the application is filled and the details are accurate. Otherwise, incomplete applications or unsigned documents lead to unnecessary delays. If the immigration office needs additional information during the verification, then processing will be delayed longer. Additionally, errors and discrepancies slow down processing since additional verification is required in such instances by the immigration officials.
Country of residence
The applicant’s country of residence is a significant determining factor in the process of the Canadian visas. There are numerous geopolitical challenges, security, and diplomatic relationships that affect the visa processing duration for nationals of particular nations.
Security and background checks
Certain visas necessitate long and complex background check-ups. For instance, study visas entail criminal record verification and medical examination.
Thus, these security and background check-ups extend the processing duration. Moreover, the applicant’s country of residence may also be the cause of an extended background and security check time.
Specific visa office
You need to be aware that visa processing in India is also dependent upon the visa office which is processing your application. There are certain visa offices which process large numbers of applications. Therefore, you will experience delays in visa application processing.
Also Read – H4 Visa Interview Questions: Avoid These Mistakes!
How Long Does It Take To Get A Canadian Visa
The processing time for a Canadian visa is very inconsistent and relies on the type of visa and the applicant’s country of residence. Below are the average processing times for 2025:
Canada Visitor Visa Processing Time
The processing of the Canada visitor visa is different if you are applying from India or from within Canada. Following are the approximate processing times for all the visitor visa conditions:
- Visitor Visa (from India): 52 Days
- Visitor Visa (from within Canada): 25 Days
- Extending Your Visitor Visa: 115 Days
- Super Visa (from India): 62 Days
Canada Work Visa Processing Time
A Canada work visa can take up to 19 weeks to process if you are planning to apply for a work permit from India while the Agricultural worker program can be processed in just 3 months.
- Work Permit (from India): 19 weeks
- Work Permit from within Canada (including extensions): 109 Days
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): 91 Days
- International Experience Canada: 6 Weeks
Canada Student Visa Processing Time
Following are the Canada study visa processing time with extension based on where you applied for it:
- Study Permit (from India): 4 weeks
- Study Permit (from within Canada): 10 weeks
- Extending Your Study Permit: 58 Days
Canada Permanent Residence Visa Processing Time
Permanent Residency Visas are for those who wish to settle in Canada permanently under different programs
- Start-Up Visa: 39 Months
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 5 Months
- Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP): 5 Months
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 6 Months to 11 Months
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 7 Months
- Caregivers: 26 Months to 31 Months
- Self-Employed Persons (Federal): 50 Months
- Quebec Business Class: 46 Months
- Quebec Selected Skilled Workers: 9 Months
Canada Family Visa Processing Time
Family Visas allow Canadian citizens or PR holders to sponsor family members. The following is Canada spouse visa processing time and dependent child processing time:
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner: 10 Months to 32 months
- Dependent Child (from India): 10 months
Read Also – Can You Go From R1 Visa to Green Card? Here’s How It Works
How Long Does It Take To Get A Canadian Visa After Biometrics
Time taken to get a Canadian visa after submitting biometrics varies based on the visa class and applicant status. By tradition, after submitting biometrics, the application is transferred into final processing phases where it is processed and a decision is made.
- Visitor Visas (Temporary Resident Visa): After submitting biometrics, it will take 2 to 4 weeks to finalize the process of applying for the visitor visa to Canada, but it varies in each situation.
- Study Permits: After submitting biometrics, an additional 3 to 8 weeks based on category of application and season.
- Work Permits: The work visa itself can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending in large measure on the character of the work permit as well as on the residence country of the applicant.
How Can You Check the Status of Your Application?
It is simple to find out how your Canadian visa application is faring by going through a couple of easy steps, and being a guru isn’t required. That is the way you get to stay in touch with what is happening in your application
Online Through the IRCC Account
Most applicants have their Canadian visa application status online using the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. If you already submitted your application, just log in into your IRCC secure account. Upon logging in, look for the section which contains the words “View my submitted applications or profiles” and then tap “Check status and messages.” That is where you can obtain the latest updates on your application.
If you applied through the IRCC portal, log into that one to view your status. Not certain which account you used? Try both, or check your email for IRCC1 confirmation emails.
Linking a Paper Application
If you applied on paper, you can still check online. You will need to link your paper application to an IRCC secure account. Gather all the emails and documents you have received about your application, especially any identification numbers. Once you link, you will get real-time messages and updates in your account instead of waiting for mail.
Using Your Passport Number
To check your status, similarly, you can check it through your passport number. For that, you have to visit the official Canadian immigration site, go to the visa application tracking area, enter your passport number, and fill in the other necessary personal details. After you submit it, it will show you your current status.
Through the Client Application Status Tool
Your Client Application Status, which you can securely find on the IRCC website, is where you are able to see your status. You will need your own individual client identifier (UCI) or application number, which you can find in the messages or correspondence from IRCC that has been sent to you. The tool will be updated daily to provide the latest information.
At a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
In case you prefer to check your status offline, you can visit a Visa Application Centre or Canadian embassy/consulate in your country. Bring your passport and supporting documents, if any, and the staff will help you check your status
Also Read – Visa Interview Questions You MUST Prepare For — And How to Nail Every Answer!
Tips to Speed Up the Canadian Visa Application Process
Application processing times can vary depending on where you lodge your application and your individual circumstances. To reduce delays and potentially shorten the processing time do the following:
Present Clear and Accurate Documents
- Use the Checklist: Use the checklist in your application kit to check that you have everything required.
- Update Your Details: Notify the concerned authorities as soon as possible if your personal details change e.g. name, contact details or family status.
- Photocopy Quality: Make sure that all photocopies and documents are clear and readable.
Delays can occur because of:
- Security or Criminal Issues: You don’t disclose any criminal or security issues relevant to your application.
- Family Status Problems: You have family status problems such as pending divorces, incomplete adoptions or unresolved child custody fights.
- Inter-office Communications: Our office needs to communicate with other offices in Canada or abroad.
Adheres to these mentioned practice tips to ensure that your immigration application will be processed in the quickest and most efficiently budgeted manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Canadian visa processing may take anything from two weeks to a few months, depending on among other things, the nation in which one applies, the level of completeness an application is at when submitted, as well as the time of year.
A Canada visa application, once approved, will be informed by an email delivery notification sent to the email address provided in the application form. In case a visa is required, the email may contain attachments like the letter of introduction and a visa.
Fastest work visa category is intra-company transfer or Global Talent Stream where processing can be as short as 2 weeks in ideal circumstances.
While the majority of study permits will require more time to process, emergency procedures or premium services offered by local visa offices might speed up the process but it’s not likely to receive it within 15 days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to know the duration it takes to get a Canadian visa. It takes several weeks to several months. Being patient and ready, you can easily undergo the application process.
Now that your visa is approved, you’ll be enjoying Canada’s beauty and opportunity before long. For work, study, or play, getting your Canadian visa is the first step to a new exciting experience.
References
- useteleport.com – Canada Visa Processing Time: A Comprehensive Overview
- www.visaplace.com – Canada Visa Processing Time 2025
Recommendations
- How to Write a Visa Invitation Letter For a UK Visa (With Sample)
- How Do Student Visas (F-1) Work in the U.S? Obtaining, Maintaining Status, and Exploring Post-Graduation Options
- Must-Know B2 Visa Interview Questions for First-Time Applicants
- Golden Years in Greece: How to Get Your Greece Retirement Visa
