While Canadian visitor visas are typically processed within 12 to 15 days, have it in mind that how long it takes will vary based on certain factors. Note that the processing time starts the day that the IRCC receives your complete application and ends when they reach a decision on your application.
Sometimes, this can be as little as 12 days or as much as 27 days, especially for paper-based applications. The Canadian Visitor Visa is a Temporary Resident Visa that allows the holder to enter Canada for tourism, holidays, or even to visit a family.
While this visa grants the holder the permission to go to a Canadian port of entry and request to enter the country, note that it is the job of the Border Patrol Officers to grant or deny the holder entry based on their documents or situation.
But once the officers find that you do not have any criminal intentions, you will be allowed to pass the port of entry into the country. While most people looking to visit Canada will require a visitor visa that permits them to enter Canada, have in mind that there are nationals of countries that will only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to be granted permission into the country.
Some nationals are completely exempt and can enter free with their passports without needing a visa. To be eligible for a Canada Tourist Visa, the applicant will have to meet certain criteria. Canada in recent times has become one of the most popular destinations for Immigrants to visit, so it’s not strange that they get so many visitor visa applications each year.
Agreeably, visiting Canada can be a very enticing option for foreigners who want to visit friends, family, travel, or even do business in the country. However, just as was noted above, the processing time for Canadian visitor visas can vary from case to case depending on several factors.
Factors that will Influence the Canadian Visitor Visa Processing Time
While Canada is still accepting visitor visa applications, have it in mind that Canadian visitor visa processing times will vary based on these factors:
Location of Application
Note that if you apply from within Canada, online applications are processed within 12 days and paper-based applications within 27 days. However, if you are applying from outside Canada, the processing time will vary based on the applicant’s country of residence.
The IRCC indeed varies the processing times for visitor visas depending on the applicant’s country of residence and where you are applying from. Also, note that the IRCC makes available a unique tool that can be used to find out your visitor’s visa processing time.
Completeness of Application
To ensure that your application is processed on time, you should ensure that your application is absolutely complete. This is one of the most vital reasons why hiring an immigration lawyer for a Canadian visitor visa application can be quite beneficial.
Once you have submitted your biometrics to the IRCC with your visa application, note that it will take around 8 weeks to receive your valid visa. However, have it in mind that every case is different and can vary therefore always consult your immigration lawyer or consultant.
Number of Applications
Note that your Canadian visitor visa application can be processed much quicker or even slower than expected depending on the number of applications Canada has received. The quantity of applications submitted for each program tends to influence the processing timeline. If the quantity of applicants for a specific program remains constant, then have it in mind that the processing durations will also stay constant.
Canada tends to have a fluctuating number of applications throughout the year; in these circumstances, processing time frame will most definitely fluctuate to reflect those changes. But if they have received fewer lately then it is possible that your application can be processed faster than the average 12-day processing time.
Eligibility Requirements for a Canadian Visitor Visa
Just as was noted above, to be eligible for a Canada Tourist Visa, the applicant will most often have to meet certain criteria. These criteria may include;
- A valid passport
- Proof of good health
- No criminal history or immigration-related convictions
- Proof that you have plans to return to your home country (just show you have ties such as a job, home, financial assets, or family)
- Proof of funds enough to cater to your needs during your stay
- The intended duration of your stay and temporary residence
Documentation for a Canadian Visitor Visa
Here are the necessary documents you need to apply for a Canadian Visitor Visa;
- A valid passport with an expiry date exceeding 6 months
- Documents to validate your ties to your nation country
- 2 recent passport size photographs with a white background having no borders
- The photograph should not be more than 90 days old
- An affidavit or an invitation letter from your relatives, if you intend to stay with them
- Medical clearance certificate
- Photocopy of your return ticket and/or travel itinerary
- Every other document required by the local visa office
- Bank statements to show you have the required funds to live in Canada for a while.