Canada remains one of the most popular international destinations for Indians, attracting tourists as well as those travelling to visit family and friends. However, lengthy visa processing timelines have often been a hurdle for many applicants. Earlier, Indians had to wait 99 days for a visitor visa to be processed. Now, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reduced the waiting period for visitor visas filed from India to 83 days, a move that is expected to boost travel and increase the inflow of visitors from India.
The strategic decision comes as India is the biggest source of temporary visitors to Canada, with about 3.84 lakh visitor visas issued in 2025. However, the lengthy visa processing timeline has previously discouraged people such as conference attendees and families of international students from travelling to Canada. With this reduced processing time, IRCC expects to boost the visitor inflow from India, especially Indian companies that need to send employees to Canada for short-notice business meetings in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
According to IRCC, visa processing has become faster due to the use of AI tools that quickly identify low-risk applications and send them through an express route. This has also been supported by staff working extra hours on weekends.
Moving ahead, IRCC is working towards reducing visitor visa processing time to a global standard of 60 days by the fourth quarter of 2026. It is also testing a new “trusted business traveller” programme with two large Indian IT companies, under which visas could be issued within 30 days after prior verification of employee details.
However, immigration experts warn that not all applications may be processed within 83 days. Cases involving earlier visa rejections or unclear travel records may take longer. Applicants can track updated processing timelines through IRCC’s online portal after submitting their biometrics.
Steps To Apply For A Canadian Visitor Visa-
If you are planning to apply for a Canadian visitor visa, IRCC advises you to follow these steps:
1. Check eligibility and visa type
Applicants must have a valid passport, good health, and no criminal or immigration issues. They must also decide whether they need a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.
2. Collect required documents
This includes a passport, proof of financial support, travel plans, and an invitation letter if visiting someone in Canada. Some applicants may also need to undergo a medical test.
3. Submit the application
Applications can be submitted online through the IRCC website or offline at a Visa Application Centre. Forms must be filled out accurately, documents uploaded, and fees paid.
4. Give biometrics and wait for a decision
If biometrics are required, applicants will be asked to book an appointment for fingerprints and photographs at a VAC. IRCC may request extra documents or an interview before making a final decision. Once approved, the visa is stamped on the passport, allowing travel to Canada.
Overall, the reduction in visitor visa processing time is a positive step for Indian travellers planning trips to Canada. However, applicants should still apply well in advance, ensure their documents are complete and factor in time for biometrics for a smooth journey to Canada.Top of Form
