Canada being one of the favourite places for Indian immigrants; one question that pops into every mind very frequently is, “How long does it take for Canada to process visa applications from India?” To answer this common question, we will look at the elements that affect processing timelines as well as provide an overview of the various visa categories.
Canada has continued to process visa applications from India, including student and worker temporary residence visas and permanent resident and family-class sponsorship applications.
The Factors Affecting Visa Processing Time
The time taken by Canada to process an Indian visa application can vary greatly depending on numerous factors, including but not limited to:
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Visa Type: The processing time for visa application is determined by the type of visa you are requesting. Visitor visas, study permits, work permits, and permanent resident visas (e.g., Express Entry, Family Class) are all common classifications. Each classification has its own processing time.
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Completeness of Application: Submitting a complete and correct application is a very crucial step. Missing paperwork or information might cause delays since Canadian authorities may seek further documentation, resulting in a lengthier processing period.
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Biometrics and Medical Exams: Some visa categories require applicants to submit biometrics (fingerprints and pictures) as well as complete medical exams. The time required for these operations can have an impact on overall processing timeframes.
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Application Volume: The number of visa applications received by Canadian authorities varies throughout the year. High application loads can result in lengthier processing times.
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Security and Background Checks: Security and background investigations are performed on each visa applicant, which can take additional time to avoid further issues or complications.
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Immigration Policy Changes: Changes in Canadian immigration policy and regulations can have an impact on processing timelines. It is critical to stay current on immigration news and requirements.
Processing Time as per Visa Category
Work Permits & Visas
Work permits allow foreign nationals to work and live in Canada for the duration of their permit.
For immigration purposes, there is a distinction between a visa and a permit—a permit allows someone to legally remain, work, and/or study in Canada. A visa allows foreign nationals to enter Canada through its borders. Permits typically consume the majority of processing time. If a foreign national obtains a permit, they must then present their passport to an IRCC office for visa stamping if they want to travel outside of Canada and then return.
Work permit procedure differs depending on whether the applicant is applying from within or outside of Canada. The processing times are as follows:
- Work permit (applying from India) | 9 weeks
- Work permit (applying inside of Canada (initial and extension) | 128 days online; 47 days on paper
Study Permits & Visas
Foreign nationals can study and live in Canada with a study permit. Some study permits also allow students to work either full-time or part-time while studying.
The contrast between work permits and visas extends to study permits as well—once an applicant’s study permit is issued, they must submit their passport for visa stamping if they want to travel outside of Canada and then return.
Study permit processing periods might vary depending on criteria such as the educational institution, program of study, and individual circumstances. It may take two to three months on average. However, applicants are urged to apply at least six months before the start of their studies. Please visit the official website of Immigration Canada Study in Canada as an international student – Canada.ca
- Study permit (applying from India) | 8 weeks
- Study permit (applying inside of Canada) | 5 weeks
- Study permit extension | 75 days online; 91 days on paper
- Student Direct Stream | 20 days (assuming all criteria are met)
Immigration Visas
Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and Family Class Sponsorship are some of the immigration programs available in Canada. Immigration visa processing periods can range from several months to over a year, depending on the program and the applicant’s profile.
- Atlantic Immigration Program | 6 months
- Canadian Experience Class | 5 months
- Provincial Nominees | 8 months (if applied online through Express Entry; 16 months if not
- Self-Employed person Program (federal) | 52 months
- Federal Skilled Worker | 6 months
- Start-up Visa | 37 months
- Spouse or common-law partner living in Canada | 10 months outside of Quebec; 25 months in Quebec
- Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner living in Canada | 13 months outside of Quebec; 24 months in Quebec
- Super Visa (Parents or Grandparents living in India) | 53 days
- Dependent Child (living in India) | 10 months
- Parents and Grandparents Program | 21 months outside of Quebec; 46 months in Quebec
- Adopted child or other relative (living in India) | 22 months
Visitor Visa
A visitor visa is required for Indian citizens who intend to visit Canada. Visitor visas do not allow holders to work or study in Canada, so they do not have accompanying permits (though visitors are free to pursue study and/or work permits if they choose).
Visitor visa applications from India often take a few weeks to a few months to process. However, to allow for any unexpected delays, it is best to apply well in advance of your chosen travel date.
Applicants should visit the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most accurate and up-to-date information on processing times and should consider receiving guidance from skilled immigration consultants or lawyers. Keeping updated on immigration regulations and procedures can also help candidates navigate the process more efficiently. Furthermore, you can always consult an immigration consultant to make the process smooth and hassle-free.
For most UpToDate information please refer to the official website of Immigration Canada Check processing times – Canada.ca.
