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Updated 2026-02-11
Visitor Visa Processing Time: 14-90 Days
Processing varies by country - plan ahead for your Canadian visit
Current Time
14-90 days (varies by country)
Last Updated
2026-02-11
Trend
Times are stable
Processing Time Overview
About Visitor Visa Processing
Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) processing times in 2026 vary widely depending on your country of residence. Applications from the United States and Western Europe typically process within 14-30 days, while applications from countries with higher volumes or additional security screening requirements can take 60-90 days or more. IRCC publishes country-specific processing times that are regularly updated.
The processing time begins when IRCC receives your complete application, not when you submit it online. Incomplete applications or missing documents are the most common cause of delays, so ensuring your application is complete and accurate is crucial. Peak travel seasons (summer months and holiday periods) can also lead to longer processing times as visa offices handle increased application volumes.
Multiple-entry visas are now standard for most approved visitor visa applications, valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means you can enter and leave Canada multiple times without reapplying, though each stay is limited to 6 months unless extended. Processing times are the same whether you're applying for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.
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Our RCIC-licensed consultants can help you prepare a complete application to avoid delays and ensure smooth processing.
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Historical Data
Processing Time Trends
Track how processing times have changed over recent months
January 2026
14-90 days
Q4 2025 (holiday)
20-95 days
Q3 2025 (peak)
30-100 days
Q2 2025 (peak)
25-95 days
Q1 2025
15-85 days
2024 Average
20-90 days
Processing Factors
What Affects Processing Time?
Understanding these factors can help you prepare a stronger application
Country of residence and local visa office processing capacity
Time of year (peak travel seasons have longer waits)
Purpose of visit and strength of ties to home country
Completeness of application and quality of supporting documents
Biometrics collection and processing
Previous travel history and visa compliance record
Expert Tips
How to Avoid Processing Delays
Follow these best practices to keep your application moving smoothly
Apply at least 2-3 months before your intended travel date
Provide strong proof of ties to your home country (employment, property, family)
Submit detailed travel itinerary and invitation letters if visiting family/friends
Ensure bank statements show sufficient funds for your entire stay
Complete biometrics promptly after receiving the instruction letter
Be honest and consistent in all answers - discrepancies cause delays and refusals
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Visitor Visa processing times
How long does it take to get a Canada visitor visa in 2026?
Canada visitor visa processing times range from 14 to 90 days in 2026, depending on your country of residence. Applications from countries with lower volumes and established visa processing centers typically take 14-30 days, while countries with higher volumes or additional security requirements can take 60-90 days. Always check the IRCC website for your country-specific processing time and apply at least 2-3 months before your travel date.
What is the fastest way to get a Canadian visitor visa?
There is no official expedited processing for visitor visas except in emergency situations (serious illness or death of a family member). The best way to ensure timely processing is to submit a complete, accurate application with all required documents, strong proof of ties to your home country, sufficient financial documentation, and a clear purpose of visit. Applying during off-peak seasons (fall and winter) may also result in faster processing.
Why was my visitor visa refused?
Common reasons for visitor visa refusal include insufficient proof of ties to your home country (IRCC believes you may not return), inadequate financial resources for your trip, unclear or suspicious purpose of visit, incomplete or inconsistent documentation, previous immigration violations, and security or criminal concerns. If refused, you'll receive a letter explaining the reasons. You can reapply by addressing the concerns raised, though there's no guarantee of approval.
Do I need a visitor visa or just an eTA?
If you're from a visa-exempt country (like the UK, Australia, most European countries), you only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is processed within minutes to 72 hours and costs $7 CAD. If you're from a non-visa-exempt country, you need a visitor visa (TRV), which requires a full application process, biometrics, and takes 14-90 days. Check the IRCC website to see if your country requires a visa or eTA.
Can I work or study with a visitor visa?
No, a visitor visa (TRV) does not allow you to work or study in Canada. You can only visit for tourism, visiting family/friends, or business activities like attending meetings or conferences (without entering the Canadian labor market). If you want to work, you need a work permit. If you want to study for programs longer than 6 months, you need a study permit. Short courses under 6 months may be allowed with a visitor visa depending on the program.
Related Programs
Other Processing Times
Check processing times for related immigration programs
Ready to Start Your Visitor Visa Application?
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