Visa Process Time For Canada: All You Need to Know

Visa Process Time For Canada: All You Need to Know

Be it a short-term vacation plan or long-term study plan, Canada is one of the best known destinations globally but especially for students and families from Pakistan. A few of the top destinations for Pakistani students and other travelers has become this developed country with so many facilities and study opportunities available.

If you have any upcoming trip planned to Canada, it is important to know about its visa processing time and all the aspects related to it. In this article we have gathered some information for you about the visa process time for Canada, the factors that affect it and how you can speed up your application process with high chances of approval. 

Main Types of Canadian Visas 

There are several types of Canadian visas available for applicants from Pakistan, depending on the purpose of travel. Here are the main and most common types of Canadian visas for Pakistani applicants:

1. Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa)

• For those traveling to Canada for tourism, visiting family/friends, or business meetings.

• Usually valid for up to 6 months.

• Can be single-entry or multiple-entry.

• Requires proof of financial stability and intent to return to Pakistan.

2. Study Permit (Student Visa)

• For students accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.

• Processing time varies; Student Direct Stream (SDS) provides faster processing for eligible students.

• Requires financial proof, an admission letter, and sometimes an IELTS score.

3. Work Permit

• Allows Pakistanis to work legally in Canada for a specific employer or under an open work permit.

• Includes different categories:

• Employer-Specific Work Permit: Requires a job offer from a Canadian employer and LMIA approval.

• Open Work Permit: For spouses of international students, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders, etc.

4. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

• For international students who complete their studies at a DLI in Canada.

• Allows them to work in Canada for up to 3 years after graduation.

5. Permanent Residency Visas

• Express Entry (PR Visa)

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• Family Sponsorship Visa: 

Factors Affecting Canada Visa Processing Time

Processing time can vary for a Canadian visa based on a number of factors. Here are the key factors that determine how long it takes to get a decision:

a) Type of Visa Applied For

Each visa category has a different processing time, such as visitors visa processes are faster than permanent residency applications.

b) Applicant’s Country of Residence

This is because the workload can be different depending on the country you are applying from, and the processing time depends on what the workload looks like at the visa offices. Certain visa offices process greater volumes of requests, which can slow down the process.

c) Completeness and Accuracy of Application

Failure to submit a complete application or to provide incorrect information can cause delays and even result in rejection. Including all necessary documents will hasten the process.

d) Volume of Applications

Peak periods, such as the months leading up to the beginning of university semesters, see a spike in the number of visa applications, which may also increase processing times as application reviewers at IRCC have their hands full.

e) Additional Security or Background Checks

Some applications involve additional clearance especially if the applicant has a history of travelling to proscribed nations of security concerns, or a prior rejection of visa.

Processing Times for Different Types of Canadian Visas

The Canadian government updates visa processing times regularly based on workload and other factors. Below is a general estimate of how long different types of visas take:

• Study Permit: Standard Processing Time: 6 to 12 weeks

• Work Permit: 2 to 6 months

• Visitor Visa: 1 to 6 months

• Permanent Residency (PR)

• Express Entry: 6 to 8 months

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 12 to 18 months

• Family Sponsorship: 12 to 24 months

Common Mistakes to Avoid To Speed up The Process

When applying for a Canadian visa, make sure you keep in mind a few things and avoid common mistakes that will speed up your processing time and can significantly improve the chances of visa acceptance. Here are some important things to remember:

Start Early

If you are a student and want your visa to be accepted soon, then be sure to start working on it early on. Start planning what you want to do by listing down your career choices or the universities in Canada you wish to apply to. Prepare yourself before the submissions open so you have ample time to apply in the institutions you have short-listed. This also allows you enough time to figure out any shortcomings or errors in the documents or the processes.

Double-Triple Check Everything 

Before the document submission day at the embassy, be sure to check them again and again before submitting. Don’t just double check if the documents are complete but also double check if all the information on each document is correct (e.g name, DOB, CNIC etc). It’s better to even triple check than having it rejected later and wasting your precious time on a prone to failure. 

Not Addressing Visa Interview Preparation

Poor performance in a visa interview may result in rejection. It’s always crucial to prepare for these interviews through mock sessions so you have some idea on what kind of questions you will be asked. 

Using Unverified Consultants or Agents

Unprofessional unverified agents are considered fraudulent. They may charge you a high fee and may scam you by submitting incorrect applications or not applying at all. Choose the educational consultants who have credibility and name in the market. 

Doing Everything Without Professional Help

Gathering all the required documents, visiting the embassy, keeping yourself updated on the policies, researching constantly, planning for post arrival accommodations and the remaining long list of tasks that revolve around visa processes become extremely daunting for someone who is doing this for the first time. Taking help from professionals who have been doing this work for years can double your chances of getting accepted and attaining a successful Canadian visa 

Ensure Timely Visa Processing

Visa process time for Canada can vary based on factors such as visa type, the completeness of the application and seasonal demand. Preparing early, verifying documents, and obtaining professional assistance are key steps to increasing the likelihood that visa application approval will be timely and trouble-free.