The coronavirus pandemic has led to a delay in visas getting processed. With a backlog in applications, embassies are posed with a challenge to process a large number of pending visas within their standard processing time. National Visa Centre (NVC) has revealed on its website that since March 2020, during the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, the ability of U.S. embassies and consults to efficiently process visas have been dramatically affected. The pandemic continues to pose constraints and severely impact the number of visas the consulates abroad are able to process. This is the same case with the UK and Canada as well. So, read on to know how long it can take to process your visas to the US, UK and Canada.
1. USA
As mentioned earlier, the National Visa Centre (NVC) in the USA revealed that certain constraints due to local and national lockdowns, travel restrictions and host country quarantine measures have led to a delay in processing visas within the standard time. The US visa processing time usually depends on what type of visa you are applying for. While it generally takes 3 to 4 working days or two weeks, going for an appointment would take a longer time. The official website advises you to apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before you plan on travelling and not to book any plane tickets or hotels till you get the visa.
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2. UK
Standard visa applications to the UK for tourism and business purposes are taking around 6 weeks to process. But you will get the information about your visa within 3 weeks. Earlier, it would take around 2 to 3 weeks to process a tourist visa from India. If you want a visa to the UK urgently, you can opt for the Priority or Super Priority Visa. These are processed within five working days.
Also Read: India Advises Citizens Especially Students To Leave Ukraine Amid Crisis
3. Canada
A visitor visa to Canada would earlier take around 2 to 4 weeks to process, perhaps even longer. But after the advent of the covid-19 pandemic, it could now take a whopping 81 days, at least, to process. This is because your Canadian visa will process only after the authorities have received the complete application. This includes your photograph and biometrics. Unfortunately, you can’t avail a fast-track option for this visa. So be prepared to wait.