Day by day, it’s getting tougher for Indians to get a visa to visit Canada. Indian applicants now have to wait an average of 99 days for approval. It is the longest wait time among major source countries. Not only that, but Super Visa applicants from India are waiting around 169 days on average. Here’s what’s causing the delay.
Canada Visa: Indians Now See A Longer Waiting Time
Getting a visa to visit Canada is no less than a challenge these days. Indian nationals applying for visitor visas are now facing an average processing time of 99 days. According to a report by India Today. This is currently the longest wait time among other major countries. For those applying for a Super Visa (meant for parents and grandparents of Canadian permanent residents), the average wait time is now around 169 days.
So, what’s causing this much delay? Reportedly, factors such as background checks, country-specific screenings, and the workload of the immigration department all affect processing times. The location where the application is submitted can also sometimes play a role. According to a report by Immigration News Canada, about 290,700 applicants are currently awaiting citizenship outcomes, which can take up to 13 months to process. On the other hand, study permit processing has improved. It now takes four weeks (down from five). The work permit timeline, however, remains unchanged at 10 weeks.
Also Read: Canada Is Planning To Cancel Temporary Visas Of Indians In Bulk; Here’s Why
Nearly 75% Of Indian Applicants Were Denied Study Permits
In comparison, permanent resident renewals are being handled within 29 days, while new PR cards are taking about two months to issue. According to a report by Hindustan Times, one of the slowest categories continues to be family sponsorships. Inland spousal petitions can take up to 20 months, while applications submitted outside Canada can take around 14 months.
This news of the change in Canada visa processing time comes just days after reports revealed that nearly 74% of Indian applicants were denied study permits in August. According to a report by India Today, the Canadian government is also considering granting new powers to its immigration department, allowing it to cancel temporary visas amid rising cases of fraudulent applications. This move will reportedly target applicants from India and Bangladesh.
Also Read: Can Indians Get US Visa If They Suffer From Obesity, Diabetes & Heart Disease?
A delay in getting a visa for Canada will undoubtedly affect the plans of many Indian applicants planning to visit. What do you think of this increasing wait time? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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