ISLAMABAD: Pakistanis planning to study, work or visit family in Canada may now face longer waits, following an increase in the estimated processing times for several visa categories.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revised its expected processing times for applications submitted from Pakistan, meaning applicants may have to wait longer than previously anticipated.
According to the latest update, the estimated processing time for study permit applications has increased from six weeks to seven weeks.
The expected wait for work permit applications has also risen from 10 weeks to 11 weeks.
Meanwhile, processing for a standard visitor visa has increased from 40 days to 43 days, while applications for the Super Visa for parents and grandparents are now estimated to take 196 days, up from 194 days.
Canadian immigration authorities stress that the processing times displayed online are estimates rather than guarantees. The official processing period generally begins once a complete application has been received along with the applicant’s required biometrics, including fingerprints and photographs.
For applicants in Pakistan, the overall timeline can be longer because securing a biometrics appointment at a VFS centre may itself take additional time.
Immigration experts attribute the delays to mounting pressure on Canada’s immigration system, with large volumes of applications from around the world contributing to growing backlogs and heavier workloads at processing offices.
Seasonal demand can also add to the pressure. Study permit applications typically surge ahead of the September academic intake, while visitor and work visa applications often rise during the summer travel season.
Applicants are therefore advised to factor in possible delays and avoid making travel, study or employment arrangements solely on the basis of the estimated processing times.
