Canada has a plan in the works to fast track some visitor visas
Canada is set to expedite the processing of certain visitor visas as
part of its strategic immigration initiatives, according to recent
announcements by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The
commitment is outlined in the immigration department's report, "An
Immigration System for Canada’s Future."
As part of this initiative, Canada intends to prioritize the processing
of certain visitor visas, particularly those related to tourism, major
conferences, and events. The move is geared towards facilitating the entry of
individuals attending such gatherings in Canada, as long as they are registered
with IRCC.The action plan, presented alongside insights gathered from
consultations with Canadian stakeholders, highlights Canada's efforts to align
its immigration system with evolving economic and demographic needs. Among
IRCC's goals is a focus on reducing wait times and enhancing service standards
for newcomers, aiming to create a more welcoming experience for those entering
the country for various purposes.
This step is not the first in Canada's efforts to improve services for
visitor visa applicants. In June of the current year, IRCC expanded its list of
"partial visa exempt countries" by adding 13 more nations, bringing
the total to 67. This allows travellers from these countries to apply for an
electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of a traditional visitor visa.
Notably, eTA applications are typically approved much faster, often within
minutes, providing a more efficient process for eligible visitors.
While much attention
is usually directed towards permanent residence and long-term immigration, IRCC
emphasizes that temporary residents, including visitor visa applicants, are a
significant aspect of Canada's immigration system. Towards the end of the previous
year, the department acknowledged a surge in visitor visa applications, noting
that Canada is now processing more applications than it did before the COVID-19
pandemic. Specifically, in November 2022, IRCC processed over 260,000 visitor isas,
surpassing the monthly average of 180,000 applications in 2019.
