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Canada to expedite some visitor visas going forward

Canada will soon begin expediting the processing of certain visitor visas through its immigration system, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced as part of its strategic immigration report called “ An Immigration System for Canada’s Future .”

“We are … committed to ensuring priority visa processing [for] those from all over the world attending major conferences and events in Canada that are registered with IRCC”, said the immigration department, as part of the action plan outlined in the report.

The presented action plan was delivered alongside findings and other content collated by the federal government, led by IRCC, following consultations with various Canadian stakeholders. This comes as Canada looks to better adjust the national immigration system to meet the country's changing economic and demographic needs.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Broken down into several groups, one of IRCC’s stated goals is to, through this new immigration strategy, further work at reducing wait times and improving service standards for newcomers to Canada.

Within this part of the government’s action plan, which falls under the larger goal of creating “a more welcoming experience for newcomers”, Canada has indicated an intention to expedite the processing of certain visitor visas, with a particular focus on applications made by newcomers seeking entry into this country “for tourism, major conferences and events.”

What other steps has Canada taken to aid visitor visa applicants?

This is not the first step Canada has taken to improve service for visitor visa applicants from around the world.

In June this year, IRCC added 13 additional countries to its “partial visa exempt countries” list, bringing the total number of countries on that list to 67. What this means is that, as of June 6, 2023, “travellers from 67 countries can apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of a [visitor] visa.”

The advantage of doing so, to the benefit of eligible visitors looking to come to Canada temporarily, is that “most eTA applications” are approved much faster than visitor visas, often “within minutes” according to IRCC.

Visitor visa applications are on the rise in Canada

While most of the public focus regarding immigration is centred on permanent residence and the entry of long-term newcomers to Canada, IRCC also notes that temporary residents entering this country – including visitor visa applicants – are not an afterthought of the immigration department.

In fact, toward the end of 2022, IRCC made it clear that Canada is processing a significantly higher number of visitor visas across the country than in the past. In a news release from December 19 last year , the immigration department noted that they are working to “reduce backlogs and process visitor visas more quickly” in response to increased global desire to visit Canada.

On a month-by-month basis, said IRCC, “Canada is now processing more visitor visa applications than it did [before the COVID-19] pandemic.” Specifically, the immigration department noted that IRCC processed more than 260,000 visitor visas in November 2022 alone.

This number is notable because IRCC also noted that “the monthly average [of visitor visas processed] in 2019 was about 180,000 applications.”

In light of these numbers, Canada’s move to prioritize visitor visas through this new strategy will benefit many eligible newcomers looking to visit Canada in the future.

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Visitor Visa Update: Canada Plans Aggressive Steps to Clear the Backlog by February 2023

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced strong measures, including easing legibility requirements to eliminate the backlog of visitor visas.

Swelling inventory of immigration applications

 IRCC reported in December 2022 about the rising inventory of immigration applications and the urgent need to clear the backlog. Over 2 million applications remained in the application inventory of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.

It included nearly 700,000 applications for Temporary Resident Visas representing a minor portion of the vast overall inventory of immigration applications. The application inventory of over 2 million comprised immigration applications for work permits , study permits , and Permanent Residence applications.  

Processing delays cause frustrations among potential immigrants

Canada’s immigration department is battling the rising pressure of immigration backlog, representing a bulk of applications awaiting processing longer than the standard period. The number of applications in the backlog was over 2.1 million in November 2022. These processing delays are causing dissatisfaction among aspiring immigrants from across the world.

Clearing of visitor visas

Canada is taking firm steps to avoid erosion of confidence in the immigration department because of the mounting backlog of immigration applications at the end of 2022. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (IRCC) is contemplating concrete steps to deal with the mounting inventory of visitor visas.

Strategy 1 – Bulk processing of all 195,000 immigration applications. These will comprise applications requiring a Visitor Visa.

Strategy 2 – The immigration minister is considering the relaxation of a few eligibility criteria except admissibility requirements. The relief may include setting aside the need to establish the intent of leaving Canada on the expiry of the temporary visa.

Although IRCC’s visa processing times are improving, there is a long way to go if the department wants to restore pre-pandemic processing standards. The immigration minister is confident about clearing the visitor visa applications by the end of February 2023.  

The post Visitor Visa Update: Canada Plans Aggressive Steps to Clear the Backlog by February 2023 appeared first on CI News | Latest Canada Immigration News .

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The latest on canada tourist visa requirements for 2024 - ivc services.

As the world continues to adapt to the changing travel landscape in the post-pandemic era, Canada remains a top destination for tourists globally. Understanding the latest updates on Canada Tourist Visa requirements in 2024 is essential for anyone planning a visit. This blog covers everything from the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), outlining the essential tourist visa requirements and eligibility criteria to the evolving COVID-19 travel restrictions, ensuring travelers are well-prepared for their journey. Stay informed and ready to embark on a memorable journey to one of the world's most welcoming countries.

Understanding the Canada Tourist Visa

The Canada Tourist Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an official document that allows tourists to enter Canada for a short period, typically up to six months. It's vital for tourists from countries that do not have a visa exemption or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) agreement with Canada, to allow them to explore Canada temporarily. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including having a valid passport and financial stability. In light of COVID-19, staying updated on travel restrictions is vital. The online application process for the Canada Tourist Visa is streamlined, requiring documentation like travel plans and financial proof. Understanding these requirements ensures a smooth journey to experiencing Canada's rich cultural and natural heritage.

Eligibility Criteria for the Canada Tourist Visa

To qualify for a Canada Tourist Visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. These include having a valid travel document (like a passport), being in good health, and having no criminal or immigration-related convictions. Applicants must convince an immigration officer that they have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets, or family—that will take them back to their home country. A detailed itinerary and, if applicable, an invitation from a Canadian resident enhance the application. Compliance with COVID-19 travel restrictions, including vaccination and testing protocols, remains pivotal. The online application process demands accurate documentation submission. Demonstrating strong ties to the home country, like employment or family, is essential to assure officials of the applicant's intent to return post-visit, aligning with the updated tourist visa requirements.

Tourist Visa Requirements: What's New in 2024?

In 2024, the landscape for the Canada Tourist Visa, also known as the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), has seen significant updates. The eligibility criteria have been streamlined to accommodate the evolving nature of travel, while ensuring the safety and security of both the visitors and the country, particularly in the wake of easing COVID-19 travel restrictions.  Applicants must now provide updated proof of financial stability a detailed travel itinerary(if applicable) and a letter of invitation from someone living in Canada (if applicable). The online application process has become more user-friendly, ensuring a smoother application experience. Travelers need to stay informed about the latest requirements and prepare their documents accordingly, as these changes aim to enhance the efficiency and security of the visa process while ensuring public health and safety.

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Their Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted international travel, and Canada has been no exception. As of 2024, Canada has eased many of its earlier travel restrictions, but it's crucial to stay updated as these regulations can change based on the global health situation. Travelers should check the latest guidelines regarding vaccination, quarantine requirements, and testing before planning their trip. These changes impact the eligibility criteria for the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), necessitating up-to-date information on vaccination, testing, and quarantine mandates. The online application process for the Canada Tourist Visa now incorporates health-related queries to ensure visitor and community safety. These adaptations reflect a global shift towards more health-conscious travel, emphasizing the need for travelers to be vigilant and well-informed about current COVID-19 travel restrictions.

The Online Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Canada has streamlined its tourist visa application process, making it more convenient and faster through an online application system. Here's a brief overview of the process:

1. Determine Eligibility : 

Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for a Canada Tourist Visa.

2. Gather Documentation : 

Collect all necessary documents, including travel documents, financial proof, invitation letters, and itineraries.

3. Complete the Online Application : 

Fill out the application form accurately on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

4. Pay the Application Fee : 

Submit the required fee for your visa application. This fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is not granted.

5. Attend an Interview or Biometrics Appointment : 

Some applicants may be required to attend an interview or provide biometrics.

6. Wait for Processing : 

Processing times can vary, so apply well in advance of your planned travel date.

7. Receive Your Visa : 

Once approved, you will receive your Canada Tourist Visa, which will be attached to your passport.

Tips for a Smooth Visa Application Process

Navigating the Canada Tourist Visa application process can be straightforward if you're well-prepared. Here are essential tips to ensure a smooth experience:

• Start Early : Apply for your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) well in advance. Processing times can vary, especially during peak seasons.
• Understand the Requirements : Familiarize yourself with the tourist visa requirements. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, which includes having a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and a clear travel itinerary.
• Organize Documents : Gather all necessary documentation before starting the online application process. This includes travel documents, financial statements, and any additional information that supports your application.
• Stay Updated on COVID-19 Protocols : Given the ever-changing nature of COVID-19 travel restrictions, keep abreast of the latest requirements. This may include vaccination proofs, COVID-19 negative tests, or quarantine plans.
• Use the Online Application Process : Leverage the convenience of the online application system. Double- check all information to ensure it is accurately and thoroughly filled out to avoid delays.
• Seek Clarification When Needed : If you're unsure about any aspect of the application, don't hesitate to seek assistance. Contact visa application centers or consult immigration experts for guidance.

Navigating the Canada Tourist Visa requirements in 2024 requires staying informed and prepared. With the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions, the appeal of exploring Canada's diverse landscapes and cultures continues to grow. By understanding the eligibility criteria and the latest tourist visa requirements, and following the online application process, travelers can look forward to an exciting and hassle-free visit to Canada. Remember, the key to a successful application lies in careful planning and adherence to the guidelines set forth by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.

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Canadian Immigration News

Canadavisa brings you the latest information about immigration to canada, including express entry, the provincial nominee program, family sponsorship, and study and work permits., canada's express entry draw results from april 24, 2024.

  Vimal Sivakumar      24 April 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has now conducted its second Express Entry draw this week. Here are the results of IRCC's Express Entry draw on April 24, 2024.

Canada's Express Entry Draw Results from April 11, 2024

  Vimal Sivakumar      11 April 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted the department's second Express Entry draw in as many days. Here are the results of IRCC's latest Express Entry draw, which occurred on April 11, 2024.

Canada's Express Entry Draw Results from March 26, 2024

  Vimal Sivakumar      26 March 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially conducted two Express Entry draws in two days this week. Here are the results of IRCC's latest draw, which occurred on March 26, 2024.

Canada's Express Entry Draw Results from March 13, 2024

  Vimal Sivakumar      13 March 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has now conducted a second Express Entry draw this week. Here are the results of that draw, which occurred on March 13, 2024.

Canada's Express Entry Draw Results from February 29, 2024

  Vimal Sivakumar      29 February 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has now conducted its second Express Entry draw in as many days for the week of February 26. Here are the results of Canada's latest Express Entry draw, a French-language category-based selection draw on February 29, 2024.

Canada's Express Entry Draw Results from February 16, 2024

  Vimal Sivakumar      16 February 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its third Express Entry draw this week. This marks the first time IRCC has conducted three draws in a single week since December 2023. This article will detail the results of this latest Express Entry draw, which took place on February 16, 2024.

Canada's Express Entry Draw Results from February 1, 2024

  Vimal Sivakumar      01 February 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has now conducted its second Express Entry draw this week. This article will detail the results of Canada's latest Express Entry draw, which occurred on February 1, 2024.

Canada's Express Entry Draw Results from January 23, 2024

  Vimal Sivakumar      23 January 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its first Express Entry draw this week. Read on for the results of Canada's latest Express Entry draw, which occurred on January 23, 2024.

IRCC conducts first Express Entry draw of 2024

  Vimal Sivakumar      10 January 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its first Express Entry draw of 2024. Read on for the results of Canada's latest Express Entry draw, which occurred on January 10, 2023.

Canada's Express Entry Draw Results from December 21, 2023

  Vimal Sivakumar      21 December 2023

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a fourth Express Entry draw this week. This marks the first time since July this year (4-7) that the department has conducted an Express Entry draw on four consecutive days. Read on for the results of Canada's latest Express Entry draw, which occurred on December 21, 2023.

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Changes to the Start-up Visa and Self-Employed Persons programs to help reduce backlogs and improve processing times

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

Immigration is critical to the growth of our economy and our communities. Improving processing times is key to providing an immigration system that works better for newcomers and Canadians alike, which is why we are taking action to reduce wait times and modernize our programs and services.

April 29, 2024—Ottawa— Immigration is critical to the growth of our economy and our communities. Improving processing times is key to providing an immigration system that works better for newcomers and Canadians alike, which is why we are taking action to reduce wait times and modernize our programs and services.

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced several changes to Canada’s federal business programs to help reduce processing times and the application backlog. These changes take effect on April 30, 2024.

To improve the Start-up Visa Program, we will encourage designated venture capital firms, angel investor groups and business incubators to focus on the most promising proposals by

• capping the number of permanent residence applications we will accept for processing each year to those associated with no more than 10 start-ups per designated organization
• providing priority processing for entrepreneurs whose start-up is supported by Canadian capital or by a business incubator that is a member of Canada’s Tech Network , including applications in the inventory and new applications as they are submitted

In addition, Minister Miller announced a full pause on application intake for the Self­-Employed Persons Program to focus on processing applications from the inventory, starting April 30, 2024. The Self-Employed Persons Program provides a pathway to permanent residence for people with notable experience in art, culture, recreation or sports and who will contribute to Canada’s cultural vitality. Due to the high number of applications submitted for this program, processing times have increased to beyond four years. While the pause is in place, IRCC will continue finalizing applications from the backlog while assessing options for reforming the program and ensuring its integrity.

By restricting application intake through the end of 2026, and through planned increases in admissions for the federal business category as tabled in the 2024–2026 multi-year levels plan , IRCC will be able to reduce the backlog and bring down wait times while continuing to welcome the talented, innovative and entrepreneurial newcomers we need to continue to grow Canada’s economy. 

“Fast processing is critical to the success of entrepreneurs who come to Canada through our federal business programs. These necessary changes will set the Start­up Visa Program and Self-Employed Persons Program on the path to faster processing times while we look ahead to further reforms to make these programs more sustainable and effective over the long term.” – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

Immigrants account for about one third of business owners with paid staff in Canada. 

Canada ranked number one as the most attractive destination for start-up founders in a  2023 report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (PDF 2.18 MB) . The rankings were based on a wide variety of factors, including access to capital, corporate tax rates, skills of the workforce, strength of its universities and quality of life, as well as immigration policies for entrepreneurs and their families.

To qualify to apply for the Start-up Visa Program, a foreign entrepreneur must have the committed support of a designated venture capital fund (investment of $200,000), angel investor group (investment of $75,000) or business incubator (acceptance into their incubation program).

Since the program began in 2013, about 900 entrepreneurs have become permanent residents through this category, representing the launch of more than 300 start-ups.

All applications in the venture capital and angel investor streams will get priority processing, as will any business incubator–supported applications that report an investment of at least $75,000.

Related products

• News release: Stabilizing Canada’s immigration targets to support sustainable growth
• News release: Minister Fraser announces Canada’s first Tech Talent Strategy at Collision 2023

Associated links

• Start-up Visa Program
• Self-Employed Persons Program

Bahoz Dara Aziz   Press Secretary Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [email protected]

Media Relations Communications Sector Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 [email protected]

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Canada bet big on immigration. Now it’s hitting the brakes.

KITCHENER, Ontario — Canada’s broad support for immigration, which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said is necessary to counter an aging labor force and low fertility rates, has set the country apart.

The United States’ closest neighbor is growing faster than its Group of Seven peers, as well as developing and more fertile countries such as India. In 2023, the population here grew by more than 1.2 million people , up 3.2 percent from the year before — the highest annual increase since 1957. About 98 percent came from immigration.

But now, amid a housing affordability crisis and strain on social services, Trudeau’s government is rolling up the welcome mat for some immigrants.

It has capped the number of permanent residents it will welcome, announced a temporary limit on international student visas and pledged to shrink the proportion of the population made up of temporary immigrants such as foreign workers.

A “massive spike” in temporary immigrants has exceeded “what Canada has been able to absorb,” Trudeau told reporters this month. “That’s something we need to get back under control.”

Immigration has long drawn high levels of support here, a consensus that cuts across much of the political spectrum. Canada has been largely immune from the anti-immigrant backlash that’s been a driving force in the politics of the United States and Europe. But there are signs that’s shifting.

In September, an Environics Institute poll found that 44 percent of people here agreed “there is too much immigration to Canada” — up 17 points from 2022, the largest year-over-year change since it first asked the question in 1977. Many expressed concern that immigration was driving up housing costs.

“The shift has been in the public’s confidence about how immigration is being managed,” said Keith Neuman, a senior associate at the institute. “It’s not a shift in how people feel about immigrants. … It’s not about the type of people coming or their impact on the culture.”

Failure to restore that confidence, analysts say, could jeopardize the immigration consensus.

“I think we need to address these issues,” said Mike Moffatt, an associate professor at Western University’s Ivey Business School in London, Ontario, “because if we don’t, we are absolutely putting that consensus at risk — and that consensus has served Canada really well.”

‘All good things have their limits’

The plan was bold: By 2025, Canadian officials announced, the country would take in nearly 1.5 million new permanent residents. For the most part, they would be economic immigrants, selected through a points system that values skilled work, education and youth.

But behind the scenes of that 2022 announcement, the Canadian Press reported, federal public servants had warned that rapid population growth could strain the health-care system and housing affordability. Housing stock, they said, had not kept pace with the population.

Housing prices here are the highest in the G-7, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. For many millennials, once a key demographic for Trudeau, homeownership feels increasingly out of reach.

Much of Canada’s population growth is tied not to the number of permanent residents, but to the skyrocketing number of temporary immigrants such as international students, adding to the pressures.

There were more than 1 million international students here in 2023, up 245 percent from a decade earlier and 60 percent since 2019. Canada, a country of 40 million, had roughly the same number of international students last year as the United States, a country more than eight times its size.

Governments of all kinds have encouraged their arrival, said Lisa Brunner, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of British Columbia, which “had a ripple effect because higher education and immigration got so intertwined.”

Everyone gets something from the arrangement. International students pay several times more in tuition than domestic students, a critical revenue source for colleges and universities whose funding has been slashed by provincial governments.

International students, meanwhile, may apply for post-graduation work permits and eventually permanent resident status, a process called two-step immigration.

Analysts say that while population growth has played a role, the roots of Canada’s housing affordability crisis are complex and fall under the jurisdiction of all levels of government, encompassing issues such as zoning restrictions and shortages of skilled construction workers.

In recent months, critics have called on the government to align immigration numbers with the country’s infrastructure. Immigration has benefits, economists at the National Bank of Canada wrote in January, “but all good things have their limits.”

Immigration Minister Marc Miller said last month that Canada would for the first time set targets for the number of temporary immigrants. He had already announced a temporary cap on undergraduate study permits and increased the amount of money that international students must have to study here.

The ministry also barred students in programs run by public-private college partnerships from applying for postgraduate work permits. Some, Miller said, run “the diploma equivalent of puppy mills,” offering poor curriculums in exchange for the prospect of permanent status.

In the federal budget plan introduced this month, the government said the number of temporary residents is expected to fall by about 600,000, “which will result in a significant easing in demand across the housing market.”

The proposal also includes measures to boost housing construction, some of which will require support from the provinces.

Limiting temporary immigration “will help to alleviate some of the upward pressure on rent,” said Avery Shenfeld, a chief economist at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. “The steps to accelerate home building will help in the long run, but they’ll take some time to kick in.”

Moffatt, who has advised the Trudeau government on housing, said it was caught “flat-footed.”

“I think they should have put these changes in place about five years ago,” he said.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said in a statement that it will “continue to align immigration with housing capacity and labor market needs.”

“At the same time, we must ensure robust pathways to permanent residence for those who wish to make Canada their home in the long term, and avoid the pitfalls of an economy built solely on temporary workers,” said Jessica Kingsbury, a department spokeswoman. “Immigration is critical to Canada’s long-term success.”

‘I don’t see my future here anymore’

Students at Conestoga College sipped on Tim Hortons and hung out in common areas at a campus in Kitchener, a city of 257,000 people an hour west of Toronto. The halls were filled with the sounds of chit chat in Hindi, Punjabi and Mandarin.

In 2017, international students represented 20 percent of the public college’s 11,860 full-time students. “ Increased international student tuition revenue positively impacted net financial results ,” the school said in an annual report.

Full-time enrollment has since quadrupled to 45,000 students, most of them from abroad. In 2023, Conestoga had more than 30,000 international study permits approved — more than any other college or university in Canada.

Under the new changes to international study permits, this number will be cut by more than half.

Simren Preetkaur started a two-year business diploma program here in September. The Indian student said she has been following Ottawa’s recent moves.

“To some extent, we agree with them,” said Preetkaur, 20, “because the citizens, those who were living here earlier, are not getting the benefits.”

Brunner, who works with international students, said the situation is difficult for many.

“There’s really a lot of uncertainty about your future,” she said. “This two-step migration really positions people to compete in the labor market with no guarantees of permanent residency at the end, and I think that’s been very stressful for individual students.”

Hardik Lathiya arrived in Canada from India’s Gujarat state in January 2023 to study web development. It was “totally white” with snow when he arrived, he said, and the wind was harsh.

Lathiya, 23, learned about Conestoga online. It had positive reviews, he said, and he was eager to gain some independence abroad.

His experience has been mixed. He has learned much but misses friends and family. He works part time at a restaurant but struggles to manage expenses. Finding affordable housing has also been a headache.

At first, Lathiya lived with five roommates, who shared three bedrooms. Now, he lives with three roommates but still shares a bedroom. His monthly rent is roughly $430.

He plans to stay in Canada for a few years to work before returning to India.

“I don’t see my future here anymore,” Lathiya said. “Right now, [life] is full of struggle.”