Are you currently in this situation? You applied for a Canada student visa and, because you submitted a complete application, you expected your visa to be processed within the standard timeline.
However, weeks have turned into months, and you haven’t received any updates (about your visa) from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Extended waiting periods are not uncommon with Canadian student visa applications. But what causes these delays?
If you’re wondering why your Canada student visa is taking so long, below are the most common reasons and what you do to ensure it’s processed faster.
Why is my Canada student visa taking so long?
Your Canadian student visa can take so long because of:
1. High volume of applications received
One of the primary reasons for delays is the sheer volume of applications received by IRCC, especially during peak periods.
For instance, before the start of each academic term, like in September or January, IRCC experiences a surge in applications from international students.
Read also: 10 benefits of studying in Canada for international students
Processing this large influx can strain their resources and cause delays in reviewing individual applications.
2. Incomplete applications
If you submit an incomplete application or miss critical documents, your processing time will be extended.
IRCC thoroughly reviews your submitted documents, like:
- Passport
- Proof of financial support
- Letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI)
- Study plan
- And Biometric data to know if they’re complete.
Any missing or unclear document will prompt IRCC to request additional information, adding weeks or even months to your waiting time.
3. Red flags in your application
Applications flagged for inconsistencies or suspicious information are subject to additional scrutiny.
For example:
- Discrepancies in your financial documents.
- Questions about the authenticity of your letter of acceptance.
- Gaps in your educational or professional history.
These red flags trigger more thorough checks, which can significantly delay processing.
4. Delayed background checks
As part of the application process, IRCC conducts background checks to assess the applicant’s eligibility and admissibility.
They review factors such as:
- Criminal records.
- Previous visa refusals in Canada or other countries.
- Immigration violations.
Read also: Cheapest practical nursing school in Canada for international students
If your background requires additional investigation, expect delays as IRCC ensures you pose no security or legal risks.
5. Complex cases
Applications with unique or complex circumstances take longer to process.
Examples include:
- Previous visa refusals.
- Applications from countries with heightened security concerns.
- Applicants pursuing sensitive fields of study, like biotechnology or nuclear science.
Such cases often require consultations with additional departments, which extends processing times.
6. Biometric and medical examination delays
Biometric data—fingerprints and photos—are mandatory for most Canada student visa applications.
Any delay in booking or attending your biometric appointment will affect the processing timeline.
Similarly, medical exams required for applicants from certain countries or those in specific programs can delay the process if results take time to arrive or if follow-up examinations are needed.
7. Administrative and technical issues
Sometimes, delays occur due to internal administrative or technical problems within IRCC.
These could include:
- Changes in visa policies or procedures.
- Technical glitches in the online application portal.
- System backlogs.
While these factors are beyond your control, they can still significantly affect your application timeline.
8. Staffing and resource constraints
Like any large organization, IRCC’s capacity to process applications depends on its staffing levels.
Reduced staffing can lead to slower processing times during high-demand periods or budgetary constraints.
9. Delayed verification of supporting documents
IRCC verifies all your supporting documents to ensure they are authentic.
This includes contacting your financial institutions, educational institutions, and even employers to confirm the information you’ve provided.
If these organizations are slow to respond or if IRCC finds discrepancies, the processing time will increase.
10. Requests for additional documents
In some cases, IRCC will ask you to submit additional documents or information.
This could be due to:
- Missing or unclear details in your application.
- Verification of your financial status.
- Further proof of your intent to return to your home country after completing your studies.
Delays occur if you take time to gather and submit the requested documents or if the documents require further verification.
11. Country of origin and security clearances
Your country of origin can also influence how long it takes to process your application.
Applicants from some countries undergo additional security clearances due to diplomatic relations or heightened security concerns.
Read also: As a foreign student can I return home or travel outside Canada while studying?
Similarly, pursuing fields of study that are considered sensitive will require extra scrutiny.
How to prevent your Canada student visa from taking so long
While you can’t control all the factors causing delays, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize processing times:
- Apply early: If you want your student visa to be processed fast, you must submit your application ahead of time. At least three months before your program start date.
- Ensure your application is complete: Double-check that you’ve included all required documents and that they are clear, legible, and properly translated before submitting your application.
- Respond promptly: If IRCC requests additional information or documents, provide them as quickly as possible.
- Follow guidelines: When applying for a visa, carefully read and follow all the application instructions. Submit all required documents as well.
- Track your application: Regularly monitor your application status online and follow up on any updates or requests from IRCC.
- Book appointments early: Schedule and do your biometrics and medical exams as soon as you receive instructions to do it.
Conclusion
If your Canada student visa is taking longer than expected, the first thing you should do is to check with the Visa Application Centre (VAC) where you submitted it.
Next, contact IRCC through their web form for updates on your application.
If you get any requests from IRCC, respond fast. Delays in processing your visa can occur for many reasons however, ensure you play your part very well.
Do not give IRCC any reason to delay your visa application.
For instance, if you are a student from the UK and applied for a Canada student visa to attend a university in Toronto, follow IRCC instructions on student visa application.
Include all details and documents they requested, it’ll help reduce delays in approving your application.
