- Canada is experiencing slower visa processing months before hosting 13 matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- The prolonged wait times for visitor visas could affect tourists, temporary workers, media personnel, and business travelers planning to attend the global event
- However, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is coordinating with government partners, host cities, and FIFA to manage the expected surge of travelers
Visa processing in Canada is slowing down months before the country hosts matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sparking concerns about potential travel disruptions.
According to the Economic Times on Tuesday, February 17, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the agency responsible for visas and permits, is struggling with a surge in applications while operating with fewer staff.
Reports indicate that the agency has reduced its workforce by about 20 per cent, adding pressure on its processing capacity.
The delays come as Canada gears up to host 13 matches during the June 2026 tournament, which is expected to attract millions of visitors. Overall international travel across host cities is projected to exceed 20 million people.
Stakeholders have warned that extended wait times for visitor visas could impact tourists, temporary workers, media personnel, and business travelers planning to attend the global event.
In response, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) emphasised its preparations to handle the expected influx of travelers.
“To address the expected large volume of travelers, the CBSA collaborates in advance with all event authorities regarding the admissibility requirements for travelers and goods entering Canada.
“The CBSA is working closely with its Government of Canada partners, including the Department of Canadian Heritage (Sport Canada), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and Global Affairs Canada, as well as the host cities and FIFA, in the safety and security planning for this international event.
“We are also collaborating with border security partners in the United States and Mexico to coordinate our respective operational approaches,” the agency said.