Applicants from India planning a short-term visit to Canada are required to obtain a Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa). Among the mandatory steps in this process is the submission of biometrics, which includes fingerprinting and a photograph. Once biometrics have been provided, many applicants seek clarity on how much longer the process will take.
For those applying from India, decisions on Canada visitor visas usually take anywhere between 3 to 4 weeks once biometrics have been submitted and acknowledged by IRCC.
What Are Biometrics and Why Are They Required?
Biometrics refers to the collection of fingerprints and a photograph, which is used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to confirm the identity of applicants and perform background checks.
Biometrics begins only after IRCC updates your file, confirming receipt. The actual duration may vary depending on factors like the volume of applications, seasonal demand, and whether additional documentation is needed. Still, most applicants can expect a decision within this general window.
Canada Visitor Visa Processing Time After Biometrics from India
As of recent updates, the Canada visitor visa processing time is approximately 25 to 35 days after biometrics from India, depending on the application volume and completeness. Applicants can track their application status online through the IRCC portal, and the timely submission of all required documents can help avoid unnecessary delays.
This timeframe begins after the biometrics have been received by IRCC, not necessarily from the date you visited the VAC.
Below is a table for clarity:
How to Track Your Application After Biometrics?
Once biometrics are submitted, IRCC will update the application status in your online GCKey account. You can track the following updates:
Biometrics Received
Eligibility Review Started
Background Check In Progress
Final Decision
Passport Request (if approved)
If you applied via VFS Global, you can also use their tracking tool with the reference number provided during the application process.
Key Factors Affecting Processing Time After Biometrics
The 21–30 day estimate is a general timeframe and may vary due to the following factors:
Volume of Applications: Application volume tends to rise during peak times, like summer or holiday seasons, which can lead to extended processing delays.
Completeness of Documents: Incomplete or unclear submissions may result in additional document requests, which can delay decisions.
Purpose of Visit: Some visit reasons (e.g., family emergency) may receive faster attention, especially if flagged as urgent.
Security or Background Checks: Depending on travel history or nationality, certain profiles may undergo extended screening.
Internal IRCC Workload: Delays may occur if there is a backlog at the processing center.
What Happens After Biometrics Are Submitted?
After biometrics, the following steps typically occur:
IRCC Acknowledges Biometrics: Status updates to “Biometrics Received” on your application portal.
Eligibility & Background Review: IRCC verifies submitted documents, travel intent, financials, and background.
Final Decision: If approved, a Passport Request (PPR) will be sent. If refused, the reason is usually shared in a formal letter.
Passport Submission & Visa Stamping: Take your passport to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) for processing. You typically receive it back with the visa stamp within 7 to 10 working days.
Can the Processing Time Be Prioritized?
Generally, visitor visa processing follows standard timelines. However, urgent cases (such as critical illness or death of a family member in Canada) may be expedited if valid proof is provided via the IRCC web form. These are considered on a case-by-case basis. There is no paid option to fast-track a Canada Visitor Visa application at this time.
Tips to Ensure Smooth and Timely Processing
Upload all required documents as per the IRCC checklist.
Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your trip.
Provide strong evidence of ties to India (job, property, family, etc.).
Monitor your email and GCKey account for updates or document requests.
Canada Visitor Visa Fees for Indian Applicants
Exchange rate approximated at 1 CAD ≈ ₹61.
If you’re applying from India, you can expect to wait around 3 to 4 weeks for a Canada Visitor Visa after submitting your biometrics before you hear back on your Canada Visitor Visa. Timelines often shift depending on how busy IRCC is, how complete your application was, or if they need anything else from you. The best thing you can do during this stage is to stay alert.
