With just four months to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, thousands of international fans heading to Canada’s two host cities — Toronto and Vancouver — are facing serious visa processing delays.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is currently experiencing significant backlogs, with many visitor visa and eTA applications taking 8–14 weeks instead of the usual 2–4 weeks.
This has sparked growing concern among supporters from visa-required countries who have already secured match tickets.
Why Canada Is Facing Visa Delays Right Now
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The main reasons for the slowdown are:
- Massive surge in World Cup-related applications (over 150 million global ticket requests, with Canada expecting hundreds of thousands of visitors).
- Post-pandemic backlog still affecting IRCC offices.
- Mandatory biometrics appointments, which are fully booked in many countries.
- Extra security measures and background checks are in place because of the event’s high-profile nature.
- Limited visa application centre (VAC) capacity in key countries like India, Nigeria, Brazil, and Mexico.
Canadian officials admit they’re feeling the pressure but say they’re bringing in more staff and giving priority to World Cup-related applications whenever they can.
Which Fans Are Most Affected?
- Visitors from visa-required countries (India, Nigeria, Philippines, Brazil, Egypt, etc.)
- Fans planning to attend multiple matches in Toronto or Vancouver
- Families and large groups applying together
- Applicants who have not yet submitted biometrics
How to Speed Up Your Canada Visa / eTA for the 2026 World Cup
Here are the fastest, most effective ways to get your visa processed more quickly:
- Apply Immediately – Do not wait. The earlier you submit, the better your chances of approval before June.
- Use the Online Portal – Submit your visitor visa or eTA application through the official IRCC website (canada.ca).
- Book Biometrics Appointment the Same Day – As soon as you submit the application, book the earliest available biometrics slot at your nearest VAC.
- Include Strong Supporting Documents – Clearly show ties to your home country (job letter, property, family, bank statements) and attach your FIFA ticket confirmation as proof of purpose of travel.
- Use a Visa Application Centre (VAC) – In many countries, VFS Global or TLScontact centres can help with faster submission and tracking.
- Consider Premium/Express Services (where available) – Some countries offer paid priority services that can cut processing time.
- Apply for Multi-Entry Visa – If you plan to visit the USA or Mexico as well, request a multiple-entry visa to avoid extra applications.
Pro Tip: Fans with a valid U.S. visa or recent Canadian visa refusals should still apply early — mention the World Cup and attach ticket proof.
Official Advice from IRCC
IRCC has stated they are “closely monitoring” World Cup-related applications and have added extra processing capacity. However, they strongly recommend applying at least 3 months before travel.
If your application is delayed beyond 8 weeks, you can submit a webform inquiry through your IRCC account.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be one of the biggest sporting events in Canadian history. Don’t let visa delays ruin your plans — start your application today.
