Canada prepares for World Cup amid growing visa processing delays.
Visa processing in Canada is experiencing noticeable delays months before the country hosts matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising concerns about possible travel disruptions.
According to reports by the Economic Times, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the government agency responsible for issuing visas and permits, is struggling with a growing number of applications while operating with fewer staff.
Reports indicate that the agency has reduced its workforce by about 20 per cent, placing additional pressure on its processing capacity and contributing to longer wait times.
The slowdown comes as Canada prepares to host 13 World Cup matches in June 2026. The tournament is expected to attract millions of visitors, with overall international travel across host countries projected to exceed 20 million people.
Stakeholders have warned that extended visa processing times could affect tourists, temporary workers, business travellers, media personnel, and football fans planning to attend the global event.
Reacting to the situation, the Canada Border Services Agency said it is working closely with government partners and host cities to manage the expected influx of travellers.
“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 agency said.
It added that it is coordinating with other government bodies, host cities, and FIFA as part of safety and security planning for the tournament.
The agency also disclosed that it is working alongside border security partners in the United States and Mexico to ensure smooth coordination across the three host nations.
