Visa processing in Canada has slowed down months before the country hosts matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising concerns about potential travel disruptions.
According to the Economic Times on Tuesday, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the agency responsible for issuing visas and permits, is grappling with increased application volumes while operating with a reduced workforce.
Reports show the agency has cut about 20 per cent of its staff, placing additional strain on processing capacity.
The delays come as the country prepares to host 13 matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June 2026.
The tournament is expected to draw millions of visitors, with overall international travel projected to exceed 20 million people across host cities.
Stakeholders have raised concerns that prolonged wait times for visitor visas could affect tourists, temporary workers, media personnel, and business travelers planning to attend the global event.
Reacting to the development, the country’s Border Services Agency said it is working with government partners and host cities to manage the expected influx of travelers.
“To percent 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 Border Services Agency said.
