Canada Visa Delays Worsen Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Canada is experiencing significant visa processing delays just months before it co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the United States and Mexico.

The surge in applications from international travellers planning to attend the tournament has strained resources at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), leading to longer wait times across multiple visa categories.

According to recent government figures, demand for visitor visas and temporary travel authorizations has risen dramatically, and applicants from some nations face hundreds of days in processing delays for a travel visa, well beyond typical timelines.

Observers point to a combination of increased application volumes, heightened security screening, and staff reductions at IRCC as key factors slowing down the system. Millions of visitors are expected in June and July 2026 for World Cup matches in Canadian cities, putting pressure on immigration services to meet demand.

Travel experts are urging prospective visitors to apply early, complete applications accurately, and monitor IRCC processing publications to avoid last-minute disappointments.