What to Do When Your Canadian Visitor Visa Application Takes Too Long
After six months of waiting, you might be wondering what to do next regarding your Canadian visitor visa application. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this process with a bit more clarity and peace of mind.
Understanding Processing Times
First, it's essential to understand that processing times can vary significantly. Many applicants, like your sister-in-law, have faced unexpected delays. For instance, she first applied two years ago and finally received her visa after 9 months. This year, she reapplied in January and only received her visa last week after 11 months. Her husband, who applied simultaneously, received his in just two months. These variations highlight the unpredictability of application processing.
Checking Your Application Status
If you haven’t heard back from the Canadian embassy or consulate after 8 weeks, it’s natural to feel anxious. However, many applicants experience prolonged waiting periods. You can check the status of your application online on the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) website. Additionally, you can consult the average processing time for your country and visa type using the IRCC website. If your wait time is longer than the average, it’s a good idea to proceed to the next steps.
Asking for Help and Accelerating the Process
If you have checked the status and the processing time is unusually long, it may be beneficial to reach out to the Canadian embassy or consulate where you submitted your application. You can use the IRCC Webform to ask specific questions about your application status. A reminder via the webform, or a formal follow-up, can also help accelerate the process.
What if They Haven’t Responded?
Occasionally, applicants do not receive a response from the embassy or consulate. In such cases, it is crucial to investigate whether your application was received correctly. Use the IRCC Webform to inquire about the status of your application. If you’ve waited for 6 months without a response, it’s reasonable to suspect that something might be amiss.
Handling the Anxiety
While waiting for a response can be stressful, it’s important to take care of your mental health. Try to live, laugh, and love during this time. Remember, anxiety is normal, and staying calm can help you navigate the process more effectively.
Seek Professional Advice
If your situation seems complicated or if you have additional concerns, consider seeking advice from a legal professional or a trusted immigration consultant. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and help you take the necessary steps to move forward.
In summary, while waiting for a response from the Canadian embassy or consulate can be frustrating, there are steps you can take to ensure your application is properly followed up on. By understanding processing times, checking the status online, using the IRCC Webform, and seeking help if necessary, you can navigate the process more effectively and with less stress.