Canada Visa Processing Slows Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Visa processing in Canada is facing delays just months before the country hosts 13 matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising concerns about potential travel disruptions for fans and visitors.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the agency responsible for visas and permits, is reportedly struggling to keep up with a surge in applications while operating with a reduced workforce, having cut roughly 20 percent of staff. The slowdown comes at a critical time as millions of international visitors are expected across Canada, the United States, and Mexico during the tournament.

Industry experts warn that prolonged processing times could affect tourists, temporary workers, media personnel, and business travellers planning to attend the global event.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) confirmed it is coordinating with government partners, host cities, and FIFA to manage the expected influx. This includes working with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Global Affairs Canada, and border authorities in the U.S. and Mexico to ensure security and smooth operations at entry points.

Officials stressed that all efforts are aimed at minimizing disruptions and keeping travel as seamless as possible for the World Cup’s millions of attendees.

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