Ottawa is bracing for potential delays in visa processing as it prepares to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a situation exacerbated by recent staffing reductions within Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The agency is facing increased demand across multiple application categories while simultaneously attempting to streamline operations and reduce costs.
The challenges facing IRCC were highlighted in a report by Buffalo Toronto Public Media on . Canada is scheduled to host 13 games during the tournament, which is expected to draw a significant influx of international visitors beginning in June. This surge in demand comes after IRCC cut 20% of its staff, raising concerns about the agency’s capacity to handle the increased workload.
Rick Lamanna, a partner at Fragomen Immigration Law, explained the scale of the increases. “We saw massive jumps in certain application types,” he said. “One, for example, was spousal sponsorship. Those jumped almost double — in some cases, tripled. Another one is work permit extensions.” Lamanna noted that processing times for work permit extensions are currently exceeding 200 calendar days.
The delays are not limited to work permits and spousal sponsorships. According to IRCC’s latest processing time estimates, federal skilled worker applications are now taking one month longer to process. Applicants for new permanent resident cards are experiencing a one-week increase in wait times. Super visa applications, particularly from India and the United States, have seen processing times increase by between 17 and 110 days.
While IRCC maintains that processing times for citizenship applications remain at 13 months, the agency’s estimates for citizenship certificates have increased to 10 months, up from December’s estimate of 9 months. IRCC agents, when contacted directly by applicants, have reportedly indicated an anticipated increase of at least three months in citizenship application processing times – a change not yet reflected in the publicly available timetable.
The situation underscores the complexities of managing immigration flows during major international events. The FIFA World Cup, one of the most-watched sporting events globally, is expected to generate a substantial increase in visitor visa applications, placing further strain on an already burdened system. The Canadian government’s efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to efficiently process applications are now under scrutiny.
The increased demand isn’t simply a matter of volume. The types of applications are also shifting, with significant increases in categories like spousal sponsorship suggesting a broader trend of individuals seeking to establish long-term residency in Canada. This shift requires IRCC to adapt its processing procedures and allocate resources accordingly.
The potential consequences of prolonged processing delays extend beyond individual applicants. Delays could impact businesses reliant on temporary foreign workers, disrupt family reunification plans, and potentially deter future immigration to Canada. The timing is particularly sensitive, as Canada seeks to attract skilled workers and address labor shortages in key sectors.
Canada.ca provides information for fans and travellers planning to attend the FIFA World Cup 26, emphasizing the importance of having the correct travel documents. However, the website does not directly address the current processing delays or offer specific guidance for applicants concerned about potential disruptions to their travel plans.
The challenges facing IRCC are not unique to Canada. Many countries hosting major international events experience similar surges in immigration-related applications. However, the combination of increased demand and reduced staffing levels presents a particularly acute challenge for Canada as it prepares to welcome the world to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The situation will likely require a multi-faceted approach, including potential temporary measures to increase processing capacity, streamlined application procedures, and clear communication with applicants regarding expected timelines. The success of Canada’s preparations for the World Cup may hinge, in part, on its ability to effectively manage the anticipated influx of visitors and address the growing backlog of immigration applications.
