If you’re applying for a Canada Visitor Visa through VFS Global, it’s natural to wonder how long the process will take after submitting your passport, biometrics, or supporting documents.
One of the most common questions applicants ask is:
“How long does Canada Visitor Visa processing take through VFS?”
The most important thing to understand is that VFS Global does not process or approve Canada Visitor Visa applications. VFS acts as an authorized Visa Application Centre (VAC) that collects biometrics, receives passports and supporting documents, and securely forwards them to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The actual visa decision is made solely by IRCC.
Your total processing time therefore depends on:
- IRCC’s current processing times
- Your country of residence
- Application completeness
- Background verification
- Security screening
- Medical examination requirements (if applicable)
- Passport transmission between VFS and IRCC
This guide explains the complete VFS process, what happens after you submit your application, and what affects your overall processing time.
What Is VFS Global?
VFS Global is the official service provider authorized by the Government of Canada to provide administrative support services in many countries.
VFS does not:
- Approve visas
- Refuse visa applications
- Make immigration decisions
- Change IRCC processing times
Instead, VFS helps applicants by:
- Collecting biometrics
- Accepting passport submissions
- Receiving supporting documents
- Returning passports after IRCC makes a decision
- Providing optional courier and SMS tracking services in many locations
Does Applying Through VFS Make Processing Faster?
No.
Submitting your application through VFS does not make IRCC process your visitor visa faster.
Every application is processed according to IRCC’s own procedures regardless of where you submit your passport or biometrics. Official processing times begin when IRCC receives a complete application and end when a decision is made.
How Does the Canada Visitor Visa Process Through VFS Work?
Most applicants who use a Visa Application Centre follow these steps.
Step 1: Submit Your Application to IRCC
Most visitor visa applications are submitted online through the IRCC portal.
After submission, IRCC reviews the application and sends further instructions if biometrics are required.
Step 2: Receive Your Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL)
If biometrics are required, IRCC issues a Biometrics Instruction Letter.
You then schedule an appointment at your nearest VFS Visa Application Centre.
Step 3: Visit the VFS Centre
During your appointment, VFS collects:
- Fingerprints
- Digital photograph
- Required documents (where applicable)
VFS securely transmits the biometric information to IRCC for processing.
Step 4: IRCC Reviews Your Application
After receiving your biometrics and complete application, IRCC begins assessing your file.
This review may include:
- Eligibility assessment
- Financial review
- Travel history verification
- Background checks
- Security screening
- Medical examination review (if required)
This stage usually takes much longer than the VFS appointment itself because the application is being processed by IRCC rather than VFS.
Step 5: Passport Request (PPR)
If your application is approved, IRCC sends you a Passport Request (PPR).
You then submit your passport through the VFS Visa Application Centre if it has not already been provided.
VFS forwards your passport to IRCC for visa stamping.
Step 6: Passport Return
Once IRCC places the visa in your passport, it sends the passport back to VFS.
You can then:
- Collect it in person (where available), or
- Receive it through courier if you selected that service.
Some Visa Application Centres also offer SMS or email notifications to keep you informed about your passport’s movement.
What Factors Affect Processing Time Through VFS?
Although VFS handles document collection and passport transmission, the overall timeline is mainly determined by IRCC.
Common factors include:
Country of Application
Different visa offices process different numbers of applications, so timelines vary by country.
Application Completeness
Applications containing complete and accurate documentation generally move through processing more efficiently.
Background Verification
Some applications require additional identity or travel history verification before approval.
Security Screening
Every visitor visa application undergoes security screening before a final decision is made.
Medical Examination
If a medical examination is required, IRCC must review the results before finalizing your application.
Seasonal Demand
Processing times often increase during:
- Summer holidays
- Christmas and New Year
- School vacation periods
- Other peak travel seasons
How to Avoid Delays When Applying Through VFS
Although VFS cannot influence IRCC’s decision-making timeline, you can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Submit a Complete Application
Ensure all forms and supporting documents are complete before applying.
Book Your Biometrics Appointment Promptly
Attend your VFS appointment as soon as you receive your Biometrics Instruction Letter.
Respond Quickly to IRCC Requests
If IRCC requests additional documents, upload or submit them as quickly as possible.
Track Your Passport
After submitting your passport through VFS, use the available tracking services to monitor its return while continuing to monitor your IRCC account for application updates.
If you’re following different stages of your application, you may also find our IRCC Visitor Visa Processing Time Explained, Canada Visitor Visa Background Check Processing Time, Canada Visitor Visa Security Check Timeline, and How Long Does Canada Visitor Visa Approval Take? guides helpful.
Why Is My Canada Visitor Visa Taking Longer Through VFS?
Many applicants become concerned when they submit their passport or biometrics through VFS Global and do not receive updates for several days or weeks.
In most cases, this is completely normal.
Remember that VFS Global does not make visa decisions. Once VFS has collected your biometrics or passport, your application continues through IRCC’s internal processing system.
A longer wait through VFS does not automatically mean your visa will be refused.
IRCC Is Still Processing Your Application
After VFS forwards your passport or biometric information, IRCC continues reviewing your application.
Depending on your case, this may include:
- Eligibility assessment
- Financial review
- Background verification
- Security screening
- Medical assessment (if required)
- Final officer review
Most delays occur during IRCC’s assessment rather than at the Visa Application Centre.
Passport Transportation
When you submit your passport after receiving a Passport Request (PPR), VFS securely transports it to the responsible IRCC visa office.
Once the visa has been printed, the passport is returned to VFS before being released to you.
Transportation between the Visa Application Centre and the visa office adds additional time to the overall process.
Background Verification
IRCC may verify:
- Identity
- Immigration history
- Previous visa applications
- Travel history
- Supporting documents
Applications requiring additional verification often take longer to finalize.
Security Screening
Every visitor visa application undergoes security screening before approval.
The duration varies depending on individual circumstances and cannot usually be expedited.
Medical Examination
If you’re required to complete an immigration medical examination, IRCC must receive and review the medical results before issuing a final decision.
Additional medical requests may extend processing.
Additional Document Requests
IRCC may request further documentation, including:
- Updated bank statements
- Employment confirmation
- Passport copy
- Invitation letter
- Proof of funds
- Travel itinerary
Processing generally resumes once the requested information has been received and reviewed.
Peak Travel Seasons
Applications submitted during busy travel periods often take longer.
Examples include:
- Summer holidays
- Christmas and New Year
- School vacation periods
- Major international events
Higher application volumes affect overall processing regardless of whether VFS is used.
How to Track Your Application Through VFS
There are two separate tracking systems you may use during the application process.
Track Your IRCC Application
Your IRCC online account provides updates such as:
- Biometrics completed
- Eligibility review
- Background verification
- Security screening
- Passport Request (PPR)
- Final decision
Track Your Passport Through VFS
Once your passport has been submitted, VFS may provide updates such as:
- Passport received
- Passport forwarded to IRCC
- Passport received from IRCC
- Passport dispatched
- Passport ready for collection
Depending on your country, you may also receive:
- Email notifications
- SMS alerts (optional)
- Courier tracking information
What Happens After Passport Submission?
If your application is approved, the remaining process is usually straightforward.
- VFS forwards your passport to IRCC.
- IRCC prints your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
- Final quality checks are completed.
- The passport is returned to VFS.
- You collect your passport or receive it through courier delivery.
Before travelling, carefully verify:
- Your full name
- Passport number
- Visa validity dates
- Number of entries
If you notice any errors, contact VFS or IRCC immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does applying through VFS make my Canada Visitor Visa faster?
No.
VFS collects biometrics and passports, but IRCC is responsible for processing and deciding visitor visa applications.
Does VFS approve Canada Visitor Visas?
No.
VFS is an authorized Visa Application Centre. Only IRCC can approve or refuse a Canada Visitor Visa.
How long does passport stamping through VFS take?
The timeline varies depending on the visa office, passport transportation, and IRCC’s workload.
Can I track my passport through VFS?
Yes.
Most VFS centres offer online passport tracking, and many also provide optional SMS and email updates.
Why hasn’t my VFS status changed?
This is normal.
Your passport may still be with IRCC for visa printing or final review before being returned to VFS.
What happens after Passport Request (PPR)?
You’ll submit your passport through VFS, IRCC will print your visa, and your passport will be returned once processing has been completed.
Can I travel while VFS has my passport?
No.
You must wait until your passport has been returned before travelling internationally.
What if my passport is delayed at VFS?
In many cases, the delay is due to ongoing IRCC processing rather than VFS itself. Continue monitoring both your IRCC account and the VFS tracking system.
Can someone else collect my passport?
This depends on your local VFS centre’s collection policy. Some centres permit authorized representatives, while others require the applicant to collect the passport personally.
Can I reapply if my visa is refused?
Yes.
If you address the reasons for refusal and submit stronger supporting documents, you may apply again.
Final Thoughts
Applying through VFS Global makes the Canada Visitor Visa process more convenient by providing secure biometric collection, passport submission, and document handling services. However, it is important to remember that VFS does not make immigration decisions. Once your application or passport has been forwarded, IRCC completes eligibility reviews, background verification, security screening, medical assessments where required, and the final decision.
If your application appears to be taking longer than expected, remain patient and continue checking both your IRCC account and the VFS tracking system. In many cases, the delay is simply part of IRCC’s standard processing procedures and not an indication that your application will be refused.
