According to a report by the The Economic Times, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the federal agency responsible for issuing visas and permits, is grappling with rising application volumes while operating with a reduced workforce.

Staff Cuts and Rising Applications

Reports indicate that IRCC has reduced its staff strength by approximately 20 percent, placing additional pressure on its processing capacity.

The slowdown comes as Canada prepares to host 13 matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled for June 2026. The global tournament is expected to attract millions of visitors, with overall international travel projected to exceed 20 million people across host cities.

Stakeholders have expressed concern that prolonged visa wait times could impact tourists, temporary workers, media professionals, and business travelers planning to attend the event.

Government Response

Reacting to the concerns, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said it is collaborating with government partners and host cities to manage the anticipated influx of travelers.

In a statement, the agency noted:

“To address the expected large volume of travelers, the CBSA collaborates in advance with all event authorities regarding the admissibility requirements for travelers and goods entering Canada. The CBSA is working closely with its Government of Canada partners, including the Department of Canadian Heritage (Sport Canada), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and Global Affairs Canada, as well as the host cities and FIFA, in the safety and security planning for this international event. We are also collaborating with border security partners in the United States and Mexico to coordinate our respective operational approaches.”

The 2026 tournament will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, marking the first time the competition will be staged across three countries.