What to Do When a Canadian Visitor Visa Application Takes Over 7 Months
Introduction
Over seven months have passed since you applied for a Canadian visitor visa from Nigeria, yet there has been no decision. This could be a common experience for many applicants, especially in a highly populated and frequently overfilled system. Here's what you can do, and what you should avoid.
Don't Panic, but Don't Ignore It
While it's understandable to feel frustrated, panicking won’t help the situation. Your sister-in-law's experience might offer hopeful insight. She applied in January and only received her visa last week, having waited 11 months. Conversely, her husband got his visa within just two months. This variability is common, but it does highlight the challenge.
Segment 1: Communicate with the Consulate
While the temptation to ask total strangers online for advice may be strong, it’s much more helpful and appropriate to reach out to the local Canadian consulate. They are the experts on the process and can provide more detailed, personalized advice. Remember, they are the only ones with the information you need.
Segment 2: Understanding the System
The current wait times for Canadian visitor visas are over two years for many applicants, especially those from your region. This issue is exacerbated by a massive number of fraudulent applications from fellow nationals. Every fraudulent application takes up significant time and resources, leading to delays for legitimate applicants. The processing time for genuine applications can be slowed down by tenfold due to fraudulent activities in the system.
Segment 3: Taking Action
It’s crucial to write to your own government and demand stricter penalties for those who attempt to fraudulently obtain visas. Making a fraudulent application should be a criminal offense, resulting in confiscation of passports and permanent disqualification from future travel to Canada. Your voice as a legitimate applicant contributes to the pressure for improving the system.
Segment 4: Alternative Outcomes
Unfortunately, sometimes the decision ultimately comes to a harsh conclusion. If there is any suspicion of overstay, hiding, or refusal to leave, your application may be denied. It's important to consider why you might be such a risk and address this with the relevant authorities.
Check the Processing Time
Starting your action plan, it’s essential to understand the average processing time for your country and visa type. You can find this information on official government websites. Google 'Processing times IRCC' to see the current statistics. If your wait time is longer than the average, it's time to take action by using the IRCC webform.
Conclusion
While it can be a tedious and frustrating process, taking the appropriate steps can improve your chances of obtaining a visa. Remember, patience and persistence are key, but so is being proactive and understanding the reasons behind the delays.