Canada Visa: Biometrics to Approval Timeline

"There’s no fixed guaranteed timeline, but based on recent data and common experiences, here’s what to expect for a Canadian visitor visa (TRV) from the UAE after biometrics:

⏱️ Typical Processing Time (After Biometrics)

Estimated Time

Several sources suggest that after biometrics, a visitor visa usually takes 3–6 weeks for processing. 

widerworld.in

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gokite.travel

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Some visa-consultant sites (for UAE applicants) say this can stretch to 15–30 working days. 

the-open-world.com

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Another provider estimates around 55 days from the UAE for a visitor visa. 

CanApprove Dubai

Variability

The processing time varies a lot depending on IRCC’s workload, the completeness of your application, and whether additional checks (security, financial, etc.) are needed. 

Meta Group

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Best Visa Consulting in Dubai

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According to the IRCC’s public chart, the processing time includes the time taken for biometrics. 

Canada.ca

Note: The “visitor visa” line in IRCC’s tool can include a wide range of processing times because of fluctuations. 

Canada.ca

Real-World Experiences

Some applicants on Reddit report waiting anywhere from ~25 days to several weeks post-biometrics. 

Reddit

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Reddit

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Others have reported much longer waits — for example, one user said:

“It took almost 3 months to receive the passport with the visa stamp.” 

Reddit

✅ My Take (Professional Advice)

Plan for at least 4–6 weeks after biometrics for a decision, but there is a non-trivial chance it could take longer.

Apply early, especially if you have fixed travel dates — aim to submit your application at least 2–3 months before your planned trip.

Track your application status on your IRCC account and be responsive to any document requests.

Be prepared for variability: delays are common, especially during busy seasons or if extra verification is needed."