After Biometric What Is Next for Canada Visitor Visa in 2025

After biometric what is next for a Canada a visitor visa entry process involves various stages of review by IRCC that include document verification, eligibility check and background screening. Applicants may be asked for more documents or medicals before they make a final decision. As soon as it is accepted, the request for a passport is made for a visa stamping. The average processing time is 2 - 4 weeks for Indians in the year 2025.

After Biometric What Is Next for Canada Visitor Visa in 2025-26?

After biometric what is next for Canada visitor visa involves these key stages:

• Application Review: IRCC officers check all the documents submitted and examine for fulfilment and accuracy

• Eligibility Assessment: Officers examine to see whether you meet visitor visa requirements, such as ties to your homeland country and having a great economic standing

• Background and Security Screening. Your bio data is used for complete security screening and markers for identity verification.

• Additional Document Requests: Additional documentation, such as requests for more supporting documents, bank statements or medical exams, is possible too.

• Final Decision: IRCC gives either an approval with the letter for the passport request or a refusal with written reasons

• Processing Timeline: Awaiting typically 2-4 weeks for the Indian applicants for the year 2025, subject to case complexity & demand at the visa offices 2025 waiting table 

Also Read: Canada Visitor Visa Processing Time After Biometrics

What Happens Immediately After You Submit Your Biometrics for a Canada Visitor Visa in 2025-26?

Your IRCC online account automatically updates to show "Biometrics Completed," and IRCC begins processing your application for the eligibility review stage. After biometric what is next for Canada visitor visa begins with these immediate steps:

• Data Transmission (24-48 Hours): Your fingerprints and photos are encrypted and securely transmitted from the Visa Application Centre to IRCC's central database

• IRCC Account Update: Your online account automatically updates to display "Biometrics Completed" status, confirming successful data capture and receipt

• Confirmation Notification: You receive an email confirmation and account notification indicating biometrics have been recorded in the system

• VAC Role Ends: The Visa Application Centre's involvement concludes after transmitting your biometric data to IRCC

• Processing Begins: IRCC starts the eligibility review stage, though biometrics completion doesn't indicate approval—only successful data capture.

• Expected Timeline: Account updates typically occur within 24-48 hours, though technical delays at VACs may extend this to 72 hours in some cases

If your account doesn't update immediately, don't worry—as long as you received a biometrics completion receipt from the VAC, your data has been successfully captured.

Key Notes: Don't panic if your IRCC account doesn't update immediately—VACs may experience technical delays up to 72 hours. As long as you received a biometrics completion receipt, your data has been captured successfully.

How Does IRCC Review Your Canada Visitor Visa Application?

After biometric what is next for Canada visitor visa includes this comprehensive IRCC review process:

1. Completeness Check (R10 Review): Officers make sure that all the required documents are present and properly submitted, and initiate the process of additional requests for documents in case there is anything that is missing or unclear

2. Document Authenticity Verification: IRCC cross-checks the validity of passports, invitation letters, financial statements, letters of employment,and  educational qualifications to ensure that all documents are genuine and correct

3. Eligibility Assessment: Officers examine your finances to travel, the value/savings held in your home country (employment, real estate, family), your travel history, the record of your visa compliance and whether your stated purpose of visiting the countries is uplifting

4. Admissibility Review: Background checks involving the verification of criminal records, immigration history screening, health and security screening, review of previous visa refusals or overstays

5. Holistic Profile Evaluation: Officers evaluate your holistic profile to measure your true intent as a temporary resident and not at risk of immigrating, and all factors are evaluated together.

6. Decision Timeline: The complete review process usually takes 2-4 weeks, considering that we are in 2025, for Indian applicants, but complex cases will be more time-consuming and therefore require more time.

7. Strong financial links, stable work history, well-planned travel and proper documentation are important factors that will enhance your approval during this multi-stage assessment.

Expert Takeaway: IRCC officers don't just tick boxes—they holistically assess whether your profile demonstrates genuine temporary resident intent. Strong financial ties, stable employment, and clear travel plans significantly improve approval chances.

Also Read: A Guide to Canada Visitor Visa from India

What Are Background Checks and Security Screening After Biometrics?

After biometric what is next for Canada visitor visa includes background checks and security screening handled by multiple Canadian agencies:

• Criminality Checks: The RCMP matches your fingerprints against national and international criminal databases, including INTERPOL, to verify records and confirm there are no outstanding offences

• Security Screening: CSIS and CBSA assess potential security or terrorism-related risks, sharing intelligence data to ensure applicants pose no threat to Canada’s safety

• Immigration History Review: IRCC reviews previous Canadian visa applications, global travel records, overstay incidents, and any deportation or removal history through the Five Eyes intelligence network

• Biometric Data Use: Collected fingerprints and photos are compared across global systems for identity verification, fraud detection, and linking with past applications.

• Timeline: Standard background screening usually takes 1–2 weeks, while extended checks (for complex travel histories) can last up to 1–3 months

• Outcome: Once background and security checks are clear, IRCC proceeds to finalise the eligibility assessment and make a visa decision

Canada visitor visa processing time after biometrics for Indian applicants for the year 2025 is generally 2-4 weeks, but this may vary depending on several key factors.

Any decision that is made should be considered in light of the significance of the processing of information. Essential Processing Insights (2025)

• The usual processing time for Indian applicants: 2-4 weeks (14-30 calendar days), actually after biometrics, but it could be as fast as 10 days apart from peak time or take up to 3 months for complex files or peak season delay.

• After Biometrics, your application will be sent to final document review, background security checks, and a visa decision. You will get notified online about the submission of your passport or any request for further documents. This is the next step after Biometrics for Canada Visitor Visa.

• Processing time is quickest in off-peak months, Sept, Nov,Feb, Apr; additional delays of 1-2 weeks are common during summer, May-August, and winter holidays, Dec.-Jan.

• Application completeness is crucial: For the purpose of administrability, error-free applications generally take 2-3 weeks; incomplete or inconsistent files may take 4 weeks and metaphorically even 12 weeks if more information is required.

• Background check complexity and visa office workload - cases flagged for further security check or need for multi-country travel history, employment, or financial validation can take 8 weeks or more, as the cases under urgent medical/family situation can be expedited if proof is provided.

• (Post-biometric): India (approx. 24 days), USA (approx. 20 days), Pakistan (approx. 25 days to approx. 30 days), Nigeria (avg. 85 days), UAE (80 days to approx. 320 days), Germany (approx. 35 days).

Important Tip: Apply at least 2-3 months before your intended travel date to account for processing time, potential document requests, and passport submission. Peak season applications (May-August) should add an extra month buffer to avoid travel plan disruptions.

What Additional Documents Might IRCC Request After Biometrics for a Canada Visitor Visa?

IRCC may ask for more documents after you pass biometrics if they wish to get more clarity with regard to your financial situation, employment, purpose of travel, or ties to India. Commonly, you will have 7-30 days to submit these documents through your IRCC account. When at Biometric, what is next for the Canada visitor visa will have additional document requests from IRCC if they need clarification on your application:

• Financial Documentation: Latest bank statements (last 6 months), fixed deposit certificates, income tax returns (2-3 years), salary slips and proof of funds explanation letters to check for financial capacity

• Employment and Ties Verification: Detailed employment letters on company letterhead, leave approval, proof of ownership of property, vehicle registration, business papers, and proof of dependent family to prove strong ties to India

• Travel Purpose Clarification: Detailed itinerary with dates, booking hotels, conference registrations, wedding invitations, tour packages or event tickets that support your specified purpose of visiting Canada

• Relationship Proof (Family Visits): Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Photos Together, History of Communication, Previous Visit, Evidence of Visit of Relatives/Friends in Canada

• Medical or Police Clearance:  Medical exams that are mandatory (starting from IRCC panel physicians- 3-4 weeks processing) for those who stay for more than 6 months, or a police report (in exceptional cases such as instance showed criminal case- it can take a couple of months), required for those who apply the visited visa- through the police.

• Request Process: IRCC sends an email and/or account notification with a 7-30 day deadline for uploading a legible scan of a PDF through the online portal - failure to respond can result in refusal or closure of the application.

As per our expert Shreya: An additional document request (ADR) isn't a red flag—it's often a positive sign that your application is being actively reviewed. Respond promptly with complete, genuine documents to keep your application moving forward.

Also Read: New Documents Required for Canada Tourist Visa from India 2025

When and Why Might You Be Called for an Interview for a Canada Visitor Visa?

After biometric what is next for Canada visitor visa may include an interview in rare cases (less than 5% of applications):

• When Interviews Are Requested: IRCC schedules interviews when they need verbal clarification on inconsistent information, unclear travel purpose, insufficient ties to India, previous visa refusals, or gaps in employment or travel history

• Notification Process: You'd get a notice by email or on your IRCC account message 7-14 days in advance - Interviews would be held at the visa office, VAC or sometimes through video call

• Common Interview Questions: Questions about the purpose of the visit, financial resources and sources of funding, connection with India (job, family, property), travel history, accommodation plan and plans of return from India

• Interview Preparation: Familiarise yourself with your application, bring all original documents, prepare well thought through honest answers, dress professionally and be on site for the interview 15 minutes before the interview time with your appointment letter

• Format and Duration: Interviews are normally of 15-45 minutes duration, conducted by visa officers in English or Hindi language (interpreters available) at VAC locations or virtually

• Post-Interview Timeline: Decisions are typically made within 1-2 weeks, with possible approval, refusal of approval, or further investigation depending on your answers and document verification.

• Be natural and honest while doing the interview - don't contradict your application in writing, and don't give vague answers, as these are red flags for the visa officers.

As per our TerraTern experts, if called for an interview, view it as an opportunity to strengthen your case, not as a sign of rejection. Officers are simply seeking clarification—be honest, confident, and consistent with your application, and you'll significantly improve your approval chances.

How to Track Your Canada Visitor Visa Application Status in 2025-26?

After biometric what is next for Canada visitor visa can be tracked through multiple methods to monitor your application progress:

• IRCC Online Account (Primary Method): Log in to see status updates in real time: "Biometrics Completed," "Reviewing Eligibility," "Background Check in Progress," "Additional Documents Required", and "Decision Made"

• IRCC Application Status Tracker:  Use the official tracker to monitor application status (with application number, UCI and personal information) at canada.ca

• VAC/VFS Global Tracking: Track the status of the passport submission via the VAC portals specific to India, thereby ensuring the conversion and tracking of the passport submission status using SMS and emails to provide notifications for the key updates

• Case Specific Enquiry Web Form: Submit enquiries on IRCC's web form, in case of queries, and we will provide responses to your enquiries within 28 days, generally

• Status Understanding: "Reviewing Eligibility" signifies document verification and ties assessment(1-3 weeks) "Background Check in Progress" signifies security screening (by RCMP, CBSA, CSIS,1-2 weeks)

• Best Practices: Check the status of your account every 2-3 days, ensuring you don't get anxiety, keep contact information current, bring your passport and don't book your travel until your visa has been approved

• Avoid enquiries checking too often or making unnecessary enquiries, as status updates are automatic as officers progress through each stage review.

Pro Tip: Resist the urge to check your application status multiple times daily—IRCC updates occur periodically, not in real-time. Obsessive checking increases anxiety without speeding up processing. Check once every 2-3 days and trust the process.

Also Read: How to Apply for a Canada Tourist Visa from India? New Guide

What Is the Passport Request Letter and What to Do Next?

After biometric what is next for Canada visitor visa? It culminates in receiving a Passport Request Letter (PPR) if your application is approved:

• PPR Indicates Approval: The Passport Request Letter is received as an email and an IRCC account as a PDF format, acknowledging your visa approval, and this needs your passport submission within 30 days at a designated VAC in India

• Required Documents for Submission: Submit (original passport, valid 6 + months with two blank pages, printed PPR letter, consent form of VAC and receipt for passport submittal, work and/or study status, two recent photographs (35mm x 45mm)

• Submission Options: Option in Pse submission at VAC locations (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, etc.) and Appointment booking at times are available OR Courier Service 2-way is available for convenient delivery of passport at distant destinations.

• Visa Stamping Timeline: Upon submission of VAC, your passport is sent to IRCC within 1-2 days. Stamping takes 5-10 business days. Return will be given in 1-2 days. The Total timeline is usually 7-14 days.

• Post-Stamping Actions: Receive SMS/email notification for pickup. Check visa details immediately (validity dates, entry conditions, single/multiple entry status). Make sure all the information is correct before going on your trip.

• Critical Deadlines: Submit your passport within 30 days after you receive PPR. Do not book travel till after you have received the stamped passport. Check the visa validity carefully, as it would be valid for 6 months or until the expiry of the passport.

Missing the 30-day deadline or submitting incomplete documentation can be the reason for delays in obtaining your visa or demands for resubmitting documentation, so answer the PPR promptly.

Expert Takeaway: PPR is not your visa—it's approval to get your visa stamped. Never book flights or make non-refundable travel plans until your passport returns with the actual visa sticker. The 30-day submission window is firm; extensions are rarely granted and cause significant delays.

What Are the Common Reasons for Delays After Biometrics for Canada Visitor Visa in 2025-26?

After biometric what is next for Canada visitor visa may include processing delays because of several common factors:

• Incomplete Documentation or ADRs: Missing supporting documentation, unclear photocopies, a lack of financial proof, or additional document requests (ADRs) delay processing until submitted, leading to 2-6 week delays depending on response time

• Application Volumes (High): Peak seasons will include summer months of May-August (30-40% more applications), holiday months December-January, and academic intake months (September, January), adding to standard processing times by 1-3 weeks

• Extended Background Checks, multi-country travel, past problems with visa, Name AMI matches in Potential Security Watch Lists (false positives), Multi-database security screening, Extended processing 4-8 weeks.

• Employment and Financial Verification: IRCC will directly contact employers, check business registration for self-employed applicants, verify tax returns or flag sudden large deposits as suspicious, causing 2-4 weeks of additional processing

• Visa Office Workload and technical Issues: Regional capacity differences (Delhi and Mumbai have the highest volumes), Staff shortage, Operational backlogs, IRCC portal downtime, System maintenance, 1-2 week delays

• Sponsor or Invitation Verification: Visiting family and friends, about any of the following will be done: verifying Canadian host information, confirming sponsor immigration status and examining relationship evidence, which generally adds 1-3 weeks

Most delays are temporary and don't indicate refusal - put complete applications in at the beginning, intend to provide clear documents, and 2-3 months before you travel, check your account every 2-3 days, and don't submit unnecessary enquiries.

Pro Tip: Most processing delays are administrative, not indicators of refusal. The worst thing you can do during a delay is panic and flood IRCC with unnecessary enquiries or documents—this actually slows your application further. Trust the process, check status periodically, and respond only when officially contacted.

Also Read: Canada Tourist Visa from India: Fees, Eligibility, Time

Expert's Tips to Avoid Refusal: What Not to Do After Biometrics For Canada Visitor Visa?

After biometric what is next for Canada visitor visa requires avoiding critical mistakes that can lead to refusal:

• Don't Submit Unrequested Documents: Uploading unsolicited materials clutters your application, creates review delays, and may raise red flags if new documents contradict your original submission—only submit when explicitly requested via ADR

• Don't Make Non-Refundable Bookings: Never book flights, hotels, or event tickets before receiving visa approval, as refusal risk exists until PPR is issued, potentially causing significant financial loss.

• Don't ignore IRCC Communications Hairstyle: Review your IRCC accounts and email pages (including spam) daily during processing and respond to additional document requests or an interview call in deadlines: ignoring communications results in automatic refusal.

• Don't Submit False or Misleading Information: Avoiding fake employment letters, fake bank statements, borrowing money from someone, or a proven relation, all these result in 5 year ban and also criminal charges in case detected during verification.

• Don't Hide Previous Refusals: Any previous visa rejection should always be disclosed from any country because this is a case of misrepresentation that leads to automatic refusal and bans. Previous refusals never guarantee repeated rejection if circumstances have changed.

• Don't Excessively Contact IRCC or Panic: Excessive enquiries slow down the processing and attract a flag against your application; do not withdraw on grounds of regular delay, because that will cost time and expense in restarting the whole process.

Keeps application integrity, responds to official requests in a timely manner, is honest and consistent, trusts the standard processing timeline as opposed to trying an unauthorised way to expedite the application.

Expert Takeaway: The golden rule after biometrics is simple: respond when asked, stay quiet when not. Proactive document dumping, excessive enquiries, and application interference do more harm than good. Let IRCC officers do their job without disruption, and your application will progress smoothly.

How to Prepare for Receiving Your Canada Visitor Visa in 2025-26?

After biometric what is next for Canada visitor visa? Prepare for receiving your visa by following these steps:

• Passport Readiness: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay, has at least 2 blank pages, is in good condition without damage or stains, and renew early if needed (15-30 days in India)

• Keep Contact Information Current (regularly check your email, including spam, keep your phone active, update your address if changed, and enable SMS/email tracking from the VAC for updates from couriers)

• Organise Documents for Border Entry: Keep originals of letters of employment, latest bank statements, invitation letters, accommodation bookings, travel insurance, and return flight evidence in a travel folder.

• Verify Visa Details upon Returning Passport: As soon as the CNS check the name spelling, type of visa (visitor visa V-1), validity period, type of entry (single or multiple) and reports the error to IRCC without any delay.

• Understand Visa and Stay Conditions: Visitor visas usually have 6 months to 10 years validity for multiple or single entry; the length of stay is usually up to 6 months based on the entry, which is decided by the border officer, as well, but he can give less if required.

• Border Interview: Be prepared to verify the purpose of travel, plans, places of stay, travel funds, return of travel, etc. and your ties to India, such as employment or family

• Travel Insurance and Booking: Get medical travel insurance that includes coverage for CAD $100,000 for your stay, book flights/accommodation only after visa stamping is done and choose the cancellation policies that are flexible

• Pre-Departure Checklist: Have your visa-stamped passport and flight tickets, accommodations, insurance, original documents, Canadian currency or forex, have your phone set up, have your IRCC account opened and have copies of all documents

• At Port of Entry: Present documents genuinely to a CBSA officer who will stamp your passport, and might give you the visitor record. Respect visa conditions, such as 6 months of work/study, leave before expiry to avoid penalties.

• Avoid Common Entry Issues: Conforming to consistent information, clear financial proof, travel plans, lawful behaviours, and declaration of goods ensures smooth entry into Canada.

As per our expert Divyansh: Receiving your visa is the penultimate step—successful border entry is the final milestone. Treat the border interview as seriously as your visa application: be honest, organised, and prepared with all supporting documents. Border officers have the authority to refuse entry even with a valid visa if they're not satisfied with your intent or documentation.

Also Read: Canada Visitor Visa Processing Time India: Experts' Guide

Canada Visitor Visa: Key Trends & Updates for 2025

Latest Statistics and Developments:

1. Processing Time Improvements (January 2025): IRCC has implemented new efficiency measures, reducing average visitor visa processing times from 3-5 weeks in 2024 to 2-4 weeks in early 2025 for complete applications from India.

2. Digital Transformation: 92% of visitor visa applications are now processed electronically, enabling faster communication and status updates through IRCC online accounts.

3. Biometrics Validity: Biometrics remain valid for 10 years, streamlining repeat applications and reducing processing times for returning applicants.

4. India-Specific Data (2025): Canadian visa application centres in India processed approximately 24% more visitor visa applications in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023, with Delhi and Mumbai VACs handling the highest volumes.

5. AI-Assisted Preliminary Screening: IRCC introduced the Chinook+ AI system in 2024 for preliminary application assessment, though final decisions remain with human officers.

6. Peak Season Impact: Summer months (May-August) continue to see 30-40% longer processing times due to increased application volumes for tourism and family visits.

7. Refusal Rates: The current visitor visa refusal rate from India stands at approximately 18-22%, with insufficient ties to the home country and incomplete documentation being the primary reasons.

How Can TerraTern Assist You with What Comes After Biometrics for a Canada Visitor Visa?

After biometric, what is next for the Canada visitor visa can be simplified with TerraTern's expert assistance:

• Application Status Tracking Guidance: TerraTern helps you monitor your visa application through the IRCC portal, providing expert interpretation of status updates like "Reviewing Eligibility" and "Background Check in Progress" so you understand each processing stage

• Document Request Management: If IRCC requests additional documents after biometrics, TerraTern guides you on what to submit, proper formatting, and meeting deadlines to avoid refusal or delays

• Processing Timeline Updates: TerraTern offers real-time data on the processing time for Canada visitor visas after biometrics.2025 Average Processing Timeline for Canada Visitor Visa. 2025 specific visa processing timelines reflect timelines barring digitisation updates at 2-4 weeks for individuals hailing from India to plan your travels accordingly.

• Expert Consultation of Complex Cases: For applications requiring extended background checks, interviews, or additional scrutiny, TerraTern offers specialised guidance to navigate complications and improve approval chances

• Passport Request Letter (PPR) Assistance: TerraTern helps you understand PPR requirements, guides passport submission to VACs, and ensures you meet the 30-day deadline with proper documentation

• Pre-Departure Support: TerraTern provides preparation guidance for border entry, including document organisation, understanding visa conditions, and tips for smooth entry into Canada

TerraTern simplifies your visa journey with stress-free application support, reducing delays and improving your chances of approval through expert guidance at every post-biometrics stage.

Also Read: Canada Visitor Visa Checklist: Latest Expert Guide

Conclusion 

After biometrics, what is next for Canada visitor visa involves a comprehensive IRCC review, background checks, and final decision-making, typically taking 2-4 weeks for Indian applicants in 2025. Have organised documentation on file, react to further documentation requests, and monitor or update your application frequently through your IRCC account. Avoid travel bookings which can not be refunded until you have received your visa-stamped passport. TerraTern's immigration experts offer end-to-end support, guaranteeing accuracy of applications, timely post-biometrics follow-up and support throughout your post-biometrics immigration journey.

Contact TerraTern for more information on After Biometric What Is Next for Canada Visitor Visa.