How Long Does It Take to Get a Canadian Transit Visa?

When travelling internationally, booking a connecting flight through Canada often offers the best routes and prices. Major hubs like Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, and Montreal-Trudeau handle millions of transit passengers annually. However, if you are from a visa-required country, you cannot simply lay over in Canada without proper authorization. Even if you never intend to leave the airport terminal, Canadian immigration law strictly requires you to hold a valid Transit Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding your flight.

A critical mistake many travellers make is assuming a transit visa is a mere formality that gets approved overnight. 🚨 In reality, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) evaluates transit applications with the same rigorous security and background checks as standard visitor visas. Processing times can fluctuate wildly depending on your country of citizenship and the current backlog at the local Visa Application Centre (VAC). Because missing a flight due to an unapproved visa is a massive headache, consulting a Canadian immigration lawyer to ensure your application is flawless is always a wise decision.

Step-by-Step Process for a Transit Visa in Canada

The rules for transiting through Canada are federal, meaning they apply identically whether you are transferring through Calgary, Halifax, or Ottawa. The entire process is managed electronically by IRCC, but physical steps like biometrics may be required depending on your background.

Step 1: Determine If You Actually Need a Transit Visa

Before applying, you must verify your exact requirements. 🔍 If you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country, or if you hold a valid US Green Card, you do not need a transit visa; you only need a quick eTA. If you are from a visa-required country (like India, China, or Nigeria) and your layover is less than 48 hours, you must apply for the formal Transit Visa. If your layover is 48 hours or longer, you must apply for a standard Visitor Visa (TRV).

Step 2: Gather Your Travel Itinerary and Documents

IRCC needs concrete proof of your travel plans. You must provide a detailed flight itinerary showing your arrival and departure from Canada, proof of your final destination (such as a valid visa for the country you are travelling to), and a valid passport. It is highly recommended to provide flight reservations rather than fully paid, non-refundable tickets, as IRCC explicitly warns against paying for flights before the visa is stamped.

Step 3: Submit the Application Online

Most applicants must submit their transit visa application through the IRCC secure online portal. 💻 You will fill out the Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257), ensuring you clearly select “Transit” as your purpose of visit. Accuracy is critical; a single error in your travel dates or passport numbers can result in the application being returned or refused.

Step 4: Provide Biometrics (If Required)

If you have not provided biometrics (fingerprints and a digital photo) to Canada in the last 10 years, you will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter. You must physically visit a local VAC or Application Support Centre in your home country to submit these. Your application processing time does not actually start until IRCC receives your biometrics.

Step 5: Passport Submission and Stamping

Once IRCC approves your application, you will receive a passport request letter. 📬 You must mail or courier your physical passport to the nearest VAC so the visa counterfoil can be securely attached to a blank page. The VAC will then return your stamped passport, finally authorizing you to travel through Canada.

How Much Does it Cost in Canada?

Unlike regular visitor visas, the Canadian government does not charge a processing fee for a transit visa. 💰 However, the process is not entirely free from out-of-pocket expenses. Here are the typical costs you might encounter as of May 2026:

While hiring a law firm for a simple transit visa is rare, it is highly recommended if you have a prior visa refusal or any past criminal history, such as a summary conviction in your home country, which could flag you at the border.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Patience is mandatory when dealing with IRCC timelines. ⌛ While the government website may suggest an average processing time of 14 to 30 days, this does not account for the time it takes to secure a biometrics appointment or the physical mailing time for your passport to be stamped at the VAC. Realistically, you should start the transit visa process at least 6 to 8 weeks before your intended travel date. If you apply only two weeks before your flight, there is a very high probability you will miss your connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Author: lawyerinfo.ca