COW – Prolonged Security Screening Delays – May 28, 2026
All persons seeking to come to Canada temporarily or permanently must meet the admissibility and eligibility requirements. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis on the specific facts presented by the applicant. It is the applicant's responsibility to show that they meet the requirements.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) works closely with partners, including Canada Border Services Agency and Canadian Security Intelligence Service, to carry out a comprehensive security screening to help identify those who might pose a threat to Canadians and to mitigate the potential security risks.
Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the information provided. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may also result in additional delays.
The background screening process may involve biometrics (i.e. fingerprints and a recent photo), a criminal history check, and a medical examination. IRCC conducts a thorough review of the applicant's personal information which may require personal information related to their family, education and work experience. Applicants are required to have submitted all necessary documents at the time of their application.
Officers review all applications on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific facts presented by the applicant. All inadmissibility decisions are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles or publicly available information.
In the event that an immigration officer has concerns over the admissibility of an applicant, the individual is informed and given an opportunity to provide a response to concerns about their application.
Ensuring the safety of Canadians remains our top priority; these checks are mandatory for all applicants before they can travel to Canada, helping to prevent individuals who pose a threat to the health, safety, or security of Canadians from entering the country.
