As Canada prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026, data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides insight into how Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) applications submitted by FIFA fans were processed between November 14, 2025, and April 30, 2026.
The dataset reports the number of applications received, approved, and refused by country of citizenship. While it provides a snapshot of application results during the reporting period, it does not explain why individual applications were approved or refused.
What does the data show?
The dataset includes Temporary Resident Visa and electronic Travel Authorization applications submitted by FIFA fans.
Citizens of visa-exempt countries generally require an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada by air, while citizens of many other countries require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). These are different entry authorization requirements that apply to different nationalities, so the figures should be interpreted within that context.
For example, Australia recorded 580 approved eTA applications with no eTA refusals recorded in the dataset during the reporting period. The Federal Republic of Germany similarly recorded 310 approved eTA applications with no eTA refusals recorded in the dataset.
The data also reports Temporary Resident Visa application results for countries whose citizens generally require a Temporary Resident Visa. Examples include:
- India: 505 approvals and 1,460 refusals.
- Pakistan: 155 approvals and 1,680 refusals.
- Nigeria: 170 approvals and 1,070 refusals.
- Syria: 10 approvals and 145 refusals.
- Palestinian Authority (Gaza/West Bank): 5 approvals and 55 refusals.
The dataset reports approval and refusal totals for applicants from many countries and territories, providing an overview of application results by country of citizenship during the reporting period. The numbers of approvals and refusals varied by country of citizenship during the reporting period.
What can be learned from the data?
The data provides an overview of application results during the reporting period, but it is important to understand its limitations.
The dataset reports the number of applications received, approved, and refused by country of citizenship. It does not identify the reasons for refusal, the supporting evidence submitted with each application, or whether applicants met the legal requirements for entry to Canada. As a result, the figures alone cannot explain why the numbers of approvals and refusals differed between countries.
It is also important to note that approval and refusal figures should be considered alongside the total number of applications received. The dataset provides overall application counts but does not include the individual circumstances of applicants or the reasons behind each decision.
Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, every Temporary Resident Visa application is assessed individually. Visa officers assess each application against the applicable legislative and regulatory requirements, including whether the applicant will leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for their stay. Each decision is based on the specific facts and evidence submitted with the application.
Why is this information important?
The data is significant because it highlights the challenges that applicants from some countries may face when applying for a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa. The reporting period shows high numbers of refusals for applicants from several developing countries, although the dataset itself does not explain the reasons behind individual decisions.
Because every visitor visa application is assessed individually, applicants should ensure they submit a complete and well-prepared application supported by relevant evidence. This may include documentation demonstrating strong ties to their home country, the purpose of the visit, financial capacity where applicable, and evidence that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay, as required under Canadian immigration law.
Poorly prepared applications, including those submitted without sufficient supporting documentation, can reduce an applicant’s chances of success. Experienced immigration lawyers play an important role by carefully assessing whether an application has merit before it is submitted, advising applicants when additional evidence is needed, and preparing applications that clearly address the legal requirements. Responsible legal representation also helps discourage the submission of weak or unmeritorious applications, allowing applicants with genuine temporary travel intentions to present the strongest possible case.
Conclusion
The IRCC data also serves as a reminder that a successful visitor visa application depends on much more than simply completing the required forms. A carefully prepared application supported by appropriate documentation can help demonstrate that the applicant meets the legal requirements for temporary entry to Canada. While no representative can guarantee approval, professional legal advice can help applicants understand the process, identify potential concerns, and submit the strongest application possible based on their individual circumstances.
Contact Jain Immigration Law
If you have questions about applying for a Canadian visitor visa, Temporary Resident Visa, electronic Travel Authorization, or another immigration matter, the experienced team at Jain Immigration Law is here to help.
Jain Immigration Law
Website: https://jainimmigrationlaw.com
Phone: (905) 567-5800
Email: [email protected]
Disclosure
This blog is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The statistics discussed are based on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada data covering the period from November 14, 2025, to April 30, 2026. Immigration laws, regulations, policies, and operational practices may change over time. Every application is assessed individually according to the facts of the case and the applicable legal requirements.