For thousands of Indian football fans dreaming of experiencing the FIFA World Cup from the stands, the road to Canada has proven far more difficult than securing a match ticket.
Fresh immigration data has revealed that more than 70 per cent of visitor visa applications submitted by Indian nationals for travel linked to the FIFA World Cup were rejected. The figures have drawn attention to Canada's strict immigration screening process and raised concerns among travellers planning international trips around major sporting events.
The data, compiled by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and analysed by Canadian media reports, covers applications processed between November last year and the end of March.
Indian applicants among the hardest hit
According to Moneycontrol, only 355 out of 1,225 applications submitted by Indians were approved during the review period. The remaining applicants were denied visitor visas, resulting in an approval rate of just 29 per cent.
The numbers place Indian applicants among those facing significant challenges in securing entry permits despite the global appeal of the tournament. For many fans, months of planning, travel bookings and match arrangements were ultimately overshadowed by the inability to obtain a visa.
The rejection rate also comes at a time when Canada is hosting one of the biggest sporting spectacles in the world and welcoming visitors from across continents.
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Tough scrutiny extends beyond India
According to Moneycontrol, the trend was not limited to Indian applicants alone. Canadian authorities processed nearly 17,000 World Cup-related visitor visa applications during the same period, with an overall approval rate of around 41 per cent.
The figures suggest that immigration officials maintained strict scrutiny across multiple nationalities, continuing to assess applications under standard visitor visa requirements rather than adopting a more relaxed approach for tournament attendees.
Experts note that visitor visa approvals typically depend on several factors, including financial documents, travel history, purpose of visit and proof that applicants intend to return to their home country after the trip.
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Authorities caution against immigration scams
According to Moneycontrol, alongside the release of the figures, Canadian authorities have reiterated warnings about fraudulent schemes targeting football fans.
Officials stressed that there is no special "FIFA visa" programme and that all visitors must apply through regular immigration channels. The warning comes amid growing reports of fake agents and online advertisements promising guaranteed approvals or expedited processing linked to the tournament.
With the World Cup continuing to attract global attention, immigration experts say travellers should rely only on official government information and submit complete documentation while applying.
