Canada Joins Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, and Others to Face Significant Visa Delays to US Due to High Demand and Security Measures Next Year

Published on December 23, 2025

Starting next year, Canada joins Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, and others in facing significant U.S. visa delays due to high demand and tighter security measures. As more people seek to travel to the U.S., the overwhelming volume of applications is putting a strain on consular systems across these countries. On top of the increased demand, heightened security protocols and more rigorous vetting processes are further extending processing times. This growing backlog is expected to affect applicants in major cities, leading to longer waiting periods and frustration for both locals and travelers from other regions. In this article, we’ll break down the specific reasons behind these delays and what travelers can expect in the coming year.

Canada: The Third-Country Visa Bottleneck

Canada is grappling with significant delays, largely due to the growing trend of “consulate shopping,” where applicants from other countries flock to Canadian embassies for faster appointments. This influx of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) exacerbates the already high demand for U.S. visas, causing massive backlogs. Calgary, in particular, has become notorious for its long processing times, with Toronto and Vancouver also feeling the strain. As of May 2025, stricter DS-160 barcode matching rules have added another layer of complexity, with even small errors forcing applicants back to the end of the line.

Mexico: The Global Visa Bottleneck

As the largest hub for U.S. visa applications, Mexico is facing unprecedented delays. Cities like Ciudad Juárez have wait times exceeding 450 days for first-time B1/B2 applicants, largely due to Mexico’s overwhelming volume of visa applications. Security vetting measures, designed to increase border safety, have also extended the processing time. With many people from other countries flocking to Mexico for faster processing, the system has become increasingly strained, resulting in delays for both Mexican nationals and foreigners.

Jamaica: A High-Risk Visa Destination

Jamaica is facing substantial delays due to high denial and review rates, particularly for applicants flagged under the “strong ties” verification process. This verification process often results in additional administrative delays as many applicants are placed under Section 221(g) for further review. Infrastructure limitations at the Kingston embassy also mean fewer appointment slots, adding to the backlog. Despite the high volume of applicants, these factors combine to create frustratingly long wait times for many.

Dominican Republic: High Demand, High Competition

In the Dominican Republic, U.S. visa delays stem from high demand for tourist visas and a recent move of the Visa Application Center (VAC) to the SAMBIL Shopping Center. This relocation initially caused scheduling issues, but the new system is now in place. However, the sheer volume of applicants looking to secure U.S. tourist visas continues to create significant competition for available slots, especially since new appointment slots are released only on Wednesdays at 8:00 AM.

Trinidad & Tobago: Security-Driven Interruptions

Trinidad & Tobago experiences periodic delays caused by local security alerts and embassy closures, particularly in late 2025. Though generally more efficient than other visa-processing locations like Mexico, the embassy’s capacity is sensitive to local security conditions. These unpredictable disruptions, combined with fluctuating staffing levels, can cause delays in the availability of appointments. While not as severe as other countries, these security concerns can still significantly impact the visa application process.

Bahamas: Small Island, Big Wait

The Bahamas faces delays due to the limited capacity of its consular office in Nassau. As a smaller consulate, even slight increases in applicant volume can result in disproportionate wait times for visa appointments. While Nassau remains one of the “faster” locations in the Caribbean, its smaller size and limited resources mean that slots often fill months in advance, creating lengthy waiting periods for those seeking appointments.

Recent Policy Changes Impacting All Countries

• Interview Waiver Window: In February 2025, the window for renewing a visa without an interview was shortened from 48 months to 12 months. This has forced many applicants to join the “Interview Required” queue, contributing to overall wait times.
• New Travel Restrictions: A presidential proclamation, effective in June 2025, increased vetting for certain nationalities, which is slowing down the administrative side of processing for applicants in diverse hubs such as Toronto and Mexico City.

Starting next year, Canada joins Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, and others in facing significant U.S. visa delays due to high demand and tighter security measures.

Conclusion

Starting next year, Canada will join Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, and others in facing significant U.S. visa delays. These delays are primarily due to the overwhelming demand for U.S. visas coupled with tighter security measures being implemented across consular locations. High application volumes, combined with stricter vetting and new regulations, are contributing to backlogs that will affect both residents and international travelers alike. As a result, applicants can expect longer wait times and potentially more complex processing procedures. Travelers planning to apply for U.S. visas in these countries should prepare for these delays and explore available options to manage their application timelines effectively.