In my opinion, its best to apply for the canadian TRV (tourist visa) in person. I submitted my application last Thursday (Oct 11th) and I picked my passport yesterday (Oct 15th). They always give priority to walk in application than mail in ones. I am here on H1B. few pointers that helped me
- Always have the bar code page ready for the main appilcation (IMM5257E) just click "validate" and bar code will be generated on page 5 of application. It helps in faster processing. Do not hand fill the application!
- Fill out the family information form. Its very important.
- Make sure you provide them with enough proof that you will return back from Canada (I provided my employment letter and pay slips)
- Disregard the notice on the consulate website that they dont accept walk in applications anymore. That notice is for temporaty resident permit (TRP) not for temporary resident visa (TRV).
- there is a 2 - 3 day processing time even for a walk in. so essentially you are just dropping off your application and picking it up in 2-3 days. so if you are visiting from far away, make plans accordingly. Mail in takes more processing.
All the best.