Where Do I Send My Visa Application for Canada?

When applying for a visa to visit, work, or study in Canada, you must submit your application and supporting documents to the appropriate visa office. The location where you send your application depends on several factors, including your country of residence, the type of visa you are applying for, and whether you are applying online or by mail.Here are the main options for submitting your Canadian visa application:

Online Application

Many visa categories allow you to apply online through the IRCC Secure Portal. This includes:

• Visitor visas and electronic travel authorizations (eTA)
• Study permits
• Work permits
• Temporary resident permits
• Some permanent residence applications

To apply online, you must create an account and submit your application, documents, and fees electronically. The IRCC website provides detailed instructions on how to apply online for each visa type.

Paper Application by Mail

If you are not eligible to apply online or prefer to submit a paper application, you must mail your completed forms, documents, and fees to a specific visa office based on your country of residence. The IRCC website lists the mailing addresses for visa offices around the world.For example, if you are applying for a visitor visa from India, you would mail your application to:Visa Office
High Commission of Canada in India
7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi, India 110021Be sure to check the IRCC website for the correct mailing address for your specific visa type and country. You may also need to submit your application through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country before mailing it to the visa office.

Visa Application Centres (VACs)

Many countries have designated Visa Application Centres operated by third-party service providers that accept visa applications on behalf of IRCC. VACs provide the following services:

• Assist with completing application forms
• Collect biometric information (fingerprints and photo)
• Submit applications and supporting documents to the visa office
• Collect passports and approved visas

Using a VAC is mandatory in some countries, while in others it is optional. The IRCC website lists the VACs available in each country and whether their use is mandatory or not.

Courier Service

If you are submitting a paper application by mail, IRCC recommends using a courier service that provides proof of delivery. This ensures your application reaches the visa office and provides tracking information.Some visa offices may require you to use a specific courier service. Check the IRCC website for any courier requirements for your visa office.

In-Person Submission

In some cases, you may be able to submit your visa application in person at the visa office or a VAC in your country. However, in-person submission is not available in most countries and is generally only an option for certain visa types.Check the IRCC website to see if in-person submission is available for your visa type and country. If so, you will need to make an appointment before visiting the visa office or VAC.Regardless of how you submit your application, be sure to include all required forms, documents, and fees. Incomplete applications will be returned, causing delays. The IRCC website provides detailed checklists of what to include for each visa type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit my visa application to any Canadian embassy or consulate?
No, you must submit your application to the visa office designated for your country of residence. The visa office may be located at a Canadian embassy, consulate, or high commission. Check the IRCC website for the correct visa office address.

Is it better to apply online or by mail?
Applying online is generally faster and more convenient, as your application is submitted directly to IRCC. Paper applications sent by mail must be processed by the visa office before being forwarded to IRCC, which can add time to the processing. However, not all visa types allow online applications, so mail may be your only option in some cases.

How do I know if I need to use a Visa Application Centre?
The IRCC website indicates whether VACs are available in your country and if their use is mandatory or optional. If VACs are available but not mandatory, you can choose to submit your application directly to the visa office by mail instead.

Can I submit my application to a VAC in a different country than where I live?
No, you must submit your application to a VAC in your country of residence. VACs are not able to accept applications from people living in other countries.

Is there a fee to use a Visa Application Centre?
Yes, VACs charge a service fee in addition to the visa application fee. The VAC service fee varies by country. You must pay both the VAC fee and the visa application fee when submitting your application through a VAC.

How do I know if my application was received by the visa office?
If you applied online, you will receive a confirmation email from IRCC. For paper applications sent by mail, you should receive a letter from the visa office acknowledging receipt of your application. If you used a courier service, you can also track your package to confirm delivery.

What if I need to submit additional documents after applying?
If IRCC requires additional documents from you after you have applied, they will contact you with instructions on how to submit them. This may involve uploading documents online, mailing them to the visa office, or submitting them through a VAC, depending on the visa type and country.

Can I check the status of my application online?
Yes, you can check the status of your visa application online through the IRCC Secure Portal if you applied online. For paper applications, you can check the status on the IRCC website using your application number and other personal details. However, IRCC advises that online status checks may not always be up-to-date.

How long does it take to process a visa application?
Processing times vary depending on the visa type and country. You can find the current processing times for each visa category on the IRCC website. Applying online and submitting all required documents upfront can help reduce processing times.

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