Whether you are travelling to Canada for vacation, to study, work, or just a casual visit, you need a visa except if you are a government diplomat or there is a special condition attached to your visit.
Obtaining a Canadian visa can be seamless if you are familiar with the process but if you are a first-timer, the process can be daunting.
You need to apply, once your visa application is approved, you’ll need to submit your passport for stamping and visa issuance before you can travel to Canada.
Read: How to know if your UK visa is approved
If you are currently processing your application and wondering where to submit your passport, here is where you can submit your passport for a Canadian visa and how to submit it.
This process applies whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, work visa, or study visa.
Where to submit passport for Canada visa
To submit your passport for a Canada visa, you can send it to the Visa Application Centers (VACs) or Application Support Centers (ASCs) close to you.
VACs or ASCs are private companies but they have a contract with the government of Canada so they are authorized to accept visa applications and provide support services during your visa application process.
In some countries, these centres handle the collection of biometrics (fingerprints and photos) as well.
To find the right mailing address and instructions for each visa application centre, you can visit the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Simply access the IRCC website, determine the correct mailing address according to your location, and submit your passport for stamping at the designated visa application centre.
How to locate a visa application office near you?
To locate the visa application centre near you, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to the IRCC official website
Open your web browser and navigate to the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The website URL is https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate.html
Step 2: Search for Contact us
On the page, you will find a bunch of links about travelling to Canada, visa applications, and other Canadian immigration updates.
What we are looking for here is the “Contact Us” page.
It’s located just below the cooperate menu drop bar. Once you find it, click on the page and it will take you to the “visit” page.
Step 3: Find the “visit office” option
Once you are on the “Visit page”, look for the “Find a visa application centre” or “Find an office” option.
This can usually be found in the “Visas and immigration” or “Apply to visit, study, work or immigrate to Canada” section.
Click on the “visit office” option to proceed.
Step 4: Search for the Find your IRCC visa office
On the next page, you will find details about Visa application centres and various submission options available in different locations.
To find the nearest application centre to you, click on the “Find your IRCC visa office” link and you will be redirected to a page where you can search for visa application centres based on your “current” location.
Step 5: Select your country of residence
Depending on the website’s layout, you might need to select your country of residence from a drop-down menu or enter your location in a search box.
It looks like this👇👇👇
After selecting your country or entering your location, click on the “Search” or “Find” button.
The website will then display a list of visa application centres available in or near your location.
Step 6: Review the list
Once the website displays a list of visa application centres near you, review the list and find the one that is nearest to you.
The website should provide the addresses, contact information, and operating hours for each centre.
Step 7: Confirm their services
Once you have identified the nearest visa application centre, check the specific services it offers.
Some centres handle only specific types of visa applications, such as student visas or work visas, so make sure it can process the type of visa you are applying for.
Read: How to switch student visa to work visa in UK
If you have any questions or need further assistance, you can find the contact details of the visa application centre on the website.
Feel free to reach out to them via email or phone for any clarifications.
With the visa application centre’s address and operating hours, you can choose how to submit your passport accordingly.
How do I send my passport for Canada visa stamping?
You can submit your passport to the Visa application centre using different methods: you can do it through the mail, go to the VAC in person, or use a courier.
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Mail Method
Here, you will send your passport together with all the required documents and passport request letter (if applicable) to the Canadian visa application centre through postal services.
Before using this method, you need to confirm from the visa office if they accept passport submissions by mail.
Not all the offices accept by mail so, you need to be sure of the choice you are making.
Some offices will only accept applications in person or through designated channels.
If there is any specified instruction in your passport request letter, then follow it properly.
This method is very convenient if there is no VAC near you or if for whatever reasons, you are unable to visit the visa office in person.
This method will allow you to submit your passport without the need for a physical visit.
The only drawback of this method is that you will not have face-to-face interaction with visa officers, (which isn’t a big deal) and there may be delays in case of any issues with the documents you submitted.
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In-Person Method
In the “in-person” method, you will personally visit the nearest Visa Application Center (VAC) or the Canadian visa office.
If there is no VAC close to you then you have to visit the Canadian embassy in your country to submit your passport and every other required documents.
Before you visit the VAC, check the operating hours and the appointment system of the VAC or visa office/embassy.
You can go further to call them and confirm their working hours, in some offices, you can only come if you schedule an appointment in advance, while others allow walk-in submissions.
This method is the best because it allows you to have direct contact with visa officers, which can be great.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions and get immediate clarifications.
The only challenge with this method is that it requires more time and effort, especially if you have to travel to another city.
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Courier Method
The courier method involves using a reliable and trackable courier service to send your passport and other required documents to the visa office.
This method is similar to the “mail” method. Before you use this method, make sure you confirm that the visa office you are sending your passport to accepts passports delivered through courier service.
You also need to follow the instructions in the passport request letter and make sure to track your passport.
Read: Is it easy to get a scholarship in Canada
This method is great because it combines the convenience of submitting your passport remotely with the security and tracking features of a reliable courier service.
The only drawback of this method is that it involves additional courier fees, and you might still need to coordinate with the visa office to ensure proper receipt of the package.
Any method you use is great, so choose the one that best fits your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I expedite the visa processing time?
Canada does not offer expedited processing for regular visa applications. However, some visa categories, such as Express Entry, have expedited processing options for certain situations.
Can I submit my passport without a visa application?
No, you must have a complete visa application before submitting your passport. Before submitting your passport, ensure that you have all the required documents and forms filled out correctly.
What happens if my passport has expired during the visa processing period?
If your passport expires while your application is being processed, you will be asked to provide a new passport.
You need to keep your passport valid throughout the visa application process.
Can I submit my passport at the airport or Canadian border when arriving in Canada?
No, you must obtain a valid visa before travelling to Canada. Submit your passport through the designated channels before your travel date.
What if I have dual citizenship? Which passport should I submit for the Canada visa?
If you have dual citizenship, you can choose which passport to use for your visa application. Ensure that the chosen passport meets the visa requirements.
Conclusion
Submitting your passport for a Canada visa is a straightforward process, you don’t have to get stressed out just to submit your visa.
You can choose to submit your passport at a Visa Application Center (VAC) in person, through mail, or with the help of a courier company.
Whatever method suits you, ensure you follow the guidelines on your passport request letter where it’s applicable.
If you need any assistance, you can also contact the Canadian authorities through the information provided on their website.
Safe travels!