Top 5 Canadian Visa Centres [2025-2026 Guide]

Planning your Canadian immigration journey involves understanding where and how to submit your application. While many applications move online, Visa Application Centres (VACs) remain crucial service points for biometric collection and application support. These centres act as the bridge between applicants and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), providing essential services while maintaining secure document handling.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about Canadian visa centres—what they are, which applications require them, and how to use them effectively. We'll cover the top global VAC locations, services offered, and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you're applying for a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit, understanding the VAC system will streamline your immigration process.

What is a Canadian Visa Application Centre?

Canadian Visa Application Centres are official service points managed by private companies under contract with IRCC to handle administrative aspects of visa applications. According to IRCC's official website, VACs provide secure transmission of documents to visa offices, application assistance, and biometric collection services. Importantly, VAC staff don't make decisions on applications—that authority remains with IRCC officers.

Key facts about VACs:

• Operated by private companies like VFS Global and others under IRCC contract
• Available in most countries where Canada receives significant applications
• Provide application support but don't make visa decisions
• Offer additional services for convenience (photocopying, photography, SMS updates)
• Charge service fees beyond the standard government application fees

Which Canadian Applications Require Visa Centres?

You'll typically use VACs for temporary residence applications rather than permanent residence processes. The most common applications processed through VACs include visitor visas, study permits, and work permits. According to IRCC's official temporary residence guidelines, most permanent residence applications are submitted electronically through the Express Entry system or provincial nominee portals.

Common applications using VACs:

• Visitor visas (temporary resident visas)
• Study permits (including extensions in some cases)
• Work permits (both employer-specific and open work permits)
• Visitor record extensions (when applying from outside Canada)
• Travel document applications for permanent residents

For permanent residence applications like Express Entry, you'll typically submit documents online and may only visit a VAC if requested for biometrics or an interview. Understanding which pathway applies to your situation is crucial—our Immigration Success Predictor can help clarify your optimal application strategy based on your specific profile.

Where Are Canadian Visa Centres Located?

Canada maintains VACs in most countries through service providers like VFS Global. These centres are strategically located in cities with high application volumes, making them accessible to most applicants. According to IRCC's official VAC page, there are over 150 VAC locations worldwide, with particularly strong networks in India, China, Philippines, Brazil, and Nigeria.

Top global VAC locations by region:

• Asia: New Delhi, Mumbai, Beijing, Shanghai, Manila, Islamabad
• Europe: London, Paris, Berlin, Moscow, Kyiv
• Africa: Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Cairo, Casablanca
• Americas: São Paulo, Mexico City, Bogotá, Buenos Aires

Before visiting any centre, always check the official IRCC website for current locations and operating hours, as these can change. Many VACs require appointments for biometrics collection, which you can schedule through the IRCC website after submitting your application.

What Services Do Visa Centres Provide?

VACs offer both mandatory and optional services to support your application process. The core service involves securely transmitting your application and supporting documents to the appropriate IRCC office. According to Service Canada's official resources, VACs also provide biometric collection services, which have become mandatory for most applicants from outside Canada.

Standard VAC services include:

• Application submission assistance (checking for completeness)
• Biometric collection (fingerprints and photograph)
• Secure document transmission to IRCC offices
• Passport return services after visa processing
• Application status updates through various channels

Optional premium services (additional fees apply):

• SMS alerts for application status changes
• Photocopying and photography services
• Courier services for document delivery
• Dedicated assistance for complex applications

While VAC staff can help ensure your application is complete, they cannot provide immigration advice or guarantee approval. For strategic guidance on strengthening your application, consider consulting Evola AI's immigration mentor, which provides 24/7 access to immigration expertise at a fraction of traditional legal costs.

How Much Do Visa Centre Services Cost?

Using VACs involves both government fees and service charges that vary by location and services required. The biometric fee itself is CAD $85 for individual applicants or CAD $170 for families applying together, payable to the Canadian government. According to IRCC's official fee schedule, VACs charge additional service fees that typically range from $20-$50 depending on the country and services selected.

Typical VAC cost breakdown:

• Biometric fee: CAD $85 per person or $170 per family (government fee)
• VAC service fee: Varies by location (typically $20-$50)
• Optional services: SMS updates ($2-$5), photocopying ($1-$2 per page)
• Courier fees: If you want documents returned to your address

Remember that these fees are separate from your actual visa application fees. For example, a visitor visa application costs CAD $100, plus biometric fees, plus VAC service charges. Understanding the full cost picture helps avoid surprises—our CRS Calculator can help estimate total costs for economic immigration programs where applicable.

What is the Difference Between VACs and IRCC Offices?

Understanding the distinction between VACs and IRCC offices prevents confusion during your application process. VACs are service providers that handle administrative tasks and biometric collection, while IRCC offices house immigration officers who make actual decisions on applications. According to the Government of Canada's official immigration portal, all visa decisions are made by IRCC officers, not VAC staff.

Key differences:

• VACs: Collect applications/biometrics, provide status updates, return passports
• IRCC offices: Process applications, make decisions, conduct interviews
• VACs: Located in countries outside Canada
• IRCC offices: Located in Canada and some major international cities
• VAC staff: Provide administrative support only
• IRCC officers: Make legal decisions on applications

This distinction is important because VAC staff cannot answer questions about application processing times or decision rationale. For those insights, you would need to contact IRCC directly or consult resources that track processing trends, like Evola AI's policy alert system which monitors IRCC announcement patterns to help applicants anticipate changes.

How Do I Prepare for a Visa Centre Appointment?

Proper preparation ensures your VAC visit goes smoothly and avoids delays. The most important step is bringing all required documents, including your passport, application forms, photographs, fee receipts, and any supporting documents specific to your application type. According to IRCC's document checklist tool, missing or incomplete documents are among the most common reasons for application delays.

Essential preparation steps:

1. Complete your application form accurately and sign where required
2. Pay all applicable fees online and print receipts
3. Gather supporting documents (financial proofs, employment letters, etc.)
4. Bring original passport with at least 2 blank pages
5. Obtain biometric instruction letter (if applicable)
6. Schedule appointment through official channels

Additional tips for success:

• Arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment
• Dress appropriately for your biometric photograph
• Bring payment methods for any additional services
• Keep a copy of all submitted documents for your records
• Verify specific requirements for your VAC location in advance

If you're unsure about document requirements, Evola AI's document review service can help identify potential issues before submission, potentially saving weeks of processing delays.

What Are Common Visa Centre Mistakes to Avoid?

Several avoidable mistakes can complicate your VAC experience and potentially affect your application. The most significant error is missing your biometric appointment without rescheduling—this can lead to application refusal. According to processing guidelines on IRCC's website, applicants have 30 days to provide biometrics after receiving the instruction letter, but VAC availability can sometimes limit this window.

Common VAC mistakes:

• Missing appointments without proper cancellation/rescheduling
• Bringing incomplete applications or missing supporting documents
• Forgetting the biometric instruction letter (required for collection)
• Not verifying VAC-specific requirements before visiting
• Assuming VAC staff can provide immigration advice (they cannot)

Proactive strategies to avoid issues:

• Double-check document checklists specific to your application type
• Confirm VAC location and operating hours before visiting
• Keep copies of all submitted documents and payment receipts
• Use tracking services to monitor application status
• Seek professional advice for complex situations before submission

For applicants navigating these requirements, our CLB Converter tool can help ensure language test results are properly aligned with immigration requirements, eliminating another common source of application issues.

Can I Avoid Using a Visa Centre Entirely?

Some applicants can complete their entire application process without visiting a VAC, depending on their situation and application type. According to IRCC's digital transformation initiative, most permanent residence applications (including Express Entry) are submitted entirely online, with biometrics collected only if requested after preliminary approval. Even some temporary residence applications can be submitted online when VACs aren't available in your region.

Situations where VACs might be avoidable:

• Permanent residence applications (typically submitted online)
• Applicants with previous biometrics still valid (good for 10 years)
• Citizens of biometric-exempt countries (check IRCC website for current list)
• Applications from within Canada (biometrics at Service Canada locations)
• When VACs are temporarily closed (special measures may apply)

However, most applicants from outside Canada will need to visit a VAC at some point, particularly for biometric collection. The key is understanding your specific requirements rather than assuming you can bypass the system. Evola AI's eligibility assessment can clarify your specific VAC requirements based on your citizenship, application type, and location.

How Do Visa Centres Impact Processing Times?

Using VACs adds logistical steps but doesn't necessarily increase processing times when properly managed. According to IRCC's processing time tool, the clock starts when your complete application reaches the decision-making office, not the VAC. However, delays can occur if you miss biometric appointments or submit incomplete applications that require follow-up.

Factors affecting VAC-related timing:

• VAC appointment availability in your region (can vary seasonally)
• Time for documents to reach IRCC office from VAC (typically 2-5 days)
• Biometric validation time once collected (usually 24-48 hours)
• Passport return time after visa decision (depends on courier/collection choice)

To minimize delays:

• Schedule biometric appointments as soon as you receive the instruction letter
• Choose courier services for faster document transmission when available
• Opt for SMS updates to receive status notifications promptly
• Ensure your application is complete before submission to avoid requests for additional information

Understanding these timing elements helps set realistic expectations. While VACs add steps to the process, they exist to make application submission more accessible worldwide rather than to create unnecessary bureaucracy.

---

Navigating Canadian visa centres doesn't need to be complicated when you understand their purpose and procedures. These service points exist to make the application process more accessible worldwide, providing secure document handling and essential biometric services. By preparing thoroughly, understanding fee structures, and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure your VAC experience supports rather than hinders your Canadian immigration goals.

Remember that while VACs handle administrative tasks, the actual decision-making rests with IRCC officers. Submitting a strong, complete application remains the most important factor in your success. For personalized guidance on your specific situation, explore Evola AI's comprehensive immigration platform featuring real-time policy updates, document review services, and 24/7 expert guidance to streamline your Canadian journey.