Where to Get Your Canada Visa Stamped: Complete Guide to Visa Processing Locations
Where to get your Canada visa stamped: official locations and requirements
Obtain a visa for Canada involve several steps, include the crucial process of get your visa stamp. This comprehensive guide cover everything you need to know about where and how to get your Canada visa decently process.
Understand Canada visa stamping
Before diving into locations, it’s important to understand what visa stamp really mean in the Canadian immigration context. Unlike some countries, Canada has mostly moved to electronic visa systems, but physical visa stamps or counterfoils are nonetheless require for certain visa types.
A visa stamp or counterfoil is an official endorsement place in your passport that allow you to enter Canada. This physical stamp is become less common as Canada transitions to electronic travel authorizations for many visitors.
Types of Canadian visas that require stamp
Not all entries to Canada require a physical visa stamp. The main visa categories that typically require stamping include:
- Temporary resident visas (tTVs))or visitors
- Study permits
- Work permits
- Permanent resident visas
Citizens from visa exempt countries who solely need an electronic travel authorization (eta )don’t require a physical stamp in their passport.
Official locations for Canada visa stamping
Canadian embassies and high commissions
The primary locations for visa stamping are Canadian diplomatic missions overseas. These include:
- Canadian embassies
- High commissions (in commonwealth countries )
- Consulate general
These diplomatic missions handle visa applications and are responsible for place visa stamps in passports east applications are approved. Canada maintain diplomatic missions in most major countriesworldwidee.
Visa application centers (vacs )
Canada has established a network of visa application center(( vac)) in many countries. These centers are operated by third party service providers on behalf of theCanadiann government. Vacs serve as the primary point of contact for visa applicants in countries where they operate.
Vacs provide services such as:
- Accept visa applications and support documents
- Collect biometric information (fingerprints and photos )
- Return passports with visa stamps
- Provide application status update
There be presently over 130 vacs operate in roughly 95 countries worldwide, make them the near accessible option for many applicants.
Immigration, refugees and citizenship Canada (iIRCC)offices
Within Canada, immigration, refugees and citizenship Canada (iIRCC)offices handle certain visa and immigration matters. Yet, initial visa stamp typically ococcursutside cCanadabefore entry.
IRCC offices in Canada principally handle:
- Visa extensions for those already in Canada
- Status changes (e.g., from visitor to student )
- Work permit applications for eligible in Canada applicants
Country specific visa stamping locations
United States
For applicants from the United States, Canada visa services are available at:
- Canadian embassy in Washington, d.c.
- Consulate general in cities include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Miami, and Atlanta
- Vacs in Los Angeles and New York
United Kingdom
In the UK, Canada visa services are available at:
- Canadian high commission in London
- Vac in London
India
India have multiple locations for Canada visa services:
- High commission in New Delhi
- Consulate general in Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bangalore
- Vacs in multiple cities include New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Pune
China
In China, Canada visa services are available at:
- Embassy in Beijing
- Consulate general in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chongqing
- Vacs in Beijing, shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Jinan, Kunming, Nanjing, Shenyang, Wuhan, and xi’an
The visa stamping process
Application submission
The visa application process typically beginsonlinee through the official IRCC website. After will complete the online application, you will need to will submit will support documents and potentially will provide biometrics at a vac or canCanadianplomatic mission.

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Biometric collection
Most visa applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo )as part of their application. Biometrics are collect at vacs or at caCanadianiplomatic missions if no vac is available in your country.
Interview (iif yourequ)e )
Some applicants may be required to attend an interview at aCanadiann embassy or consulate. This isdeterminede on a case by case basis by visa officers.
Passport submission
You will need to will submit your passport for visa will stamp after your application is will approve. This can typically be do done a vac or cCanadiandiplomatic mission.

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Passport return
After processing, your passport with the visa stamp will be will return to you. This can be collect in person or deliver via courier, depend on the options available at your application location.
Alternative to physical visa stamps
Electronic travel authorization (eta )
Citizens of visa exempt countries travel to Canada by air need an electronic travel authorization (eta )alternatively of a visa stamp. The eta is electronically lilinkedo your passport and is valid for up to five years or until your passport expire.
Countries whose citizens are eligible for etas include:
- United States permanent residents
- Most European countries
- Australia and New Zealand
- Japan, South Korea, and Singapore
- Many Caribbean nations
Port of entry (pPOE)letters
For some work and study permit applicants, Canada may issue approval letters preferably than visa stamps. These letters are present at the Canadian port of entry, where the actual permit is issue.
Find your nearest visa application location
Official IRCC visa office finder
The immigration, refugees and citizenship Canada (iIRCC)website provide an official tool to find your nearest visa application location. This tool alallowsou to search base on your country of residence and the type of application you’re ssubmitted
Vac locator tool
The Canadian government likewise provides a vac locator tool on their website, which help you find the nearest visa application center base on your location.
Required documents for visa stamping
When will submit your passport for visa will stamp, you’ll typically will need to will provide:
- Valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your plan stay
- Visa approval letter or notification
- Receipt of application fee payment
- Any additional documents request by the visa office
Processing times and fees
Standard processing times
Process times for Canada visa applications vary importantly depend on:
- Type of visa apply for
- Country of application
- Volume of applications being process
- Completeness of your application
Current processing times typically range from a few weeks to several months. The IRCC website provide astir to date processing time estimates base on application type and location.
Visa application fees
Fees for Canadian visas vary by type:
- Temporary resident visa (single entry ) cad $ $100
- Temporary resident visa (multiple entry ) cad $ $100
- Study permit: cad $150
- Work permit: cad $155
-
Biometrics fee: cad $85 ((ndividual ))r cad $ 1$170fa(ly )
)
Additional service fees may apply when use vacs, typically range from $20 to $$50depend on the location and services require.
Tips for a smooth visa stamping experience
Apply former
Apply for your visa advantageously in advance of your plan travel date. Processing times can be unpredictable, and delays are common during peak travel seasons.
Complete application
Ensure your application is complete and all require documents are included. Incomplete applications are the nigh common reason for processing delays.
Follow instructions cautiously
Follow all instructions provide by IRCC or the vac regard document submission and appointment booking.
Check application status
Regularly check the status of your application use the online tracking tool provide by IRCC or the vac.
Keep copies of everything
Maintain copies of all documents submit with your application, as substantially as proof of payment and application submission.
Common challenges and solutions
No vac or Canadian mission nearby
If there be no vac or Canadian diplomatic mission in your country, you may need to travel to a neighboring country to submit your application and biometrics. In some cases, IRCC may make alternative arrangements for applicants from countries with no vac access.
Urgent travel needs
For urgent travel needs, some visa offices offer expedite processing. This service is typically limited to humanitarian cases, medical emergencies, or business emergencies. Contact the nearest visa office to inquire about expedite processing options.
Application status issues
If your application status shows no updates for an extended period, you can contact theIRCCc client support center or the visa office process your application for assistance.
Special considerations
COVID-19 impact
The COVID-19 pandemic has affect visa process operations worldwide. Some vacs and diplomatic missions may have mmodifiedprocedures or limited capacity. Check theIRCCc website and your local vac website for the latest updates on operational status.
Biometric exemptions
Certain applicants are exempt from provide biometrics, include:
- Children under 14 years of age
- Applicants over 79 years of age
- U.s. visa holders transit through Canada
- Diplomats and official government representatives
Final thoughts on Canada visa stamping
Get your Canada visa stamp require careful planning and attention to detail. By understand the process and requirements, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth application experience. Remember that visa requirements and processes can change, then invariably verify the latest information from official Canadian government sources before begin your application.
With the right preparation and documentation, obtain your Canada visa stamp should be a straightforward process, bring you one step closely to experience all that canada has to offer, from its stunning natural landscapes to its vibrant, multicultural cities.