In response to changing COVID-19 conditions, a select number of Canadian Visa Application Centres (VACs) are beginning to reopen. The majority remain closed but as of June 11, 2020, the following centres have opened with limited operations:

1. Tel Aviv, Israel
2. Erbil, Iraq
3. Vienna, Austria
4. Düsseldorf, Germany
5. Abu Dhabi, UAE
6. Tokyo, Japan
7. Osaka, Japan
8. The Hague, Netherlands
9. Rome, Italy

Limited services

All VACs are operating with limited services. VACs are primarily providing services for the following:

• Biometrics collection for Biometric Instruction Letter holders only
• Return of decision envelopes to applicants

It is important to remember that Canada still has a ban on all non-essential travel. Anyone who is travelling to Canada must self-isolate for 14 days. Reopening some VACs now will help expedite non-essential travellers applications when the restrictions are eventually lifted. 

To find information for the VAC closest to you, click here. 

Expect increased health and safety measures

Common health and safety measures implemented at VACs may include:

• Use of hand sanitizer by staff and clients
• Limiting the number of people allowed inside the VAC at any given time
• Checking the temperature of staff and clients
• Use of gloves, face masks and face shields by staff
• Frequent cleaning of the VAC

What is a Visa Application Centre

Visa application centres (VACs) are private companies that have formal contracts with the Government of Canada. 

VACs are located around the world, speak local languages, and provide the following services:

1. Send your applications and passport to the visa office
2. Serve as official locations to give your biometrics (fingerprints and a photo)