Effective 03 November 2018, prior appointment is mandatory for Biometric Enrolment at the Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC) in New Zealand. Depending on your nationality, you may already need to give biometrics.
Since July 31, 2018 – applicants from Europe, Middle East and Africa
Starting December 31, 2018 – applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas
To find out if you need to give biometrics, please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp
Please note that appointments are mandatory in order to enroll biometrics at the Visa Application Centre. A planned visit with a preferred time slot at the Visa Application Centre guarantees prompt service thus eliminating longer waiting time resulting in inconvenience.
Please note, for the sole purpose of scheduling appointment VFS Global will collect Personal Information from the applicant. A consent form to this regard will be required from the applicant.
Temporary resident visa, study and work permit applicants only need to give biometrics once every 10 years
Read complete information on the visa/permit requirements on IRCC website and download the appropriate application forms and checklist relevant to the purpose of your visit. Please refer to the “Prepare Your Application” page to obtain details on visas/permits.
Fill out the application form electronically Completed Forms (including the barcoded sheets) are to be printed on a white, bond quality, non-glossy paper, using a laser printer.
Please ensure that 2D barcode is printed clearly and on high quality paper. Downloaded and hand-written forms will not be accepted.
If an applicant is unable to complete a paper application by themselves and require assistance to do so, they can avail VFS Global’s chargeable Assisted Service – Paper Application, at the Visa Application Centre. Service is available for both biometric and non-biometric applicants.
Applicants will be required to complete a Visa Application Centre consent form for Assisted Service – Paper Application.
Using the centre’s self-service workstation, the staff will provide assistance in filling out the paper application form by transcribing the applicant’s responses and entering the data accordingly. Applicants are requested to check the accuracy of the transcribed data before signing the application form.
If you prefer to fill out the form at the Visa Application Centre, our self-service workstation is available at an hourly charge.
Please visit the Additional Service page for more information.
Complete supporting documents as per the IRCC document checklist relevant to the visa category
If you are unable to provide all the supporting documents as mentioned in the official IRCC document checklist, you are required to fill out and sign a waiver form and attach it with your application. Please note, failure to provide the requested documents as stated in the IRCC document checklist may result in additional delays or refusal of your application for a visa, permit or travel document.
Read the Privacy Policy, fill out the VFS Global Consent Form and attach it with your application.
Important: If a completed and signed VFS Global consent form is not included with the application, we will NOT be able to assist you, and your application will be returned.
If you are NOT REQUIRED to submit biometrics, visit your local Canada Visa Application Centre along with your passport, photographs, completed forms, the Government of Canada Fee, and all the supporting prelisted in the IRCC document checklist. Applicable Visa Application Centre service charges for package transmission and Assisted Service – Paper application will be charged to you at the time of the application submission.
If you are REQUIRED to submit biometrics, prior appointment is mandatory for biometric enrolment.
Please note that appointments are mandatory in order to enrol biometrics at the Visa Application Centre. A planned visit with a preferred time slot at the Visa Application Centre guarantees prompt service thus eliminating longer waiting time resulting in inconvenience.
Important Note: If you need to give your biometrics, the biometric fee of CAD85 covers the Canada Visa Application Centre service charge for Package Transmission. Charges for additional services are not included
On your appointment date (if applicable), please arrive at the Visa Application Centre with the appointment letter 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time.
Please bring your completed and printed application forms, supporting documents, Government of Canada fee payment receipt, original passport and two copies of the passport bio data page.
If you are not required to submit biometrics, please visit the Visa Application Centre during business hours.
Once you are at the CVAC, your application and biometric (if applicable) will be collected. Pay the applicable Visa Application Centre service charges and obtain a receipt. This receipt contains your unique tracking number which you will need to track the progress of your application online.
Important Note: If you need to provide biometrics, your CAD85 biometric fee covers the CVAC service charge for application handling.
Effective 03 November 2018, prior appointment is mandatory for Biometric Enrolment at the Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC) in New Zealand. Depending on your nationality, you may already need to give biometrics.
Since July 31, 2018 – applicants from Europe, Middle East and Africa
Starting December 31, 2018 – applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas
To find out if you need to give biometrics, please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp
Please note that appointments are mandatory in order to enroll biometrics at the Visa Application Centre. A planned visit with a preferred time slot at the Visa Application Centre guarantees prompt service thus eliminating longer waiting time resulting in inconvenience.
Applicants requesting emergency appointments for the purpose of biometric collection may do so provided suitable proof of the emergency is presented at the time of the appointment. Suitable proof may include a note or other documentation from an official. Please note that this proof only needs to be presented and will not be collected by the VAC, and that this will provide an emergency biometric appointment but not affect IRCC’s processing time for the application. For any further information or questions, the Contact Centre is able to assist with any inquiries.
Please click here to Schedule an Appointment
It is advised that you keep your hands henna-free at the time of your Biometric Appointment to ensure unimpeded biometric enrollment. Non-compliant applicants will be asked to visit the Visa Application Centre with a fresh appointment after 30 calendar days. Kindly adhere to this requirement to avoid delays and multiple visits to the centre.
Complete instructions on how to submit a visa application via E-Application can be found on the IRCC website “Apply Online”.
Applicants who are REQUIRED to submit biometrics after successfully submitting an E-Application will receive a notification in a form of a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). Upon receipt of the BIL, you will be required to visit the Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics.
If you are REQUIRED to submit biometrics, prior appointment is mandatory for biometric enrolment.
Once an appointment is scheduled, an appointment letter will be generated along with a reference number.
The appointment letter will provide details of the date, time and location of the appointment, along with other relevant information regarding security at the centre, additional services, etc.
If you are NOT REQUIRED to submit biometrics, please wait for the decision of your application and check your MyCIC account for further instructions.
On the date of your appointment (if applicable) please arrive at the centre 15 minutes prior to your appointed time.
Please bring your original passport, appointment letter, and Biometric Instruction Letter.
Upon completion of biometric enrolment, you will be provided a receipt confirming that your biometric has been collected at the Canada Visa Application Centre.
Once a decision has been taken on your visa application, you will be notified via email to submit your passport through a Passport Request Letter. If you are unsure of emails from IRCC getting delivered to you, please check your my CIC account periodically for updates.
Upon receipt of the Passport Request Letter, please submit your original passport, along with the Passport Request Letter, at the Visa Application Centre.
For complete guidance on how to submit passport and Other Documents , please click here.
Read the complete information on the visa/permit requirements on the IRCC website and download the application form and checklist relevant to the purpose of your visit. Please refer to the “VISA TYPES” page to obtain details on visa/permit categories.
Effective 03 November 2018, prior appointment is mandatory for Biometric Enrolment at the Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC) in New Zealand. Depending on your nationality, you may already need to give biometrics.
Since July 31, 2018 – applicants from Europe, Middle East and Africa
Starting December 31, 2018 – applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas
To find out if you need to give biometrics, please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp
Please note that appointments are mandatory in order to enroll biometrics at the Visa Application Centre. A planned visit with a preferred time slot at the Visa Application Centre guarantees prompt service thus eliminating longer waiting time resulting in inconvenience.
It is advised that you keep your hands henna-free at the time of your Biometric Appointment to ensure unimpeded biometric enrollment. Non-compliant applicants will be asked to visit the Visa Application Centre with a fresh appointment after 30 calendar days. Kindly adhere to this requirement to avoid delays and multiple visits to the centre.
If you are mailing in your application package to a Visa Application Centre, please use the biometric validity tool to check if you are required to enroll biometrics at a VAC (Click here).
Once you receive a notification to enroll biometrics, please ensure you schedule and appear for an appointment within 10 working days at the same VAC where you have mailed your application
If you opt to Mail-In your application, please ensure that the Application package includes:
It is advised that you keep your hands henna-free at the time of your Biometric Appointment to ensure unimpeded biometric enrollment. Non-compliant applicants will be asked to visit the Visa Application Centre with a fresh appointment after 30 calendar days. Kindly adhere to this requirement to avoid delays and multiple visits to the centre.
If you are mailing in your application package to a Visa Application Centre, please use the biometric validity tool to check if you are required to enroll biometrics at a VAC ( Click here).
Once you receive a notification to enroll biometrics, please ensure you schedule and appear for an appointment within 10 working days at the same VAC where you have mailed your application
Read the complete information on the visa/permit requirements on IRCC website and download the application form and checklist relevant to the purpose of your visit. Please refer to the “Prepare Your Application” page to obtain details on visas/permits
Fill out the application form electronically. Completed forms (including the barcoded sheets) are to be printed on a white non-glossy quality bond paper using a laser jet printer. Please ensure that 2D barcode is clearly printed and on high quality paper. Downloaded and hand-written forms will not be accepted.
Complete supporting documents as per the IRCC document checklist relevant to your visa category.
If you are unable to provide all the supporting documents as mentioned in the official IRCC document checklist, you are required to fill out and sign a waiver form and attach it with your application. Please note, failure to provide the requested documents as stated in the IRCC document checklist may result in additional delays or refusal of your application for a visa, permit or travel document.
It is recommended that you provide supporting documents as listed on the official IRCC document checklist, failure to do so may result in additional delays or refusal of your Visa, Permit, or Travel Document application.
If you are unable to provide all the supporting documents as mentioned in the checklist, you are required to fill out and sign the waiver form and attach it to your application.
Read the Privacy Policy, fill out the VFS Global Consent Form and attach it with your application form.
Important: If a completed and signed VFS consent form is not included with the application, we will NOT be able to assist you, and your application will be pending until the VFS Global Consent Form is completed and submitted.
Pay the Government of Canada and biometric fees (if required) as instructed on the IRCC website Pay your fees
Pay required Canada Visa Application Centre Service Charge, and any additional Canada Visa Application Centre services fees, as per the Service Charge Schedule provided on the CVAC Website.
If you are NOT REQUIRED to submit biometrics, applicable VAC service charges for package transmission and Assisted Service – Paper Application must be paid over and above the charges for any optional services availed at the Canada Visa Application Centre .
Payment Instructions for VFS Global Service Charges:
Important: If your application is received without the correct payment for Canada Visa Application Centre service charges, we will not be able to assist you and your application will be held pending until the Visa Application Centre service charges are paid.
Note: If you need to provide your biometrics, the biometric fee of CAD85 covers the Canada Visa Application Centre service charge for Package Transmission. Service charges for additional services are not covered.
For the complete list of Visa Application Centre service charges, please check Service Charge and Service Schedule
Arrange forms and documents according to the IRCC checklist.
Complete and sign the Canada Visa Application Centre Mail-in Application Checklist, Ensure you include it along with the application(s).
Choose if you would prefer to have your processed documents sent to you via courier, or returned to the Visa Application Centre to be picked up by you or an authorized representative.
Document collection or delivery after processing of your application by the Canadian Visa Office:
Mail in or courier your completed and signed application forms and supporting documents as per checklists, along with a copy of your valid passport, recent photographs, confirmation of the Government of Canada Fee payment, biometrics fee (if applicable) and VFS Global service fee charges via Bank Draft/ Bank Cheque
Place all in a sealed envelope and send to
Canada Visa Application Centre
Level 11,
Huawei Centre,
120 Albert Street,
Auckland 1010, New Zealand
You will receive an email notification containing your application tracking ID from the Canada Visa Application Centre within two (2) working days of the receipt of your application.
Please note that appointments are mandatory in order to enrol biometrics at the Visa Application Centre. A planned visit with a preferred time slot at the Visa Application Centre guarantees prompt service thus eliminating longer waiting time resulting in inconvenience. You can schedule an appointment – click here
If the deficiency pertains to an incorrect application form or details therein, the applicant will have the option to send a correct and completed application form, or avail the additional service at the Visa Application Centre for Assisted – Paper Application, or complete the form themselves using the self-service workstation.
For complete details please check Additional Services offered at the Visa Application Centre.
If the deficiency pertains to Government of Canada fee payment or biometrics fee (if applicable) the applicant has the option to mail-in the correct Government of Canada fee and biometrics fee confirmation receipt generated from the IRCC payment portal to the Visa Application Centre
If the deficiency pertains to CVAC service charges and additional Service charges, applicant will have the option to mail-in the correct fee payment in the form of a Bank draft, or pay the fee in cash at the Visa Application Centre at the time of the biometrics appointment.
If biometrics is not required, the applicant can either visit the centre him/herself; mail-in the Visa Application Centre fee payment in the form of a Bank Draft.
For complete instructions on how to pay the Visa Application Centre service charge, please check Service and Service Charge Schedule
If you have received a notification from the Government of Canada requesting for your passport, you have either:
Applied online as E-app or;
You are a Permanent Resident applicant whose application has been finalized and now requires the passport to be submitted.
Your additional documents and/or passport, along with the request letter issued by the IRCC Office may be submitted through the Canada Visa Application Centre of your choice.
You go to the same Canada Visa Application Centre where you initially submitted your biometrics AND have not previously submitted additional documents and/or passport to support your current application through that Canada Visa Application Centre.
Information about the “Package Transmission” service charge is here. Please note that the VFS Consent Form must always be provided when using VAC services.
Important Note: If you mail-in your additional documents and/or passport at the Canada Visa Application Centre without the applicable “Package Transmission” service charge (see above) and/or the VFS Consent Form, this will be considered an incomplete mail-in package. You will need to submit the missing Package Transmission service charge within 10 working days. Failure to receive the Package Transmission service charges within 10 working days will result in the package being returned to you.
You can submit your passport:
Important Note:
In the case of a PR applicant whose application has been finalized and who has been instructed to submit his/her passport, a photograph as per required specifications, and a completed Appendix B might be requested as well. Please check the instructions sent to you for complete information and guidance. Submitting your passport at the VAC entails a service charge of package transmission fee (see above).
Please click here for photograph specification as required by IRCC.
Upon completion of the passport submission process you will be provided a receipt in the form of an Invoice-cum-Receipt (ICR), indicating the total amount paid based on additional services availed at the Visa Application Centre. ICR will likewise contain the application reference number and tracking number which can be used to track the application online
In the case of Mail-in passports, ICR will be inserted in the return decision envelope.
Upon return of the passport from the Canada Visa Office to the Visa Application Centre, applicant may either: