How to Book an Appointment for a Canada Visa

August 27, 2023

If you are planning to travel to Canada, you need a visa except if you are a government diplomat or you are from a country that is visa-free to Canada. The visa application process involves many stages one of which is booking an appointment for biometric verification.

Getting your visa appointment right is a crucial step to kick-start your journey. And if you don’t know how to book your appointment, this guide will show you exactly how to book an appointment for a Canada visa

How to book an Appointment for a Canada visa

Before anything else, make sure you know the type of visa you need. Is it a tourist visa, a student visa, or maybe a work visa?

Each type might have different requirements and procedures.

You can book an appointment for a Canadian visa in different ways: you can book online, through email, or use the in-person method.

Online method

Create an online account

To book your visa appointment online, head over to the “create an account” section of the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. Create an online account if you don’t have one. This account will be your portal for visa-related activities.

Just think of your online account as setting up a new profile on a social media site. All your visa activities will take place in your profile. You can fill out forms, pay fees, check appointments, and even track your application’s progress. It’s like having an assistant, but digital!

Fill out the application form

After creating your account, you need to log in to your account, once you’re logged in, find the application form for your specific visa type.

Fill out the form, just the same way you fill out a form for a new online account – but a bit more detailed. Make sure you have your passport, travel itinerary, and other necessary documents nearby.

Pay the application fee

Guess what? There’s a fee involved. The cost varies depending on your visa type. It can get to over CAD 150. However, this number can change at any time, so double-check the current fees on the official website.

Choose a visa application center (VAC)

VACs are the places where you’ll have your biometrics taken and submit your documents. The website will guide you to find the nearest VAC to your location.

Book an appointment

Now, the moment you’ve been waiting to book your appointment. The website will show you available dates and times at your chosen VAC. Pick a slot that fits your schedule.

Attend the appointment

On the big day, make sure to bring all your necessary documents – passport, application forms, appointment confirmation, and anything else mentioned on the website.

At the VAC, you’ll have your biometrics (fingerprints and photos) taken. Then you’ll submit your application forms and documents.

After your appointment, you can use your online account to track the progress of your application.

Offline method

To use this method, you need to visit the VAC in person.

Visit a visa application center (VAC)

Find the nearest Visa Application Center to your location. VACs are designated places where you can submit your visa application and make visa-related inquiries.

Aside from submitting your application, you can also book an appointment for biometrics at VACs.

In-Person visit

Visit your chosen VAC in person during their working hours. You’ll interact with the VAC staff directly and receive assistance with your visa application process.

Collect application kit

At the VAC, you’ll receive an application kit. This kit includes all the necessary forms, information, and guidelines for your visa application.

Fill out the application form

Take your time to complete the application forms included in the kit. Ensure that you provide accurate and complete information.

Submit documents

Prepare all required documents as listed in the application kit. The documents include your passport, photographs, application forms, and any supporting documents specific to your visa type (such as invitation letters, travel itineraries, etc.).

Book an appointment

At the VAC, you’ll have the opportunity to book an appointment for submitting your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).

The VAC staff will guide you through the available dates and times.

Attend Biometrics Appointment

On the scheduled appointment day, visit the VAC to provide your biometrics. This step is mandatory for most visa applicants.

Through email

To use this method, you need the official contact of the visa office.

Find official contact information

First, you need to identify the official email address of the visa office, consulate, or embassy responsible for processing visa applications for the country you intend to visit.

You can find this information on the official website of the consulate or embassy.

Compose a formal email

Craft a formal email addressing the appropriate visa office. Use a professional tone and proper etiquette throughout your email.

Include the following information in your email:

Subject line: Choose a clear and concise subject line that indicates the purpose of your email, such as “Visa Appointment Request – [Your Name].”
Salutation: Begin your email with a respectful salutation, addressing the recipient by their appropriate title (e.g., Consular Officer, Visa Officer).
Introduction: Introduce yourself and give a brief explanation of your intent to visit their country. State the type of visa you’re applying for (e.g., tourist, student, work) and mention that you would like to schedule a visa appointment.
Contact information: Include your contact details, such as an active email address and phone number. This will allow the authorities to communicate with you regarding your appointment.
Documents and information: Inquire about any specific documents or information they may require for the appointment booking process.
Request for an appointment: Politely request an appointment for a visa interview or submission of documents. Mention your preferred date and time if applicable, but also express your willingness to adjust your schedule to their availability.
Closing and gratitude: Close your email with a polite closing phrase, expressing your gratitude for their time and assistance. Sign off with your full name.

Proofread and send

Before sending your email, carefully proofread it to ensure that all the information is accurate and well-structured. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors.

Await response

After sending the email, you need to patiently wait for a response from the visa office. Response times can vary, so it’s important to be patient.

Follow instructions

Once you receive a response, carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the visa office. They may provide you with an appointment date and time or request additional documents or information.

Confirm appointment

If an appointment date and time are provided, respond promptly to confirm your attendance. If any further information or documentation is requested, make sure to provide it as per their instructions.

You can use any other method listed here to book your visa appointment, they all produce the same result.

Final Thoughts

Attending an appointment (for biometric collection or other verification) is a necessary visa application step, you can book an appointment online or offline. To book online, you need to access the visa application website, create an account, and book an appointment.

You can also book an appointment offline, to do this, visit the nearest visa application center in person and book your appointment with the authorities.

How to Book an Appointment for a Canada Visa

How to book an Appointment for a Canada visa