Where to Submit Your Application for a Smooth Process
Discover the Key Locations for Submitting Your Canadian Immigration Application and Streamline Your Path to Success
Summary
Canadian immigration applications can be submitted through multiple channels depending on the program and your location. The most common method is online, using IRCC’s digital portals—such as the IRCC Portal for visitor visas, the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal for most permanent residency and PR cards, and the Express Entry system for skilled-worker programs.
Alternatively, paper applications are submitted via Visa Application Centres (VACs) or directly at Canadian diplomatic missions abroad. VACs collect biometrics and forward your documents securely to IRCC offices, and when VACs are unavailable, consulates, high commissions, and embassies accept paper applications and fee payments outside Canada and the United States.
Within Canada, IRCC uses specialized Case Processing Centres (CPCs) and Centralized Intake Offices (CIOs) located in Edmonton, Mississauga, Ottawa, and Sydney to handle various application types—ranging from study and work permits to permanent residency and citizenship applications. For any application, it’s essential to review the specific program instructions on Canada.ca to determine the correct submission channel.
On This Page You Will Find:
- Overview of Submission Channels
- Online Application Portals
- Paper-Based Submissions: VACs & Consular Offices
- Domestic IRCC Processing Centres
- International Visa Offices & Diplomatic Posts
- Program-Specific Submission Tips
Overview of Submission Channels
How you submit your immigration application depends on the type of application and where you are applying from. IRCC provides clear instructions on Canada.ca under each program’s “How to apply” section. Generally, channels include:
- Online Portals – Secure digital accounts for specific visa and immigration categories.
- Paper-Based via VACs – Submission at Visa Application Centres for overseas applicants.
- Direct Diplomatic Submission – Paper applications at embassies, high commissions, or consulates.
- Domestic IRCC Offices – Specialized processing centres across Canada for paper and in-Canada electronic submissions.
Online Application Portals
IRCC Portal (Visitor Visas)
Applicants for visitor visas, super visas, and transit visas use the IRCC Portal to apply and pay fees online. You create a secure account, fill in forms, upload documents, and track your application status in real time.
Permanent Residence Portal
Most permanent residency programs, including PR cards and travel documents, are processed through the PR Portal. Authorized Paid Representatives use a separate portal. The PR Portal allows digital completion of forms IMM 0008, IMM 5669, IMM 5406, and others, with direct uploads of supporting documents.
Express Entry System
Express Entry manages economic-class skilled-worker applications online. Eligible candidates submit profiles, receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs), and complete full applications through the system. This portal streamlines processing for the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class programs.
Paper-Based Submissions: VACs & Consular Offices
Visa Application Centres (VACs)
VACs are private service providers under contract with IRCC. They collect biometrics (fingerprints and photo), accept paper forms and fees, and securely transmit your passport and documents to IRCC offices. VAC locations span across dozens of countries; if none are in your territory, you may attend any VAC globally.
Diplomatic Missions
Where VAC services are unavailable or for certain citizenship documents, paper applications and payments are submitted directly to Canadian embassies, high commissions, or consulates. This applies to adult citizenship certificates when online payment isn’t possible and for fee submissions outside Canada and the U.S.
Domestic IRCC Processing Centres
IRCC operates multiple domestic centres for processing various immigration and citizenship applications:
- Case Processing Centre (CPC) Edmonton, Alberta – Temporary resident visas, student and work permits, initial permanent residence applications for protected persons and caregivers.
- CPC Mississauga, Ontario – Family sponsorship programs for in-Canada and abroad applicants.
- CPC Ottawa, Ontario – Visitor visas within Canada, permanent resident applications from within Canada and the U.S.
- CPC & CIO Sydney, Nova Scotia – PR card issuance, renewals, work permits under provincial nominee programs, and citizenship applications processing.
- Operations Support Centre (OSC) Ottawa – International Experience work permits, status verifications, online temporary resident applications, and document amendments.
International Visa Offices & Diplomatic Posts
IRCC’s international network includes visa offices, embassies, high commissions, and consular posts that provide visa and immigration services abroad. These offices handle case processing in regions without local CPCs and support VAC operations. You can locate the nearest visa office or VAC on Canada.ca’s “Find a visa application centre” and “Visa offices outside Canada” pages.
Program-Specific Submission Tips
- Always read the specific program’s “How to apply” instructions on Canada.ca for details on required forms, fees, and supporting documents.
- Biometrics appointments must be booked at VACs within 30 days of an IRCC request.
- Payment methods vary: online credit card, pay-in-person at VACs, or consular office instructions when outside Canada/U.S.
- Use the IRCC Help Centre and web forms for technical issues with online portals.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct submission channel is crucial to avoid processing delays. Whether you apply online via the IRCC portals or through paper submissions at VACs or diplomatic missions, always verify program-specific instructions and document checklists on Canada.ca before applying.
