uk visit visa appointment canada

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Application for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV)

You need to give your biometrics.

In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply.

Find out who needs to give biometrics and how the new application process works.

Biometrics and the application process

We refer to your fingerprints and photo as biometrics. We collect biometrics for most applications. Find out what happens from when you submit your application to when you get to Canada and where biometrics fits in the process.

1. Apply for your visitor visa, study permit or work permit

If you want to visit, study or work in Canada, make sure you’re eligible to apply. Use our application guides to help fill out your application properly, then submit your application.

Avoid processing delays by sending us a complete application .

2. Get your fingerprints and photo taken

If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you probably need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).You only need to give your biometrics once every 10 years to make repeat trips to Canada easier.

• You must pay the  biometrics fee   when you submit your application.  Otherwise you may experience delays.
• Get this done  as soon as you get the letter  from us that tells you to give biometrics.
• You have  30 days  to do this from the date on the letter.

Find out who needs to give , how to give , and  where to give your biometrics .

COVID-19: Biometrics deadline

Some biometrics collection sites are closed. If the site closest to you is closed, we’ll extend your deadline to give your biometrics. Find out how COVID-19 is affecting biometrics .

3. We process your application

After we get your biometrics, we start processing your application. See how long it takes to process your application.

If we need more information from you, we’ll contact you.

4. We make a decision on your application

When we finish reviewing your application, we let you know if you’re approved to come to Canada. If you are, we issue your documents.

If your application is refused, we send you a letter that tells you why.

5. You travel to Canada (if you’re approved)

Make sure you travel with the documents we gave you. This includes travel documents like a visitor visa, study or work permits or an eTA (electronically linked to your passport).

Airline staff and border service officers at ports of entry will ask to see your travel documents. If you don’t have them, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

Make sure children under 18 travel with the right documents .

6. We check your identity when you arrive in Canada

When you arrive, we check your identity to make sure that you are the same person who was approved to travel to Canada. We may use your biometrics to do this.

If we can’t verify your identity, you may be detained by a border services officer. These officers help protect the health and safety of Canadians.

If the officer determines that you’re not admissible to Canada, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada. If you came by air, you’ll have to take a return flight to where you came from.

7. You’re allowed to enter Canada

If you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements , the border services officer stamps your passport and lets you know how long you can stay in Canada. You’re normally allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months.

Children under 18 must meet the same entry requirements as adults. The border services officer may ask minor children to show other documents depending on whether the child is travelling alone or with someone.

Basic entry requirements

You must meet some basic requirements to enter Canada. You must:

• have a valid travel document, like a passport
• be in good health
• have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
• convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country
• convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
• The amount of money you will need depends on how long you will stay and if you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.

Some people are not admissible to Canada, which means they are not allowed to enter the country. You can be inadmissible for several reasons, including being involved in:

• criminal activity
• human rights violations
• organized crime

You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons.

Find out more about inadmissibility .

Biometrics fee

• Individual  applicant: CAD $85
• Families applying at the same time : maximum total fee of CAD $170
• Groups of 3 or more performing artists and their staff  who apply for work permits at the same time: maximum total fee of $CAD 255

You can apply online or on paper (in specific situations) for:

• visitor visas (also known as temporary resident visas)
• super visas (for parents and grandparents)
• transit visas

Apply online

Before you apply, make sure you need a visa to enter Canada. Find out what document you need to enter Canada .

You must have both of these to apply online:

• access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents to upload
• a valid credit card to pay with

How you apply depends on what you apply for. Select the document you want to apply for to get instructions:

Visitor visa : Option 1 of 3

Apply for a visitor visa

Super visa (for parents and grandparents) : Option 2 of 3

Apply for a super visa

Transit visa : Option 3 of 3

Apply for a transit visa

Apply on paper (in specific situations)

Before you apply , make sure you need a visa to enter Canada. Find out what document you need to enter Canada .

Read the instruction guide to get all the details to apply on paper.

• Instruction Guide 5256

Once you have read the guide, you can prepare your application package. You must select the country or territory from which you will apply to get your local visa office instructions.

Permanent residents of Canada

We do not issue temporary resident visas (TRV) to permanent residents (PR). If you are outside Canada without a valid PR card, you must apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) instead. If you meet the requirements for a PRTD, you can return to Canada as a PR.

If you no longer want to be a PR, or if you know you do not meet the requirements to keep your PR status, you can voluntarily give up (renounce) your PR status to apply for a TRV.

Application for Temporary Resident Visa

You can’t fill out and save the application form using your Internet browser. To use the form, you need to:

• Use your computer (Mac or PC). The form won’t open on mobile devices (iPads, tablets, mobile phones, etc.)
• Install Adobe Reader 10 (or higher)
• Download the PDF file to your computer . Save the file in a place you can remember.
• Make sure you use Adobe Reader to open the form. Sometimes if you try to open the form directly, it will use your Internet browser to try to open it.

Note: If you are applying online , you don’t need to print and sign the form. Leave the signature section empty.

Get the form

• Application for Temporary Resident Visa [IMM 5257] (PDF, 556.66 KB) June 2019

Having issues with the form?

• I can’t open my visa application form in PDF format. What can I do?
• After clicking the “validate” button on my visa application form, nothing happens and I don’t see the barcodes. Why is this happening?

How-to video

Find out if you are eligible

Living in Canada tool

Travelling to the UK this summer for Euro 2020, or to experience the myriad of attractions of Great Britain? Use this step-by-step guide to help you with your visa application.

Step 1: Apply on GOV.UK

Complete your online application form on https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa Remember to apply for your visa well before your travel dates

Step 2: Register with VFS Global to book appointment, choose services

After completing the online form and visa fee payment, you will be redirected to register on the VFS Global website to: Upload documents online and/or choose from a range of convenient and optional visa services. If you do not wish to self-upload documents, you can opt for paid professional guidance with our Document Scanning Assistance service when you visit the Visa Application Centre Book your appointment at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre

Step 3: Review and pay

Once you’ve booked your appointment, you will finally be asked to review and confirm your choices and pay for any services you have selected.

Step 4: Visit the VFS Global Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics

Arrive at the Visa Application Centre 15 minutes before your appointed time. Remember to carry your:

• Appointment confirmation letter
• Document checklist
• Travel & supporting documents (if not uploaded online)

You are now all set to enroll biometrics and complete your application process!

If you have any questions, get in touch via https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/cn/en/contact-vfsglobal .

• Your location: United States   --> Change

UK Visa Application Center in Canada, UK Embassy in Canada

If you need paid support with the uk visa application process and/or consultation on the documents, you can order such service with our visa agency ., contact us today if you need help with a uk visa application, what is visa application center.

UK Visa Application Center is a collection point for your documents and to take biometrics (e.g. fingerprints). The UK Visa Application Center transfers your documents to the UK Embassy in Canada together with your biometric data.

In Canada you can submit your UK visa application in:

• Calgary (an additional fee of $280 is required to apply in this location)
• Edmonton (an additional fee of £76.5 is required to apply in this location)
• Halifax (an additional fee of £76.5 is required to apply in this location)
• Montreal (an additional fee of $280 is required to apply in this location)
• Ottawa (an additional fee of £76.5 is required to apply in this location)
• St Johns (an additional fee of £76.5 is required to apply in this location)
• Vancouver (an additional fee of £76.5 is required to apply in this location)

Risk Assessment

To understand your unique situation, we’ll start by studying your case to discover your chances of being accepted for a UK visa

Professional support

Since 2006, we’ve been successfully securing UK visas for people, just like you! While we don’t know much about visas to other countries, we’re experts in everything surrounding UK visas. After all, we deal with dozens of applications every day. So, yes, we know them inside out.

Documents and samples

We give you the list of all documents and samples needed. This way you know just what to expect. We’ll then check to guarantee if the documents meet the official requirements or not.

Online forms

Forget filling in confusing application forms. It contains a minimum of 100-150 questions and you should be very careful answering them. If you choose our agency to help you with the application, our specialists will be happy to fill in the application form for you .

Book an appointment

We will book an appointment at the UK Visa Application Centre for you at convinient date and time. Just head to the appointment, make photo for visa and submit your fingerprints. And, you’re ready to go!

Upload docs to the Embassy

We organize and upload all your supporting documents directly to the British Embassy. So, you need only passport on appointment.

If you dream of securing a UK visa, contact us now ! We specialise in complex cases and refusals. No matter what your situation is, we can help you.

In United States you can get help with your UK visa application in:

• Atlanta (100 Peachtree Street NW, Suite # 225, Atlanta, GA 30303 )
• Boston (160 Federal Street, Suite #1700 , Boston , MA 02110 )
• Chicago (142 East Ontario St, Suite# 1700, Chicago, IL 60611 )
• Houston (1001 Texas Ave Suite 1020, Floor 10 Houston, TX 77002 )
• Los Angeles (8530 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 420, Beverly Hills, CA, 90211, USA )
• Miami (2655 S Le Jeune Road, Penthouse 1A, Coral Gables, FL 33134 )
• New York (128 East 32nd Street, New York NY, 10016 Fl 4 )
• San Francisco (642 Harrison Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco CA 94107 )
• Seattle (2033 6th Ave, Suite 993, Seattle, WA 98121 )
• Washington (2033 6th Ave, Suite 993, Seattle, WA 98121 )

Our team works exclusively remotely. However, if you would like to get help at an office, feel free to stop by at one of the locations above. Please note: there is no phone you can call for an Application centre to assist you over the phone. You will have to come in person to speak with a staff member.

Anyway, you can always contact our immigration specialists in United States for online help with UK visas

You're not in United States? Select the country where you are now.

We help with all types of UK visas!

• Tourism / family visits
• Students visas
• Business visas
• Join family
• After refusal
• for tourism purposes
• to visit family or friends
• for child accompanied visits
• for study up to 6 months

You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. If you need to visit the UK regularly over a longer period, you can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa that lasts 2, 5 or 10 years.

If you are planning to take a short course of study in the UK, such as English language course, training course, part of an overseas course, a short period of research, medical, veterinary or dentistry electives, you should apply for a Short-term study visa . You can study for up to 6 months (or up to 11 months if you are studying an English language course)

If you are planning to take a full-time below degree or a degree level course of study in the UK school, college or university, you should apply for a Student visa (ex. Tier 4 General). There are some specific requirements for your course, money you need, your knowledge of English and documents you will need to apply for visa.

You can apply for a Business Visa if you want to visit the UK for any of the following reason:

• for exhibitions, conferences meetings and any visits where you have an official invitation
• for sport and entertainment events
• for medical treatment
• for an academic research

You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months (or up to 12 months if you are applying for an academic visit ). If you need to visit the UK regularly over a longer period, you can apply for a long-term Business visa that lasts 2, 5 or 10 years.

• Fiancee visa (or Settlement Marriage visa) - the applicant to come to the UK for up to 6 months, register a marriage and apply for a Settlement Spouse visa within the UK.
• Spouse visa - If you have already registered your marriage to a UK national you can apply for a Spouse visa, which is issued for 2.5 years and includes the right to work. It can be extended once in the UK and lead to an ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and UK citizenship.
• EEA Family Permit / EU Settlement Scheme family permit - if your spouse is living and working in the UK and is an EU national but does not have UK citizenship.
• Unmarried partners visa - if you are not married officially to a UK national but have lived together for two years.
• Same-sex partners visa - If you are same-sex partners, have already registered your marriage to a UK national or for unmarried partners, if you have lived together for two years.
• Dependant child visa (or Settlement Child visa) - if you want to bring your dependant child to the UK.
• General work visa (Tier 2) can be applied for if the applicant has been offered a skilled job in the UK.
• Temporary Worker visa (Tier 5) - includes Charity Worker visa, Creative and Sporting visa, Government Authorised Exchange visa, International Agreement visa, Religious Worker visa, Seasonal Worker visa, Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
• Permitted Paid Engagement visa - if you are invited to the UK as an expert in your profession for up to 1 month.

If you have been refused a visa, don’t worry! It is possible to get Visa after refusal. Our agency will help you to understand the reasons for the refusal and helps to prepare convincing grounds for appeal.

Added Value Services with UK Visa Application Center in Canada

You can book and pay some Added Value Services if needed:

Phone support.

Our commercial agency specialises in paid UK visa consulting services .

You shouldn't call us if you:

• would like to know opening hours or address of TLSContact or VFSGlobal application centre in your home country, make online enquiry instead.
• want to track your UK visa application or passport status
• need help after you have submitted your application/documents
• want to renew your passport

If you need help with getting UK visa , please describe in brief your situation and a purpose of your visit, in order we could provide you with a phone number of the relevant department.

Language selection

• Français fr

Check processing times

Select an application type.

Which temporary residence application?

Where are you applying from?

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Burkina Faso
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• China (People’s Republic of)
• Comoros Island
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Czech Republic
• Democractic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Hong Kong SAR
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia (Federated States of)
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• North Korea
• Palestinian Authority (Gaza)
• Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland
• Timor-Leste (Timor oriental)
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• US Virgin Islands
• Visitor visa (from inside Canada)
• Visitor extension (Visitor record)

Where do your parents or grandparents live?

• Study permit (from inside Canada)
• Study permit extension
• Work permit (from inside Canada)
• Work permit from inside Canada (initial and extension)
• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

What season did you apply for?

• Last season
• Current season
• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Which economic class application?

• Atlantic Immigration Pilot
• Atlantic Immigration Program
• Canadian Experience Class

Which caregiver program?

When did you apply?

How much work experience did you have?

• Less than 24 months
• 24 months or more
• Less than 12 months
• 12 months or more

Online via Express Entry?

• Self-employed persons (Federal)
• Quebec Business Class
• Skilled workers (Federal)
• Skilled trades (Federal)
• Skilled workers (Quebec)
• Start-up visa

Who are you sponsoring?

Where in Canada will you be living?

If you’ll be living in Quebec, due to the Canada–Quebec Accord, the Government of Quebec also needs to process your application. Because of this, we show a separate processing time for this province.

• Outside Quebec

Where does the child live?

Where does the adopted child or relative live?

Which refugee program?

If you’ll live in Quebec, due to the Canada–Quebec Accord, the Government of Quebec also needs to process your application. Because of this, we show a separate processing time for this province.

• Dependents of protected persons

Which type of citizenship application?

• Citizenship grant
• Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)
• Resumption of citizenship
• Renunciation of citizenship
• Search of citizenship records

Did you submit a PR card application or solemn declaration?

• Yes, I am renewing or replacing my card, or I sent a solemn declaration
• No, I am waiting for my first card

Which type of document?

• Verification of Status
• Replacement of valid temporary resident documents
• Amendments of immigration documents
• Amendments of valid temporary resident documents

Last update: Error loading date. Try again. Updated weekly

Processing times service

We are committed to processing most complete applications within this time.

Processing times will vary based on:

• the type of application submitted
• if the application is complete
• how quickly we expect to process applications we’ve already received
• how easily we can verify your information
• how long you take to respond to any requests or concerns
• other factors

Problem with the online application

Some people applying for a study permit may have trouble using the online application. For example, if you’re currently a visitor in Canada and your spouse or common-law partner is a low-skilled worker, you may need to apply on paper.

Acknowledgment of receipt

You’ll get an acknowledgement of receipt letter or email  after  we receive your application  and  check that it’s  complete .

Processing times for applications outside Canada and the United States

Add 3 to 4 months to account for mailing time if you

• live outside Canada and the U.S. and
• are applying through a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate

Add 6 to 8 months to processing time if you

• are applying for a minor (under 18) who lives outside Canada and the U.S. and
• sent the application directly to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia

Processing times TR

Processing times will vary based on

• the type of application

Learn how processing times are calculated .

Processing times PR

Your processing time may also be affected if more people apply to immigrate to Canada than we can bring in each year.

Page details

Language selection

Government of canada services and information in london, united kingdom.

Email: [email protected]

Hours of operation:

Telephone: +44 (0) 207 004 6000

Fax: +44 (0) 207 004 6053

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: +44 207 004 6114

Email: [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

Website: IRCC web form

Services and information provided to Canadians by the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom.

Emergency consular assistance

Canadian citizens in need of emergency consular assistance during business hours:

• by email at [email protected]
• by phone at +44 (0) 207 004 6000
• Outside of business hours, see Request emergency assistance

On this page

Adoption and surrogacy, birth abroad, child abduction, citizenship services, criminal record checks, death abroad, divorce abroad, legal matters, marriage abroad, notarial services, passport services, pensions and retirement, same-sex marriage abroad, studying abroad, visa and immigration services, voting abroad.

Refer to International adoption .

Surrogacy is legal in the United Kingdom.

Refer to Children born outside of Canada .

If your child is born outside of Canada, you do not need to register the birth in Canada.

Canadian birth certificates are available from the Vital Statistics authorities in the province or territory in which the event occurred.

The General Registrar Office provides birth, death and marriage certificates in England and Wales .

Refer to Child abduction and parenting or custody issues .

Reunite is the leading UK charity specialising in international parental child abduction. It provides advice, information and support to parents, family members and guardians, who have had a child abducted or who fear child abduction.

For information on legal advice refer to Legal matters .

For many, it is now possible and recommended to apply for proof of Canadian citizenship online . Refer to Get proof of Canadian citizenship .

For those ineligible to submit your proof of citizenship application online:

Complete your proof of citizenship application and pay your fee online . Include a copy of your online payment receipt with your application. Note the following requirements before sending your documents by mail or placing them in our drop-off box at the Pall Mall entrance of Canada House:

• include your email address with your forms
• enter “N/A” for any questions that do not apply to you
• urgent application processing is available for special cases
• Quebec birth certificates issued after January 1, 1994 are acceptable; Quebec birth certificates issued prior to January 1994 require an updated birth certificate

Mailing address:

High Commission of Canada

Attn: Consular - Citizenship Services

Canada House

Trafalgar Square

London, SW1Y 5BJ

Applications can take up to 4 weeks to review before sending to Canada for processing. You will receive a notification when we send it to Canada. We will also return your original supporting documents at that time. Check processing times of your application online.

For information on dual citizenship, see: Travelling as a dual citizen .

Payment method

Pay your application fees online .

If you are currently living in the UK and require a criminal record check to cover time spent living in Canada:

Criminal record check with fingerprints

If you are asked for a criminal record check based on fingerprints, you must have your fingerprints taken in the UK. You will also need to hire a Canadian company to digitize and forward them to the RCMP on your behalf. Refer to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) instructions . No application form is available from the RCMP. The organization you use to digitize and forward your fingerprints to the RCMP will provide you with a form. See accredited fingerprint companies .

In London you can arrange to have your fingerprints taken at Scotland Yard. Appointments may be made through the Metropolitan Police website. Outside London, please contact the regional police headquarters for your area.

Criminal record check without fingerprints

If you are asked for a criminal record check that is only based on your name and date of birth, contact local police in the area where you last resided in Canada and follow their instructions.

An internet search will provide details of private companies in Canada which assist in obtaining police certificates based on your name and date of birth.

Note: The High Commission of Canada to the UK cannot authenticate or confirm the contents of criminal record checks, other than certificates issued by the RCMP and based on fingerprints.

Refer to Death abroad . Also refer to the UK’s Register the death .

See also UK What to do when someone dies: step by step .

Find information on obtaining a UK death certificate .

Canadian death certificates are available from the Vital Statistics authorities in the province or territory in which the event occurred.

See also Pensions and retirement .

Send the deceased’s Canadian passport to the Passport Section of the High Commission by email at [email protected] . Indicate if you would like the passport cancelled and returned as a keepsake.

Find information on Canadian divorce and separation .

To get a divorce certificate, but you are unsure where your divorce was filed, consult Canadian Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings .

The High Commission of Canada cannot provide legal advice, however the following may be of assistance:

Law Society

• England and Wales
• Northern Ireland

Citizens Advice Bureau

See Ask Travel under General Consular Services for a list of lawyers in the London area.

Refer to Marriage outside Canada .

Canadian marriage certificates are available from the Vital Statistics authorities in the province or territory in which the event occurred.

The Consular section of the High Commission of Canada in London provides certain notarial services by post or by appointment, to Canadian citizens and, in limited cases, to non-Canadian citizens if the documents are intended for use in Canada. Please note that the High Commission only provides notarial services if the service is not available through a local solicitor or notary public. Instructions below will provide information about the notarial services available. Please note: Some services are only available through the provincial vital statistics office in Canada or through the Authentication section of Global Affairs Canada.

As of January 11, 2024, Canadian documents are authenticated with an apostille. The High Commission can authenticate certain documents issued by the Government of Canada or notarized in specific provinces and territories The following documents may be eligible for authentication:

• Documents issued by the Government of Canada
• Vital statistics documents issued by all provinces and territories
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• the Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island

If your document was notarized in the provinces and territories listed above, the High Commission can also assist no matter where it was originally issued.

Competent authorities in the following provinces will be responsible for authenticating all other documents issued or notarized in their respective provinces. These documents must be submitted to the competent authorities and will not be authenticated at the High Commission.

• Alberta: Ministry of Justice of Alberta
• British Columbia: Ministry of the Attorney General of British Columbia
• Ontario: Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery of Ontario
• Quebec: Ministère de la Justice du Québec
• Saskatchewan: Ministry of Justice and Attorney General of Saskatchewan

Visit Changes to authentications services in Canada for more information on how authentication services changed after the Apostille Convention took effect in Canada on January 11, 2024.

If you have questions about these services, email [email protected] .

Certified copies:

The Consular section of the High Commission of Canada in London can produce certified true copies of certain Canadian documents.

You can obtain this service by post or by appointment. In all cases, your application must include the followings:

• Original documents for which you need certified true copies
• A payment of 20$CAD per document. Complete and include the Credit Card Authorization form in your application.
• A short letter to explain your request and include instructions for the return of the document: provide the name and address of the person who will receive the documents in the UK.
• Please note: if you are requesting this service to complete your pension application in Canada, this service is offered free of charge. Please include a document to demonstrate that you are applying for certified true copies to complete your pension application in Canada.

Witness a signature, affidavit, sworn statement - by appointment only

• Documents presented by a Canadian citizen or a non-Canadian citizen for use in Canada; exceptions apply (fees apply).

If you have questions about notarial services, email [email protected] .

Note: Please gather all the necessary documents and draft any affidavit or sworn statement before presenting yourself at your appointment, but the date and your signature must be completed in front of the officer. Note that if witnesses must sign your document, both you and the witnesses must be present at the High Commission on the day of your appointment. Witnesses must have their own original official and valid pieces of identification. It is your responsibility to ensure that your witnesses meet the eligibility criteria. Your presence is mandatory for this service; please make an appointment with us.

Wills, probate and estates

Records of wills and estates are a provincial / territorial responsibility in Canada. To access these records, contact the appropriate provincial or territorial authority .

Complete the Credit Card Authorization Form .

Complete your passport application and pay your fee online . Include a copy of your online payment receipt. You can combine multiple family applications in the same envelope. Applications sent in one envelope will be returned together in one envelope along with all original documentation and your new passport.

Submit passport applications to the High Commission by mail or place in the drop-off box. We do not send receipt confirmations. We will only contact you if additional information is required.

The processing time for a passport application is currently in excess of 8 weeks.

Send by mail (we recommend a traceable method since we are unable to confirm receipt of applications).

Attn: Consular - Passport Services

Place in drop-off box Monday to Friday from 8am - 4pm (except public holidays):

• located inside the Pall Mall Street entrance of Canada House

Email [email protected] for urgent travel requirements. Enter “Urgent – Travel date (indicate the date)” in the subject line. Include the following information in your email:

• full name as it appears on the application form
• date of birth
• Royal Mail tracking number (if applicable)
• daytime telephone number

Dual Canadian citizens require a valid Canadian passport to travel to Canada.

Report a lost or stolen passport .

Stamps and visas

It is the responsibility of Canadian citizens residing in the UK to contact UK authorities to get the correct stamps in their Canadian passports showing they have a right to live and work in the UK.

If you are applying to replace your passport , the old passport will be cancelled and can be returned to you if requested on the application form. We are unable to transfer existing visas from the old passport into the new one. It is your responsibility to verify with the UK authorities as to the validity of the visa contained in your old passport and, if required, to make arrangements to have it added to your new passport.

Email passport questions to [email protected] only if an answer is not available on this website and cannot be found in the Passport Help Centre .

Pay online for all your passport services .

Refer to Benefits for Canadians living abroad .

Canadian residents in the UK will receive their Canada pension, Old Age Security and Québec pension in pounds sterling by direct deposit.

Information about veterans’ services is available from the Veterans Affairs Office of the Canadian High Commission in London by calling 020 7004 6075. Refer to Veterans Affairs Canada for additional information.

Refer to Cancel Old Age Security and Canada Pension Plan benefits if someone has passed away.

Should you require assistance to cancel public pension benefits, please provide the requested information and a scanned copy of the death certificate to the Consular Section by email at [email protected] .

The estate/relatives of the deceased may be entitled to benefits following the death.

Same sex marriages are legal. Refer to Marriages and civil partnerships in England and Wales .

Refer to Studying abroad and EduCanada .

Studying in the UK

If you are a Canadian interested in higher education in the UK, consult:

• Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) – For information on undergraduate courses online application processes for full-time study.
• UK Postgraduate Application and Statistical Service (UKPASS) – For information on all UK postgraduate studies, and an online application service for some degree courses.

For general advice on fees and funding, immigration and visas:

• UK Council for International Student Affairs
• British High Commission in Ottawa
• UK Border Force - Student visas

Refer to Travel documents – Visas .

Advice on UK entry and visas is not available from the High Commission of Canada in London. For information see Visas and immigration at GOV.UK .

• Apply to travel, study, work or immigrate to Canada .
• Find a visa application centre (VAC) to book an appointment to give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
• Submit an enquiry using the IRCC web form to contact a visa office.

Permanent residents of Canada: Find out how to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) .

Refer to Voting in an election while outside Canada .

You can also request a voting registration application for a Canadian federal election from the High Commission by email at [email protected] .

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Visa processing times: applications outside the UK

Check how quickly you’ll receive a decision on your UK visa application if you are applying from outside the UK.

You are not required to book any travel before you apply or before a decision is made on your application.

You should allow enough time before you plan travel to make a visa application. You will only receive a refund of your application fee if we have not started to process your application.

You may be able to pay for a faster decision on a visa application.

When your application processing time starts

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) starts processing your application once you either:

verify your identity and submit your documents and application online using the UK Immigration: ID Check app . We’ll tell you if you can use this

attend your appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information)

Applications made in the USA

If you make an appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center to provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) , you must then send your passport and documents to the VFS processing hub in New York.

If you make an appointment at a VFS premium Application Centre to provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information), you can submit your passport and supporting documents at that location.

In both cases, the processing time starts when VFS receive your application.

When your application processing time ends

You’ll get a letter or email to let you know that a decision has been made on your application .

If you attended a visa application centre, you should not visit one until you have been contacted to do so.

You do not need to contact UKVI to track your application if you’ve already made a visa application and it is still within the current processing times. We will not be able to provide information on the status of your application.

When you might wait longer

Your visa application may take longer to process if, for example:

• the information in your application is not accurate or requires further consideration
• you need to provide further evidence, for example evidence of funds
• your supporting documents need to be verified
• you need to attend an interview
• further information is required on your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)
• UKVI is experiencing increased visa demand

You will be contacted within the current processing times if your application will take longer.

If your application has taken longer than the current processing times and you haven’t been contacted by UKVI about your visa application, you should contact UKVI .

Current processing times

The processing times listed below are based on the current volume of visa applications.

All UK processing times are measured against agreed customer service standards .

Visit visas

Study visas, family visas, ukraine visas, popular work visas, temporary work visas, work visas you can apply for without a job offer, work visas to start a business, work visas for an overseas employer, other visas and permits, updates to this page.

Updated family visa processing times.

Updated to clarify contact process in the following sections: 'When your application processing time ends' and 'When you might wait longer'.

Processing time and service standard for Permitted Paid Engagement removed, as it's now included as part of the Standard Visitor visa application.

Amended processing time on the Ukraine visas.

Clarified the information about short term study visas.

Updated family visa processing times structure.

First published.

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