Visa Application Centres (VACs) Map for Canada

In 2018, Canada started requiring “biometrics”—i.e. fingerprints and photo—from study and work permit applicants. This requirement applies even if you have a biometric passport.

Biometrics are taken in person in one of Canada’s Visa Application Centres (VACs). Some countries have several VACs, others none, so you may have to travel abroad to the nearest VAC.

A list of biometrics collection sites (VACs and designated Service Canada offices) is available online. We used this official list from the Government of Canada to create this useful world map:

We strongly recommend confirming the address of the VAC you will use. This page provides the most up-to-date information and details.

Once collected, your biometric data is valid for 10 years. If you apply for a new study or work permit to Canada in the next 10 years, you won’t need to have your biometrics collected by Canada again.

Are you in Canada at the time of applying for your work or study permit? You can have your biometric data collected in Canada.