There has been a lack of clarity on where to send a passport for Canada visa stamping in the USA and it affected me a lot when I applied for my first visa to Canada.
The screenshot below shows an applicant asking for where to send his passport as well.
When I applied for my visa, I thought it’d be straightforward.
However, when I got an email from the IRCC to submit my passport, where to send it became a problem.
Read also: Where to send passport for a Canada visa stamping outside Canada
If you’re a first-time applicant like I was, you’ll likely face this issue – except, you read on.
Below is the right place to send your passport for Canada visa stamping in the USA.
Where to send passport for Canada visa stamping in USA?
You can send your passport to any designated Canadian visa application centre (VAC) near your area in the US.
It doesn’t matter which one you use; what’s most important is getting your passport delivered to the VAC that will forward it to the Canadian authorities where it will be stamped and returned to you through the VAC.
If you’re like me and prefer a hands-on approach, you can simply walk into the nearest Canadian visa application centre (VAC).
Read also: Should you keep your passport on you when travelling?
When I submitted mine, the staff there were incredibly helpful and provided me with all the necessary assistance.
These Visa Application Centres are specifically designated to handle visa-related processes and serve as trusted points of contact for Canadian visa applicants.
Consequently, the specific mailing address and instructions for each visa application centre are on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and I’ll show you how to find them below.
You can verify the correct mailing address based on your location and deliver your passport for stamping at your convenience.
This was a lifesaver for me when I was trying to make sure I got everything right.
How to locate a Canada Visa Application centre near you in the US
Finding a Canada Visa Application Center (CVAC) near you is easy.
Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the official website
Go to the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) by clicking here. This website is your go-to source for all things related to Canadian visas and immigration. - Locate countries and their VACs
On the website, scroll down and you’ll see a table showing a list of countries/territories and their VACs. This section has all the information about Canadian Visa Application Centres. It is clearly labelled, making it easy to find. - Search for the “USA”
On the filter items bar, type the “United States” and it’ll pop up the VACs in the USA. There are two main VACs in the USA, one in Los Angeles and another in New York.
Go through the website of each VAC.
- For Loss Angeles VAC, visit: United States VACs
- For New York VAC, visit: United States VACs
After reviewing the list, note down the address and contact details of the office closest to you.
Read also: How do I send my passport for visa stamping in Canada?
Although you don’t need to contact them directly, it’s an option if you have specific questions or need additional guidance.
Address of Canadian visa application centre in Los Angeles
If you want to submit your passport at the Los Angeles VAC, you should know that they announced a relocation from their previous address on July 29, 2024.
The Canada Visa Application Centre in Los Angeles has moved to a new location at:
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- 5757 Wilshire Blvd, 5th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
Address of Canada visa application centre in New York
The address for New York is:
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- 128 E 32nd St 3rd floor, New York, NY 10016, United States.
- New York VAC phone number: +18882964511
- Google Map addressÂ
They are open Monday to Friday except on public holidays.
Canada VAC in the USA and their work hours
| Los Angeles | Monday to Friday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| New York City | Monday to Friday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
If you are applying from the USA, can you submit your passport at visa application centres outside the USA?
Yes, you can. It is not a “must” for you to submit your passport for a Canada visa at a Canada VAC in the USA even when you’re applying from the USA.
If you can’t submit your passport in either Los Angeles or New York, you can submit it to the Canadian visa application centre of any country of your choice.
Read also: How many times can I visit Canada in one year?
Canada has visa application centres all over the world and they all deliver your passport to the Canadian authorities for stamping when submitted to them.
You must not submit at the Los Angeles or New York address even if you’re applying from the USA.
Remember you can only submit your passport to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) if you have been asked to do so by IRCC.
If you haven’t been asked to submit your passport, wait until you’ve received a passport request letter from IRCC.
In addition, if you’re applying as a family, every family member must get a passport request letter from IRCC before they submit their passport.
Do you pay to submit your passport at the Canadian visa application centre?
Yes, you pay to submit your passport at the Canada visa application centre. When you go to Canadian VACs to submit your passport, you’ll be asked to pay a $29.57Â service charge for Package Transmission.
You can read more on VAC service charges by clicking here.
What documents should I include when sending my passport?
When sending your passport to the visa application centre, include:
- Your passport request letter: The official letter from IRCC requesting your passport.
- Visa application centre consent form: Come with a separate consent form for each application.
- Photos: If you’re a permanent resident applicant or if your passport isn’t valid, bring 2 photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
- Additional documents: If there are any other documents or information requested in the IRCC letter, come with them.
When you’re done with the passport submission, you’ll get a receipt that will show the amount you paid for the services rendered to you at the VAC.
Read also: Cost of living in Canada for a single person with rent?
Aside from the amount paid, your receipt will also show your application reference number and a tracking number which you can use to monitor your passport progress.
How do I send my passport for Canada visa stamping?
Once you locate the nearest visa application office, you can submit your passport by mail, in person or through a courier.
- Mail Submission
You can opt to mail your passport to the visa application centre. I use this method a lot, and as long as you use a reliable and trackable mailing service, your passport will arrive safely. - In-Person Submission
If you’re someone who prefers to handle things directly, you can submit your passport in person. This option allows you to interact with the visa office staff and get immediate assistance if you need it. - Courier Submission
Using a reputable courier service is another option. I’ve used this option and it worked great. When I used it, they gave me a tracking number to track my passport which was reassuring.
Any method you decide to use to send your passport works just fine.
Before sending it, make copies of all your documents for your records.
This was a tip I found incredibly useful, as it gave me peace of mind throughout the process.
You can also provide it as proof if anything happens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to get a passport stamped for a Canada visa from the USA?
It takes from 2 to 4 weeks to get your passport stamped for a Canada visa from the USA.
Do not forget that VACs do not do the stamping, their work is to deliver your passport to the Canadian authorities and to retrieve it.
Passport Stamping is done by the Canadian authorities.
VACs are also not allowed to provide any visa-related advice.
How long does it take to get my passport back after visa stamping?
It takes between 5 to 7 working days to get your passport back after visa stamping.Â
Can I use a courier service to send my passport?
Yes, and I highly recommend it. It’s a secure and trackable option.
If you want to send your passport for Canada visa stamping, I recommend you use a courier service or go in person.
Read also: How to upload documents for a Canada visa
Using a courier is very secure and, you can track your passport.
You can send your passport to the New York or Los Angeles Canada visa application centre.
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