IRCC Biometrics / VFS Global VAC / IRPA s.16
Canada Visa Interview & Biometrics VAC Guide 2026
Complete guide to the Canadian visa application process: IRCC online portal, VFS Global Visa Application Centres, biometrics enrolment ($85 CAD), document checklist, and IRCC officer interviews.
Overview
Most Canadian visa applicants apply online through the IRCC portal (ircc.canada.ca). Biometrics must be enrolled at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre (VAC) — 145+ global locations — for $85 CAD per person ($170 family). IRCC may request an in-person interview for complex cases, PR applicants, or citizenship interviews. All applicants must provide truthful and complete information under IRPA s.16.
Key Facts & Statutory Reference
| Item | Detail | Statutory / Official Source |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application | IRCC Portal — ircc.canada.ca | IRPA s.10 |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 CAD per person / $170 CAD family | IRCC Biometrics Guidance |
| Biometrics Validity | 10 years — reusable for multiple applications | IRCC Biometrics Policy |
| VFS Global | 145+ VAC locations in 100+ countries | VFS Global Canada Visa |
| IRCC Interview | Called for complex cases — PR/citizenship priority | IRPA s.16 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Not all applicants. Most nonimmigrant TRV and permit applications are decided on paper/online documents. However, IRCC may call specific applicants for an in-person interview, particularly for complex PR applications, refugee hearings, or citizenship ceremonies.
Bring: your original passport, biometrics instruction letter from IRCC, application confirmation (IMM form), and any additional supporting documents listed in your online checklist. You must also pay the biometrics fee online before attending.