United Kingdom · Visa centres · Canada
Canada visa application centre in the UK
VFS Global takes Canadian visa applications in the UK, in London. You apply online with IRCC; the centre takes your fingerprints and photo, and IRCC officers decide. British citizens flying to Canada need an eTA, not a visa.
Where Canadian visas are handled in the UK
Book only on the official site: visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/can.
Fees
| Item | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa (single or multiple entry), per person | CAD 100 | ircc.canada.caread 1 Nov 2026 |
| Visitor visa, family of 5 or more applying together (maximum) | CAD 500 | ircc.canada.caread 1 Nov 2026 |
| Biometrics, per person (paid to IRCC) | CAD 85 | ircc.canada.caread 1 Nov 2026 |
| Biometrics, family of 2 or more applying at the same time (maximum) | CAD 170 | ircc.canada.caread 1 Nov 2026 |
| Study permit, per person | CAD 150 | ircc.canada.caread 1 Nov 2026 |
| Work permit, per person | CAD 155 | ircc.canada.caread 1 Nov 2026 |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), online only; what British citizens flying to Canada need instead of a visa | CAD 7 | ircc.canada.caread 1 Nov 2026 |
Booking and rules
- Operator (London). IRCC's list of visa application centres has one entry for the UK, London, and links it to VFS Global's Canada page for the UK. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
- What a VAC is. VACs are private companies with formal contracts with the Government of Canada. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
- No role in decisions. VACs play no part in decisions and are forbidden to give visa advice; decisions are made by Canadian migration officers at an IRCC office. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
- Not the Government of Canada. VACs do not represent the Government of Canada and may only provide the services set out in their contract with IRCC. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
- Use any VAC if none where you apply. If there is no VAC in the country or territory someone applies from, they can go to any other VAC. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
- Passports only on request. A passport can be submitted to a VAC only after IRCC sends a request letter or email. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
- Services offered at VACs. IRCC lists services VACs offer, such as returning passports and decisions, computer access to apply online, photos and photocopies, accepting fee payments and courier returns. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
- Biometrics appointments are free. Biometrics are given at a VAC by appointment; appointments are free and IRCC tells applicants not to pay anyone for one. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
- 30 days to give biometrics. Applicants have 30 days from receiving the biometric instruction letter to give their biometrics. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
- Walk-ins. Booking ahead is best at a VAC, but some walk-in or emergency appointments may be accommodated. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
- Avoid fraud. IRCC tells applicants to use its official website to find their VAC, to avoid fraud. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
- British citizens: eTA, not a visa. British citizens flying to Canada need an eTA and a valid passport, not a visitor visa. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
- Biometrics needed for permits. Unless exempt, applicants give biometrics for a visitor visa and for an initial work or study permit (US nationals excepted). canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
- Visa-exempt visitors exempt. Visa-exempt nationals coming only to visit do not give biometrics. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
- Apply online first. Visitor visas must be applied for online; paper applications are only for people who cannot apply online or who travel on refugee, stateless or non-citizen documents. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
- Passport request after approval. Online applicants who are approved get a letter in their IRCC account with instructions to submit their passport. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
- Processing time from the UK (visitor visa). IRCC updates its processing times every week; its tool gives the current time for a visitor visa applied for from the UK. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
What changed, and when
- Opening hours can change. IRCC warns that VAC services and opening hours may change on short notice. canada.ca · read 1 Nov 2026
Visa centre or agency?
An agency can help you fill in the forms and gather the documents, but you still hand in the application at the centre yourself, and only the embassy or the deciding office decides. Agencies on our United Kingdom list that name Canadian visas on their own websites. In Edinburgh: Get Visas; in Glasgow: Johnson Mackenzie Immigration Ltd..
FAQ
Where do I apply for a Canadian visa in the UK?
At VFS Global, in London. Book on visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/can.
Do I need an appointment at VFS Global?
How much is the Canadian visa fee in the UK?
Visitor visa (single or multiple entry), per person: CAD 100; Visitor visa, family of 5 or more applying together (maximum): CAD 500; Biometrics, per person (paid to IRCC): CAD 85; Biometrics, family of 2 or more applying at the same time (maximum): CAD 170.
How long does a Canadian visa take from the UK?
IRCC updates its processing times every week; its tool gives the current time for a visitor visa applied for from the UK (canada.ca, read 1 Nov 2026).
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Sources, read 1 Nov 2026 unless marked: canada.ca and ircc.canada.ca. We are not the embassy or any visa operator, and we don't book appointments.