Canada Eases Visa Applications for Caribbean Travelers

The government of Canada has announced the opening of a new visa application center (VAC) in Port of Spain, Trinidad, to make the process of applying for a visa to enter Canada easier and more convenient.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is expanding its VAC network around the world to provide administrative support to applicants before, during and after their temporary resident application is assessed by a CIC immigration officer.

VAC service agents are available by phone, email or in person to answer questions in local languages and to make sure that applications are complete. This helps avoid unnecessary delays or refusals due to incomplete applications.

For an additional fee, VACs also offer other services, including photocopies, application photographs and self-service computer terminals for those wishing to take advantage of the new online applications.

It is important to note that VACs are not involved in the decision making process and are not authorized to provide applicants with advice about their visas.

Applications received through the VAC or online are processed on a priority basis and are typically finalized in half the amount of time of other applications.

The government of Canada plans to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth by attracting an increasing number of visitors and international students as well as skilled temporary foreign workers and immigrants that best respond to current and future labor market needs. For this reason, CIC strives to issue visas and permits as quickly as possible to facilitate travel to Canada.