Visa processing for Fijian applicants seeking to travel to Canada will continue to take place in Australia, as announced by Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, during the inauguration of the new High Commission in Suva.
Traditionally, visa applicants have submitted their applications and completed biometric requirements at the Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Suva, which primarily manages administrative tasks related to the visa process. Sarai expressed optimism about the future, stating, “This is the start; currently, the visa’s still being processed in Sydney, but we are hoping that as the volume grows, more opportunities will be available here.”
The VAC in Suva plays a crucial role in collecting applications and biometrics, then securely forwarding all necessary documents and passports to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in Sydney for further evaluation. The Sydney office is tasked with reviewing and making decisions on various temporary resident applications, including visitor visas, study permits, and work permits.
In addition to visa processing, Sarai highlighted that the new High Commission is well-equipped to provide a wide range of services, leveraging facilities located in Sydney and New Zealand. Applicants can submit their visa applications either online via the IRCC portal or through paper submissions at the VAC. This initiative is expected to enhance accessibility for Fijians aspiring to travel to Canada, paving the way for greater opportunities in the future.
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