February 19, 2024 – Ottawa – Immigration is essential to Canada’s long-term success. Newcomers and visitors fuel our economy and bring vitality to our communities. As we continue to receive high numbers of visa applications from around the world, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is committed to improving processing times and customer service. This includes increasing our international presence where necessary.
The Honourable Mark Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today announced the opening of a new Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Lisbon, Portugal, on February 26, 2024. With this new centre, IRCC’s visa application network will include 163 locations in 110 countries worldwide.
Visa Application Centres are operated by private companies that have contracts with the Government of Canada. Their primary role is to accept documents required as part of the visa application process, securely transport them to IRCC offices and provide biometric data collection services. VAC agents can answer questions in local languages, either by phone, email or in person, and ensure that applications are complete.
Over the years, the relationship between the people of Canada and Portugal has grown stronger, and today it is supported by a vibrant community of Canadians of Portuguese descent. That is why IRCC remains committed to making travel to Canada easier than ever for Portuguese citizens. The opening of a new Visa Application Centre in Lisbon will provide greater flexibility and accessibility for them to visit, study or work in Canada, and will open the door to new opportunities for social, economic and cultural exchange that can benefit both countries.
