Generally, once you receive your Passport Request (PPR) letter from IRCC, the process of sending your passport to a Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) and getting the final counterfoil stamp takes between 2 to 4 weeks. Package transmission fees generally cost around $25 to $50 CAD.
Receiving the Passport Request (PPR) letter-often affectionately called the “golden email”-is the most exciting moment in the Canadian immigration journey. 🎉 Whether you applied for a tourist visa, a study permit, or permanent residency through Express Entry, this letter signifies that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has approved your application. However, the anxiety does not entirely vanish until you have your passport back in your hands with the physical Canadian visa securely glued inside.
Many applicants stress over how long it will take to get their passport stamped, especially if they have upcoming travel plans or job start dates in cities like Toronto or Vancouver. The final stamping process is not handled directly by Canadian embassies in most countries; instead, it is outsourced to Visa Application Centres (VACs) operated by VFS Global. Understanding the logistics of sending your passport and tracking its return can help ease your mind during this final waiting period.
Step-by-Step Process After Receiving the PPR
Once you get the PPR letter, the clock starts ticking. 📋 You typically have a strict 30-day deadline to submit your passport, so you must act quickly to gather your final materials and arrange for secure shipping.
Step 1: Read the Instructions Carefully
The PPR letter contains highly specific instructions based on your country of residence. You must print the letter itself, gather the required photographs (ensure they meet exact IRCC photo specifications), and sign the VFS Global consent forms. Do not simply mail your passport to a Canadian embassy without following the VFS routing instructions, as it will be returned unstamped.
Step 2: Submit to the Visa Application Centre (VAC)
Depending on your region, you will either drop off your passport in person at the local VFS Global centre or arrange a two-way courier service. 📦 Under VFS Global rules, booking a prior appointment for passport submission is mandatory for in-person drop-offs. If using a courier, you must purchase a secure shipping label and include a return envelope so the VAC can send the passport back to you.
Step 3: The IRCC Counterfoil Stamping
VFS Global does not approve visas or stamp passports themselves. Once they receive your package, they securely transport it to the nearest Canadian visa office (embassy or consulate). A Canadian immigration officer prints the physical visa (called a counterfoil) and permanently affixes it to a blank page in your passport. For permanent residents, they also print your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document.
Step 4: Tracking and Return
Once stamped, the embassy sends the passport back to VFS Global. 📱 You will receive a tracking update stating that your processed passport has been dispatched. You can then pick it up in person or wait for the courier to deliver it securely to your home address.
How Much Does the Stamping Process Cost?
The visa application fee you already paid to IRCC covers the assessment, but using the VAC for the final physical stamping involves minor administrative costs:
- Package Transmission Fee: If you already provided biometrics for this application at a VFS centre, the passport transmission is often free. If not, VFS charges a transmission fee of approximately $25 to $50 CAD (payable in your local currency).
- Courier Fees: Using a secure, trackable courier (like DHL, FedEx, or UPS) to send and return your passport usually costs between $30 and $100 CAD depending on your distance from the VAC.
- SMS Tracking: Many VACs offer an optional SMS text update service for around $3 to $5 CAD to keep you informed of your passport’s location.
Never use regular, untracked postal mail to send your passport. Losing your passport at this final stage will force you to restart the entire immigration process.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The time it takes to get your passport stamped varies slightly by country. ⏰ Generally, once VFS Global receives your passport, it takes 14 to 30 days for the Canadian embassy to affix the counterfoil and return the package. If you are a temporary resident inside Canada mailing your passport to the IRCC processing centre in Ottawa, the turnaround time is usually 2 to 4 weeks. However, permanent residence (PR) applicants residing inside Canada do not mail their physical passports to Ottawa; instead, they complete their landing virtually through the online PR Portal to receive an eCOPR.
Submission Methods: Courier vs. In-Person
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Way Courier Delivery | Highly convenient; no need to travel to a major city. | Slightly slower due to shipping times; costs more. |
| In-Person VAC Drop-Off | Faster processing; ensures documents are perfectly assembled. | Requires booking a mandatory prior appointment and travelling to the VAC. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a PPR letter a 100% guarantee that my visa is approved?
Yes, for all practical purposes. Receiving a Passport Request means IRCC has finalized their assessment and approved you. The only rare exceptions are if you commit a crime or misrepresentation after receiving the letter, or if your passport expires before they can stamp it.
What happens if my passport expires soon?
Your Canadian visa cannot be valid past the expiry date of your passport. If your passport expires in less than 6 months, you should ideally renew your passport immediately before submitting it for the PPR stamp to maximize your visa duration.
Can I send my passport to a different VAC than where I applied?
Yes, if you have moved to a different country, you can usually submit your passport to the VFS Global centre in your new location. However, you must contact that specific VAC first to ask about their local procedures and transmission fees.
What if I have to travel urgently and need my passport?
If you have urgent travel plans, do not send your passport yet. You must complete your trip first, but ensure you still submit your passport within the 30-day deadline stated on the PPR letter. If you cannot meet the deadline, you must email IRCC via webform to request an extension.
What if I am from a visa-exempt country? Do I still send my passport?
If your passport is from a visa-exempt country (like the UK or Australia), you do not need a physical counterfoil sticker. Instead, your PPR letter will ask you to upload a high-quality scan of your passport to the IRCC portal so they can issue your electronic travel authorization (eTA) or Port of Entry letter.
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