When you receive a Passport Request (PPR) letter from IRCC, your visa is conditionally approved. You have exactly 30 days to submit your physical passport to a VFS Global Visa Application Centre (VAC) for stamping. Missing this deadline will result in your application being refused.
Receiving the Passport Request (PPR) letter-often called the “Original Passport Request”-is the most exciting part of the Canadian immigration journey. It means an officer has reviewed your file and is ready to issue your visa. However, the process is not quite finished yet. The government needs your physical passport to affix the secure visa counterfoil to one of its pages.
Timing and precision are critical at this stage. ⌚️ You cannot simply mail your passport directly to a Canadian embassy. You must use the designated global contractor, VFS Global. If you encounter errors on your PPR letter or have complex travel logistics, contacting a Canadian immigration lawyer from our directory can save your visa from being abandoned.
Step-by-Step Process for Passport Transmission
Whether you applied for a visitor visa, a work permit, or permanent residency (PR), the process of getting the actual visa foil placed in your passport follows strict federal guidelines.
Step 1: Download and Print the PPR Letter
Log into your IRCC secure portal and download the PDF message titled “Original Passport Request.” You must print this letter, as it contains a specific barcode and file numbers that the visa office needs to match your passport to your digital application.
Step 2: Prepare the VFS Global Package
You must gather your physical passport, the printed PPR letter, and the VFS Consent Form (available on the VFS Global website). If you provided biometrics for this application, you usually do not need to pay the package transmission fee, but you must include a copy of your biometrics receipt.
Step 3: Submit to the Visa Application Centre (VAC)
Find the nearest VFS Global Visa Application Centre in your country of residence. You generally have two options: book an appointment to drop the package off in person, or use their two-way courier service to mail it securely. Do not send it via regular unmonitored mail.
Step 4: Track Your Passport and Receive it Back
Once VFS receives your passport, they securely transmit it to the Canadian embassy or high commission. The embassy prints the visa, places it in the passport, and sends it back to VFS. You will receive email tracking updates, and eventually, the courier will return the stamped passport to your home address.
How Much Does Passport Transmission Cost?
While the IRCC visa application fee was already paid, using VFS Global incurs separate administrative fees. Here are the typical costs estimated in CAD as of May 2026:
| Service / Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| VFS Package Transmission Fee | Usually $30 to $50 CAD (Waived if you gave biometrics at the same VAC). |
| Two-Way Secure Courier Fee | Typically $20 to $60 CAD depending on your region. |
| SMS Tracking Service (Optional) | Generally $3 to $5 CAD. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
You have a strict 30-day deadline from the date on the PPR letter to get your passport into the hands of VFS Global. Once VFS has it, the actual stamping process at the Canadian embassy usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. During peak travel seasons, or if there are courier delays, it can occasionally take up to 4 weeks to get your passport back in your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I miss the 30-day deadline?
If IRCC does not receive your passport within 30 days, they will assume you are no longer interested in travelling and will refuse your application. If you have an absolute emergency and cannot send it, you must submit an IRCC Webform immediately asking for an extension before the 30 days expire.
Can I send my passport to a VAC in a different country?
Yes. If you applied from one country but are currently visiting another, you can submit your passport to the VAC in your current location. However, you must pay the package transmission fees, and processing times may vary.
Do citizens of visa-exempt countries get a PPR letter?
Generally, no. If you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country (like the UK or France) and applied for an eTA, you will not need a physical visa stamp. However, if you applied for PR or certain work permits, IRCC may still ask for a photocopy of your passport instead of the physical book.
Can I travel right after I get my passport back?
Once you receive your passport with the valid Canadian visa sticker, you are generally ready to book your flight. Just ensure that the dates on the visa match your travel plans, and remember that the final decision to enter Canada is always made by the border officer upon arrival.
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