If your local VFS Global Visa Application Centre (VAC) suddenly closes due to civil unrest, war, or natural disasters, IRCC will not waive your biometrics requirement. You must urgently use the IRCC Webform to request a deadline extension or safely travel to an open VAC in a neighbouring country.
Applying for a Canadian visa, study permit, or permanent residency requires precise timing, especially when it comes to providing your fingerprints and photo. Under normal circumstances, you have exactly 30 days to visit a VFS Global Visa Application Centre (VAC) after receiving your Biometrics Instruction Letter. However, global events are unpredictable. When civil unrest breaks out, conflicts escalate, or natural disasters strike, local VAC offices are often forced to suspend operations indefinitely to protect their staff. 💥
For applicants caught in the crossfire, this creates immense anxiety. Will Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) refuse the application because the biometrics deadline was missed? The short answer is that IRCC does not typically waive the biometrics requirement, as it is a foundational security measure. However, they do have specialized protocols to protect applicants impacted by global crises. Navigating these emergency procedures requires fast action and clear communication with the Canadian government. 🚨
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Whether you are trying to reach Canada for a temporary visit or fleeing to settle permanently, dealing with a closed VAC is highly stressful. The federal government offers clear workarounds, provided you follow the proper bureaucratic steps to keep your file active. 📋
Step 1: Prioritize Your Physical Safety
No visa application is worth risking your life. If there is active warfare, severe riots, or an environmental catastrophe in your city, do not attempt to travel to a closed VFS Global office. Follow all local emergency protocols and prioritize moving yourself and your family to a safe zone. IRCC understands that human safety comes first. 👪
Step 2: Confirm the VAC Closure Officially
Do not rely on rumors on social media. Check the official IRCC website and the specific VFS Global regional portal for real-time operational updates. They will explicitly state if the centre is temporarily closed, operating at reduced capacity, or permanently relocated. Save screenshots of these closure notices to use as evidence later. 📱
Step 3: Submit an IRCC Webform Immediately
If your 30-day biometrics deadline is approaching and the VAC is closed, you must act before the timer runs out. Submit an emergency inquiry through the official IRCC Webform. Explain clearly that due to civil unrest or war, the local VAC is inaccessible. Upload the screenshots of the closure notice and politely request a formal extension of your biometrics deadline. 💻
Step 4: Explore Travelling to a Third Country
Canadian biometrics are not tied to your home country. You can legally provide your fingerprints at any open VFS Global office anywhere in the world. If you are fleeing a conflict zone and crossing into a neighbouring safe country (for example, moving from a conflict zone to a stable European or bordering nation), you can book an appointment at the VAC in your new location to complete the process. 🏞️
Step 5: Update Your Address and Status
If you have been displaced by war or civil unrest, your mailing address and country of residence have likely changed. You must update your contact information via the IRCC secure portal so that Canadian immigration officers know how to reach you and where to mail your physical passport once the visa is approved. An immigration law firm can assist in ensuring your file remains perfectly updated during the chaos. ✍️
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
While IRCC does not charge extra fees for processing extensions due to a crisis, the logistical costs of overcoming a closed VAC can be significant.
| Requirement | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Standard Biometrics Fee (Paid initially) | $85 |
| IRCC Webform Submission for Extension | Free |
| Travel to a Third-Country VAC | Varies wildly based on region |
| Lawyer Assistance for Complex Evacuations | $500 – $1,500+ |
How Long Does the Process Take?
In standard cases, IRCC aims to respond to Webform inquiries within 30 days. However, during major international crises (such as wars in the Middle East or Eastern Europe), IRCC often sets up dedicated crisis processing teams that can respond in days. If they grant an extension, they typically provide an additional 30 to 90 days to complete your biometrics. ⏳
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can IRCC just waive my biometrics completely?
It is incredibly rare. Unless IRCC announces a highly specific, special public policy for a specific country (as they occasionally do for massive refugee evacuations), the standard biometrics requirement for security and background checks remains strictly mandatory.
Will my visa be automatically refused if the 30 days pass?
Normally, yes. The system automatically flags applications for refusal if biometrics are missing. However, if you have submitted a Webform explaining the crisis before the deadline, the officer will manually hold the file open until you can comply.
What if my physical passport is trapped inside the closed VAC?
This is a severe complication. If the VAC was evacuated, all passports are locked in secure vaults. You will need to contact your home country’s government to issue a new, emergency passport, and then notify IRCC of your new passport number.
Does IRCC prioritize applications from war zones?
Sometimes. Depending on instructions from the Minister of Immigration, IRCC may implement specialized crisis measures to fast-track family reunification or temporary visas for people caught in specific recognized war zones.
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