In addition to the services already offered at the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) visa office in Havana new services have been added. The IRCC believe this will facilitate the travel of Cubans to Canada making the process easier, quicker and cheaper for applicants.
What Services Are Offered By The Canadian Embassy In Cuba?
Services currently available are:-
Canadian Passport
Proof of Citizenship (Canadian Citizenship Certificate)
Permanent Resident Travel Document
New services from 2019 are:-
Biometrics Collections (fingerprints and photos)
Passport drop-off and visa pick-up
How Do You Apply For These Services?
1. Temporary Residence Applications
These include visa, work permit, and study permit applications.
The Canadian Embassy in Cuba does not take paper applications.
It is recommended to apply through an online account, or to submit a paper application at a Visa Application Centre outside of Canada.
2. Permanent Resident Applications
For permanent resident applications under the economic and family class programs you can continue to follow the online application instructions.
In October 2022 Panel Physicians were reinstated in Cuba ( see this article here) however currently requests for interviews (if required) will still necessitate travel outside of Cuba. You will be contacted directly by IRCC and provided with instructions on how to arrange these appointments.
Panel Physicians must be authorized by the Government of Canada.
If you are requested to attend an interview you will have a choice of a visa office in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago or Mexico City.
3. Biometrics
If you are required to give biometrics the IRCC will send you an instruction letter with details on how to book your appointment. You will need to wait to receive the letter before you can book.
Once you have received the letter you can schedule your biometrics appointment by contacting the Embassy of Canada at HAVAN.IM-RSVP@international.gc.ca.
After You Apply, what happens?
It should be noted that only IRCC officials have the authority to make decisions and manage the processing of applications. All open / active applications are transferred to the IRCC visa office in Mexico City, staff at the Canadian Embassy in Havana do not deliver these services.
The IRCC Office in Mexico City will contact you on any next steps required. If you have any case-specific questions about your application then you need to contact the IRCC Visa Office in Mexico City.
If you have questions about the application process or would like some assistance with an application please do contact us. We are here to help.
Comments