Canadian visa processing for applicants from Fiji will remain based in Australia, as confirmed by Randeep Sarai, Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, during the opening of the new High Commission in Suva. This decision aligns with traditional practices where applicants were required to submit their visa applications and biometrics at the Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Suva, which primarily serves an administrative role.
Sarai expressed optimism regarding the future of visa processing, stating, “This is the start; currently, the visa’s still being processed in Sydney, but we’re hoping as we grow and as the volume grows, then more opportunities will be here.” The VAC in Suva plays a pivotal role by collecting applications and biometric data, which are then securely sent to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in Sydney for evaluation.
All types of visa applications, including those for temporary residency such as visitor visas, study permits, and work permits, are managed by the Sydney Office. The new High Commission is geared to provide a full suite of services, with Sarai noting, “The High Commission here has the full range of services that a High Commission could offer through facilities in Sydney and New Zealand as well.”
Applicants can choose to submit their visa applications either online via the IRCC portal or through paper submissions at the VAC. This collaboration between Canada and Fiji is a promising advancement for individuals seeking Canadian opportunities and reflects the strengthening diplomatic relationship between the two nations. The ongoing ability for Fijian nationals to engage with Canadian immigration processes is a positive signal of expanding ties and mutual cooperation.