How to Submit an Application
You may submit applications in any category by mail*, which avoids the inconvenience of queuing outside the High Commission.
Temporary resident (visitor) visa applications may be submitted:
- by mail,
- by using the "24-hour (+ mailing time)" drop box, or
- in person.
Travel document (returning resident) applications may be submitted:
All other types of applications may be submitted:
*For most categories of immigration, applicants are required to submit their initial application to an address in Canada rather than to this visa office. Read the instructions in the guide for your category carefully.
Below you will find information about:
Drop Boxes
Your application must be complete and placed in a large envelope before putting it in one of the drop boxes. Cash payment is not accepted. Include a self-addressed envelope (at least 8" x 6") that we can use to return your documents. If your return address is within the UK, use a Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope as your return envelope. We do not return documents by courier.
Regular drop box: These applications are treated in the same way as applications that are mailed in. They are not given any preferential treatment. For this reason, you are encouraged to mail in your application to avoid the inconvenience of queuing outside the High Commission.
Hours of Operation
Drop boxes:
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(The security screening queue is shorter after 11:30 a.m., except on Thursdays.)
Excluding holiday closures (may differ from UK bank holidays).
In-person:
NOTE: We do not accept enquiries in person.
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Excluding holiday closures (may differ from UK bank holidays).
Certain items such as luggage, bags and electronic devices are not allowed into the High Commission. Read our security policy below.
Security – Getting into the High Commission
Luggage, such as backpacks, suitcases or packages larger than a standard handbag, are not allowed into the High Commission. The High Commission offers no storage facilities and applicants carrying such items will not be allowed entry. Here is a list of left luggage storage facilities in London.
Applicants are also discouraged from bringing mobile phones or other electronic devices, such as Blackberries, iPods, PDAs and remote-entry automobile key “fobs”, to the High Commission. Holders of such items will be delayed for searches and examination. Also, the applicants who heeded our advice may be allowed ahead of them in the queue.
Address
Canadian High Commission
Immigration and Medical Services Division
Macdonald House
38 Grosvenor Street
London
W1K 4AA
UK
Use the Grosvenor Street entrance, not the Grosvenor Square entrance.
Note: We are located in Macdonald House. Canada House in Trafalgar Square does not deal with visas and immigration.
Directions
Bus and Tube: Tube Station: Bond Street (Green Park and Oxford Circus are also nearby). Use the Journey Planner on the Transport for London website to get directions by bus and tube.
Train: The nearest stations are Victoria and Paddington.
Road: We are located in the Congestion Charging Zone.
Street parking around the High Commission is limited. Traffic wardens and wheel clampers patrol the area on a regular basis. There are several NCP car parks nearby.
