Canadian visa centers in Russia have stopped accepting passports
Starting January 28, Russians need to submit documents through visa centers abroad.
As of January 28, 2026, Canadian visa centers in the Russian Federation have stopped accepting passports and documents for submission to IRCC. This is reported on the official website of the Government of Canada.
This doesn't mean a ban on issuing visas to Russians, but the process has become logistically more complicated. You can still apply online, and the restrictions only affect the passport submission stage.
What we know about the situation
The following notice appeared on the official page of the Canadian Embassy in Moscow:
"As of January 28, 2026, visa and immigration services at this office are no longer available. Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Russia remain open but no longer accept passports or documents for visa processing. VACs in Russia continue to provide biometric collection services and other services."
So visa centers in Russia haven't closed completely. They continue to operate for biometric submission and providing a range of other services. However, you can no longer submit your passport for visa stamping through Russian VACs.
Previously, Russians could submit documents for Canadian visas in six cities across the country: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, and Rostov-on-Don. Now, to submit your passport, you need to contact visa centers abroad.
Notably, on the same day, January 29, 2026, the official travel advisory for Russia was updated on the Government of Canada website. The document emphasizes the recommendation to "avoid all travel" to Russia due to the consequences of the armed conflict with Ukraine and the threat of terrorism. No official connection between these events has been confirmed.
Why did this happen
The Canadian government hasn't disclosed the official reasons for stopping document acceptance. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) hasn't provided any comments on this matter. The decision may be related to security issues and diplomatic service operations, but there are no official explanations.
It's important to emphasize: Canada hasn't imposed sanctions against ordinary Russian citizens. There are no formal bans on issuing visas based on citizenship. Russians can still apply for all types of visas, study and work permits, as well as immigration documents. However, the procedure has become more complicated due to the need to submit passports through third countries, and checks may be more thorough.
In public discussions, this decision is often viewed as part of Canada's overall policy toward Russia following the start of military operations in Ukraine in 2022. Canada joined the sanctions and closed its airspace to Russian airlines.
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Russians who want to get a Canadian visa now need to submit their passports through visa centers outside the Russian Federation.
Here's how the procedure works. The visa application is submitted online through the IRCC portal. After the application is reviewed and a positive decision is made, the system sends a Passport Request Letter. At this stage, the applicant needs to choose a visa center outside Russia and personally deliver their passport there. You can track your application status through your account on the IRCC portal.
Russian VACs still accept biometrics, but you should check the current status of your chosen center on its official website before visiting.
If you've already submitted an application
Those who submitted an application before January 28, 2026, don't need to start the process over. Your application will continue to be processed normally. After receiving a Passport Request Letter, you'll need to choose a VAC outside Russia. Keep in mind that processing times may increase due to logistical changes.
Where to submit your passport
The nearest available visa centers for passport submission are located in the following countries: Armenia (Yerevan), Kazakhstan (Almaty and Astana), Georgia (Tbilisi), Azerbaijan (Baku), Turkey (Ankara, Istanbul), Finland (Helsinki). There are no Canadian visa centers in Belarus. A complete list of VACs is available on the official IRCC website.
It's important to consider that visiting some of these countries may require Russians to obtain a visa or meet certain entry requirements. Russians can enter Georgia, Armenia, and Kazakhstan without a visa, making these destinations the most convenient. In most cases, passports are returned via courier delivery or require personal pickup—the terms depend on the specific VAC.
New risks for applicants
The change in application procedures creates several additional risks you need to be aware of.
The need to travel to a third country carries the risk of being denied entry there. Even with a visa-free regime, the final decision on entry is made by the border service of the destination country.
Additional travel expenses (plane tickets, accommodation) cannot be refunded if your Canadian visa is denied. In practice, expenses often range from 30,000 to 100,000 rubles depending on the country, season, and flight costs.
There's a risk of your passport being delayed abroad. Processing times may increase, and getting your passport back will require an additional trip or paying for courier delivery.
Urgent trips become practically impossible. The visa process now requires significantly more time for planning and coordination.
You should be especially cautious about intermediaries offering document delivery services. IRCC doesn't recommend handing over your passport through unlicensed intermediaries. This creates a risk of fraud and document loss. Only submit your passport through an official VAC or courier services provided by the visa center itself. Never send your passport through private individuals without a contract and official VAC receipt.
What this means for different categories of applicants
Tourists planning a trip to Canada now need to allow extra time and budget for getting a visa. It's recommended to start the process several months before your planned trip.
Students enrolling in Canadian educational institutions will also face additional challenges. Main documents are submitted online, but you'll need to submit your passport through a VAC outside Russia for visa stamping.
For those planning to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry or provincial programs, the application process remains online. However, the final stage may require passport submission or other procedures through a foreign VAC to obtain an immigration visa (for entry with permanent resident status).
Holders of valid Canadian visas can continue using them until they expire. The changes only affect new applications and renewals.
Recommendations for Applicants
- Submit your online application well in advance, before planning a trip abroad to submit your passport
- Choose a visa center in a country with visa-free entry for Russian citizens (Armenia, Kazakhstan, Georgia)
- Consider passport return delivery times: check with your chosen VAC whether they send documents by courier or require in-person pickup
- Submit your passport only through an official VAC or their designated courier services
- Stay updated on the official IRCC website, as the situation may change
Keep in mind that these measures may be revised — there's no official information about how long they'll remain in effect.
If you're planning to immigrate to Canada or need advice on visa matters under the current circumstances, we recommend booking a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant.
