Canada Opens New Visa Application Centre in Portugal (Lisbon, 2024)
TL;DR — On February 8, 2024, the Government of Canada announced the opening of a new Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Lisbon, Portugal, operated by VFS Global. The Lisbon VAC accepts visitor visa, study permit, work permit, and permanent residence applications, and provides biometrics collection for travellers needing visas to come to Canada. The opening expands Canada's network to over 160 VACs worldwide.
What the announcement covered
The Lisbon VAC was announced as part of Canada's commitment to strengthen its global visa-application infrastructure. Key features:
Operated by VFS Global — Canada's primary VAC operator with a strong track record.
Located in Lisbon — central to Portugal's population and accessible to other Portuguese-speaking communities.
Services: visa applications, biometrics collection, document handling, status tracking.
Accepts applications from Portugal residents and travellers from neighbouring jurisdictions.
Why a VAC in Portugal
Portugal is a visa-exempt country for Canadian visitor purposes — Portuguese citizens travel to Canada with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), not a visitor visa. So why a VAC in Portugal?
Several reasons:
1. Permanent residence applications
Portuguese citizens applying for permanent residence (Express Entry, PNP, family-class sponsorship, etc.) need to:
Submit biometrics (10 fingerprints + photo).
Provide documents.
Track applications.
A local VAC simplifies this for Portuguese applicants.
2. Study and work permits
While Portuguese citizens get an eTA automatically with study or work permit approval, they still need:
Biometrics (for non-Canadian citizens applying for permits).
Document submission.
3. Service to Portuguese-speaking communities
Portugal-based diaspora and Portuguese-speaking nationals from countries like Brazil, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Angola, and Guinea-Bissau may use the Lisbon VAC for application services if they are residing in Portugal.
4. Family reunification
With significant Portuguese-Canadian diaspora (~500,000 Canadians of Portuguese descent), family-class sponsorship applications are common. The VAC simplifies this.
5. International Experience Canada (IEC)
Portugal is an IEC partner country — Portuguese youth aged 18-35 can apply for Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op Internship streams. The VAC supports their biometrics submission and application processing.
What the Lisbon VAC offers
Application services
Visa applications (visitor, study, work, permanent residence).
Document submission for online applications.
Biometrics collection (free; only the biometrics fee paid with the application applies).
Document return by appointment.
Status tracking through VFS Global's online portal.
Optional services (paid extra)
Document copying.
Translation services.
Courier services for document return.
Premium lounge in some VACs (premium fee).
Hours
VACs typically operate Monday to Friday during business hours, with appointment-based access.
Booking biometrics in Portugal
The process for Portuguese applicants:
Apply online for the Canadian visa or permit through the IRCC Portal.
Pay all required fees including biometrics fee (CAD $85 individual / $170 family).
Receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) by email from IRCC.
Schedule a biometrics appointment at the Lisbon VAC online via VFS Global.
Attend the appointment within 30 days of the BIL.
Bring valid passport and BIL.
Provide 10 fingerprints + photo.
The VAC submits the data to IRCC's secure database.
Biometrics are valid for 10 years for temporary-residence applications.
Other Canadian missions in Europe
The Lisbon VAC complements Canada's broader European network:
Embassy of Canada in Lisbon (Portuguese matters).
Embassy in Paris (French applications).
Embassy in Berlin (German applications).
Embassy in Rome (Italian applications).
Embassy in Madrid (Spanish applications).
High Commission in London (UK applications).
Embassy in Vienna (Austrian and regional applications).
Embassy in Warsaw (Polish and Eastern European applications).
Many of these have associated VACs.
Other 2024 VAC expansions
The Lisbon VAC was part of Canada's broader 2024 effort to expand and improve visa-processing infrastructure globally:
Lisbon, Portugal (announced Feb 8, 2024).
Yaoundé, Cameroon (IRCC office opened in 2022; VAC services expanded).
Network reviews of existing VACs in major source countries (India, Philippines, China, Nigeria).
The network expansion supports the broader 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan and the elevated targets for Francophone immigration (which includes some Portuguese-speaking applicants from countries like Cape Verde, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau).
How to use the Lisbon VAC
Details for prospective applicants:
Address: VFS Global Canada VAC, Lisbon (specific address available on VFS Global's Canada page for Portugal).
Booking: online via vfsglobal.com under Portugal/Canada services.
Languages: Portuguese, English, sometimes other languages on request.
Wait times: typically 2-7 days for appointment availability.
Walk-in: not generally accepted; appointments required.
Implications for Portuguese-speaking applicants
From Portugal
Portuguese citizens benefit from local biometrics submission without travel to other countries.
From other Portuguese-speaking countries
Applicants from Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau and others continue to use VACs in their respective countries — the Lisbon VAC primarily serves Portugal residents.
Family reunification
Canadian sponsors of Portuguese family members benefit from streamlined processing.
Key facts at a glance
Date opened: February 8, 2024.
Location: Lisbon, Portugal.
Operator: VFS Global.
Services: visa, study permit, work permit, PR applications + biometrics.
Biometrics: free at VAC (only biometrics fee paid with application).
Booking: online via VFS Global Portugal page.
Country status: Portugal is visa-exempt (eTA-eligible for visitor purposes).
Use cases: PR applications, study/work permits, IEC, family sponsorship.
Network: part of Canada's 160+ VAC global network.
IRCC.com is an independent news and information aggregator. We are not affiliated with the Government of Canada and do not provide immigration services or advice. For personalized help, contact a CICC-licensed RCIC or a Canadian immigration lawyer.
Source: canada.ca · IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.
