Canadian Embassy London: Visa Applications, eTA and Consular Services 2026

The High Commission of Canada in London is Canada's principal diplomatic mission in the United Kingdom. It is located at the iconic Canada House on Trafalgar Square, one of the most prominent embassy buildings in London. Note that Canada does not have embassies in Commonwealth countries - the equivalent is called a High Commission, with identical diplomatic and consular functions. All Canadian immigration applications are submitted online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at ircc.canada.ca. The High Commission does not accept in-person visa or immigration applications.

Address and Contact

Canada House is at Trafalgar Square, London SW1Y 5BJ. The nearest Underground stations are Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines) and Embankment (District and Circle lines). The public entrance to Canada House is on the south side of Trafalgar Square. General enquiries: +44 (0)20 7004 6000. The High Commission website is canada.ca/en/high-commission/united-kingdom.

British Nationals Travelling to Canada

British citizens do not require a visitor visa for Canada for stays of up to six months. However, those travelling by air must hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) linked to their passport before boarding. The eTA is applied for online at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta and costs CAD 7 (approximately £4). It is valid for five years or until passport expiry, whichever is sooner, and allows multiple trips to Canada within that period. British nationals travelling to Canada by land or sea (for example by road from the United States) do not require an eTA.

Temporary Resident Visas for Non-British Nationals

Third-country nationals resident in the UK who are not from eTA-eligible countries must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada. Applications are submitted online through the IRCC portal. Supporting documents typically include financial evidence, travel history, ties to country of residence and a letter of invitation if visiting family or friends.

Canadian Study Permits

International students wishing to study in Canada for more than six months require a study permit. Applications are submitted online via IRCC. Applicants must have a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Biometrics are required as part of the application and are collected at VFS Global in London (66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT).

Canadian Work Permits

Work permits for Canada fall into two main categories: employer-specific (closed) work permits tied to a specific employer and position, and open work permits which allow work for any employer in Canada. Many work permit streams require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the Canadian employer. Post-graduation work permits (PGWP), International Experience Canada (IEC/Working Holiday) permits and intra-company transfers have separate rules. All work permit applications are submitted online through IRCC.

Canadian Permanent Residence from the UK

The primary pathway to Canadian permanent residence is through Express Entry, a points-based system that manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer additional pathways for those with specific skills or connections to a particular province. Applications are submitted online; biometrics are collected in the UK at VFS Global.

Canadian Citizen Services

Canadian citizens in the UK can access the following services at Canada House: passport applications and renewals, citizenship certificates, emergency travel documents and notarial services. Appointments are required for in-person passport services and can be booked through the Canada House appointment system on the High Commission website.

Where is the Canadian Embassy in London?

The High Commission of Canada is at Canada House, Trafalgar Square, London SW1Y 5BJ. The nearest tube stations are Charing Cross and Embankment.

Do British citizens need a visa for Canada?

No. British nationals do not need a visitor visa for stays up to six months. However, those flying to Canada must obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) online before departure. It costs CAD 7 (around £4) and is valid for five years.

How do I apply for a Canadian visa from the UK?

All Canadian visa and immigration applications are submitted online through the IRCC portal at ircc.canada.ca. The High Commission does not process applications in person. Biometrics are collected at VFS Global in London.

How long does a Canadian visa take to process from the UK?

Visitor visa processing times vary. Current estimates are published on the IRCC website. Study and work permits typically take 4 to 16 weeks depending on stream.

What is the eTA for Canada and how do I get it?

The eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a pre-travel requirement for visa-exempt nationals flying to Canada. It is applied for online at canada.ca/eta, costs CAD 7 and is valid for five years. Most applications are approved within minutes.

Does the Canadian High Commission in London handle immigration appeals?

No. Immigration appeals and judicial reviews are heard by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) in Canada. The High Commission in London does not have jurisdiction over appeal decisions.