{"id":17121,"date":"2018-07-01T11:16:12","date_gmt":"2018-07-01T15:16:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=17121"},"modified":"2018-07-01T11:55:20","modified_gmt":"2018-07-01T15:55:20","slug":"apply-now-pm-reacts-to-new-canada-visa-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/apply-now-pm-reacts-to-new-canada-visa-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"Apply now: PM reacts to new Canada visa requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Antiguans and Barbudans\u00a0who plan to travel to Canada have been told apply now for their Canadian Visa.<\/p>

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“I would encourage all Antiguans and Barbudans who think they may travel to Canada at some point to acquire their visa before the end of the year before the new policy is put in place,” said Prime Minister Gaston Browne.<\/p>\n

He was making reference to new procedures outlined by Canada for visa applications.<\/p>

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Once approved the visa could last for as long as ten years.<\/p>

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“So if ten years down the road you have to buy a ticket for renewal, big deal,” Browne said on Pointe FM over the weekend.<\/p>\n

“So there is already a window to be exploited to get your visa now. Even if you are not traveling just get it now,” he urged residents.<\/p>

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The new requirements for in-person visa applications come into effect in December.<\/p>\n

An applicant does not have to go to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Trinidad, they can go to the nearest of at least 11 VACs or to any of the 135 U.S. Application Support Centers to provide their biometrics \u00a0(fingerprints and a photo) if they apply on or after\u00a0December 31, 2018<\/span>.<\/p>

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Applicants applying online or by mail may give their biometrics at any biometrics collection point provided they have a biometrics instruction letter. Applicants applying at a VAC in person for a visa or permit do not need a biometrics instruction letter. They will provide their biometrics at the same time as they submit their application.<\/p>

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Applicants for temporary residence will only need to provide their biometrics once every 10\u00a0years to facilitate repeat travels to Canada. Their biometrics may be verified at the port of entry to confirm their identity each time they enter.<\/p>\n

Those applying for a visitor visa, or a work or study permit from OECS may submit an application online, by mail, or in person at any of Canada\u2019s Visa Application Centres.\u00a0An applicant will have to travel to a Canada\u2019s Visa Application Centres or a U.S. Application Service Center to provide their fingerprints and a photo (biometrics) if they apply on or after\u00a0December 31, 2018<\/span>.<\/p>\n

And here is some additional information you may find useful:<\/p>\n