Canadian Visa Success as a US F1 Student

A one-semester UCB exchange student's 10-year multiple-entry Canadian visa timeline

2025-10-10

Overview

I'm an F1 student on a one-semester exchange program at UCB. I successfully obtained a 10-year multiple-entry Canadian visa. Here's my complete timeline applying from the US.

Timeline ⏳

  • Sep 7: Filled out and submitted the online application, paid the application fee.

  • Sep 8: Received the Confirmation of Online Application Transmission (IRCC sends email updates for every status change).

  • Sep 9: Received the Biometrics Collection Letter, then booked a fingerprint appointment at a Visa Application Center (VAC) in Oakland per the instructions (earliest slot was Sep 29).

  • Sep 10: Discovered you can walk in before your appointment! Hurried over to the nearest VAC to do fingerprints and photos. 📸

  • Sep 22: IRCC showed application was approved. 🎉 Received the Original Passport Request (OPR), printed the required Consent Form and the OPR.

  • Sep 23: Mailed the passport via USPS (included: passport, a prepaid return envelope, OPR, Consent Form, money order). Postage + money order totaled $47.75 (the official two-way courier service costs $86).

    Small side note: I had put an AirTag in the envelope before mailing, but VFS staff removed it. They emailed me that "AirTag forbidden" before sending the passport back; I replied asking them to return it with my passport, but nobody replied and it was never returned. 😠

  • Sep 26: VFS notified that the package arrived at the VAC and the passport was sent to IRCC.

  • Sep 29: VFS notified the passport arrived at IRCC for visa stamping, then the passport was sent to the LA VAC.

  • Sep 30: VFS notified the passport arrived at the LA VAC, and the VAC mailed it back.

  • Oct 3: Received my passport with the visa. 😆