CASTRIES, St Lucia – Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has welcomed the decision by Canada to open a visa application centre in St Lucia, saying that it means they no longer have to go to Barbados or Trinidad and Tobago to have their visa applications processed in those countries.
Chastanet, writing on his Facebook page, noted that the centre will provide visa services and biometric collection for persons who require visas or work/student permits for Canada.
“It does not change the process for Canadian citizens who need to apply for passports or other travel documents,” he added. (CMC)
The centre began operations last Thursday and according to a statement posted by the Canadian authorities, “booking of appointments for enrolling your biometrics at the VAC is absolutely free of cost” warning potential applications to “beware of fraudulent job offer.
“We encourage you to exercise caution and common sense when receiving any such employment offer, which requires payment of any fees/money, or promises a work visa in exchange for money. The said offers are completely fake and not valid.”
The Canadians warned that “no payment should be made to outside parties for the booking of your appointment,” adding “all applications will be assessed in accordance with Canada’s immigration visa rules and guidelines.
“The decision to issue or refuse a visa is made solely by immigration officers of IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada),” which is the Canadian federal department that facilitates the arrival of immigrants to Canada, provides protection to refugees, and offers programming to help newcomers settle in the country. (CMC)
