Canada's Suspension of Visa Services
As of January 28, Canada has ceased processing visa applications inside the Russian Federation. While visa application centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Rostov-on-Don, and Yekaterinburg remain open, they will no longer accept passports or supporting documentation. Russian citizens are now advised to apply for Canadian visas at centers located outside their country.
This suspension applies to all major visa categories, including:
- Tourist visas
- Business visas
- Immigration visas
The Canadian government has not officially disclosed the specific reasons behind this decision. Despite the halt in processing, the ability to submit biometric data at these centers is, for the time being, still available.
Broader International Policy Context
This move by Canada aligns with a wider Western trend of imposing stricter visa measures on Russian citizens. It follows the European Union's recent adoption of a new five-year strategy on migration and visa policy, which effectively treats Russia and Belarus as hostile states, even if not naming them directly in the visa section of the document.
Canada's suspension of in-country visa services signals a shift in how Western nations are approaching relations with Russia amid ongoing international tensions. This decision reflects a growing pattern of tightening visa restrictions, which could have long-term implications for migration flows and diplomatic relations. In the context of the EU's new strategic stance, Canada's position appears to be part of a coordinated effort to counter Russian influence on the global stage.