Ukrainians in Canada will soon be able to obtain foreign passports issued by Ukrainian embassies and consulates through VFS Global service centers. The new system is expected to significantly simplify access to consular services, reduce the time required to obtain documents, and eliminate the need for citizens to make repeat trips to diplomatic missions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine announced the launch of this pilot project. It involves the targeted modernization of consular services for Ukrainians abroad, specifically in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
As part of the cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and VFS Global, preparations have been completed for the launch of a pilot project that will allow for the issuance of finished passports not only at Ukrainian diplomatic missions but also at the network of VFS Global service centers. A total of 35 centers across the three countries will be involved in this initiative.
For Ukrainians in Canada, this means significantly more convenient access to documents. After applying for a passport at a diplomatic mission, citizens will be able to choose to receive the finished document through a VFS Global center, without having to return to the embassy or consulate. This approach is expected to reduce the number of trips, waiting times, and time spent.
This decision is particularly relevant amid ongoing Russian aggression, as a large number of Ukrainian citizens are currently abroad and require fast, reliable, and accessible government services.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that document security and proper identification remain an absolute priority. Passports will be issued through VFS Global only after a verification procedure, which is intended to ensure the protection of personal data and prevent any misuse.
The project is part of a broader digitalization of Ukraine’s consular services, specifically the development of the “e-Consul” system. In the future, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to further expand such services for Ukrainians in other countries around the world, utilizing both international passport and visa networks as well as national postal operators.
The pilot launch of the project begins as early as next week. Ukrainian citizens applying for passports at diplomatic missions in Canada will be able to choose the new option of receiving their completed documents through VFS Global centers. Detailed explanations and practical information will be available shortly on the official websites of Ukrainian embassies and consulates.
This innovation is intended to be an important step toward creating a modern, convenient, and people-centered system of consular services for Ukrainians abroad. For the Ukrainian community in Canada, this is not only a matter of convenience but also an example of how the state maintains contact with its citizens, supports them, and ensures access to necessary services regardless of their location.