The current Canadian administration, as part of its ongoing efforts to transform the Canadian immigration system, is closing its Buffalo, New York visa office. This is one of the largest Canadian visa offices in North America, currently responsible for processing thousands of applications each year.
For many years, foreign students and temporary foreign workers in nearby parts of Canada who wished to extend their stay would have to travel to Buffalo in order to obtain the necessary documentation. However, recent changes to immigration rules have made it possible for these individuals to apply for extensions and interview from within Canada, thus making travel unnecessary.
Given the change in rules, in addition to a greater emphasis on electronic immigration applications, it was determined that the visa office no longer needed to be opened. Remaining responsibilities will be transferred to the Canadian consulate in New York City.