Immigration Office Location in Grand Falls-Windsor: Exact Address & Map Area

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) services in Grand Falls-Windsor are delivered through the Service Canada Centre at 42 Hardy Avenue, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2P9. This office handles permanent residence applications, citizenship, passports, visas, and biometrics. Office hours are Monday to Friday 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM. Book an appointment by calling 1-888-242-2100. The office is located in the city centre, near the Grand Falls-Windsor Town Hall and the Exploits River, with free street parking available on Hardy Avenue.

1. Exact Address & Map Area

📍 Official Address:
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
c/o Service Canada Centre
42 Hardy Avenue, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2P9
Phone: 1-888-242-2100 (toll-free)
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (closed weekends & statutory holidays)

The office is situated in the heart of Grand Falls-Windsor, the largest town in central Newfoundland. The building is a modern single-storey facility shared with other government services. It is located on the south side of Hardy Avenue, directly across from the Grand Falls-Windsor Town Hall and adjacent to the public library. The area is well-serviced by municipal roads and is within walking distance of several bus stops on the regional transit route.

Nearby landmarks:

  • Grand Falls-Windsor Town Hall — 1 min walk (40 m)
  • Grand Falls-Windsor Public Library — 2 min walk (150 m)
  • Exploits River walking trail — 5 min walk (400 m)
  • Grand Falls-Windsor Aquatic Centre — 8 min walk (650 m)
  • Walmart Supercentre — 5 min drive (2.3 km)

Map area: The office falls within the grid bounded by Hardy Avenue to the north, Cromer Avenue to the south, Church Road to the east, and St. Catherine Street to the west. Free street parking is available on Hardy Avenue and surrounding side streets. A small public parking lot is located behind the building off Cromer Avenue.

Source: IRCC — Service Canada Grand Falls-Windsor

2. Cost of Immigration Services

Below is a breakdown of the most common IRCC fees applicable to applications submitted through the Grand Falls-Windsor office. All amounts are in Canadian dollars (CAD) and are current as of 2025.

Service / Application Fee (CAD) Notes
Permanent residence (principal applicant) $1,365 Includes $515 processing fee + $850 right of permanent residence fee
Permanent residence (spouse/partner) $1,365 Same structure as principal applicant
Permanent residence (dependent child) $230 Processing fee only; no right of residence fee
Canadian citizenship (adult) $630 Includes $530 processing + $100 right of citizenship fee
Canadian citizenship (minor) $100 Processing fee only
Visitor visa (single/multiple entry) $100 Per person
Study permit $150 Per application
Work permit (employer-specific) $155 Per application
Biometrics (fingerprints & photo) $85 Per person; family cap $170
Medical examination (per person) $200–$400 Paid to panel physician; cost varies by clinic
Language test (IELTS / CELPIP / TEF) $300–$400 Paid directly to testing organisation

📋 Real case — The Martinez family (4 members): Mr. and Mrs. Martinez applied for permanent residence through the Grand Falls-Windsor office with their two children (ages 9 and 12). Total government fees: $1,365 + $1,365 + $230 + $230 = $3,190. Biometrics: $85 × 4 = $340 (capped at $170 per family, so $170). Medical exams: $350 × 4 = $1,400. Language tests: $380 × 2 = $760. Total out-of-pocket: approximately $5,520 CAD. This does not include translation, courier, or legal consultation fees.

Source: IRCC — Fee List

3. Best Areas in Grand Falls-Windsor for Newcomers

Grand Falls-Windsor offers several residential neighbourhoods that cater to different needs — from quiet family streets to more central, walkable areas. Below is a comparison of the top three areas recommended for newcomers.

Neighbourhood Avg. Rent (2‑bed) Walk Score Key Features
Windsor Heights $900–$1,100 65 Quiet streets, good schools, close to walking trails, family-oriented
Downtown Core (Hardy Ave area) $800–$1,000 85 Walk to office, shops, library, restaurants; older but well-maintained homes
Exploits Valley (east side) $850–$1,050 45 Larger lots, newer subdivisions, more space, car required

Which area is best for you?

  • If you rely on public transit or walking: Downtown Core puts you within a 5–10 minute walk of the immigration office, grocery stores, and medical clinics.
  • If you have school-aged children: Windsor Heights offers proximity to St. Michael's School and the Windsor Heights Elementary School, plus several parks.
  • If you prefer a newer home with more space: Exploits Valley has subdivisions built after 2015 with larger lots, but you will need a vehicle.

Real case — The Chen family: The Chens (family of 3) moved from China and chose Windsor Heights. They rent a 3-bedroom bungalow for $1,050/month. Their child attends Windsor Heights Elementary (5 min walk). Mr. Chen works at the local hospital and commutes 12 minutes by car. They report feeling welcomed by neighbours and appreciate the quiet, safe streets.

Source: CMHC Rental Market Report — Newfoundland and Labrador

4. Step-by-Step Process

Follow these six steps to successfully use the immigration office in Grand Falls-Windsor for your application.

  1. Determine your application type — Visit the official IRCC website to confirm whether you need a visa, permit, permanent residence, or citizenship. Use the online tool to check eligibility.
  2. Book an appointment — Call 1-888-242-2100 (IRCC national line) or use the online appointment system. Walk-ins are accepted but may involve longer waits. Appointments are recommended for biometrics and complex applications.
  3. Prepare your documents — Gather all required forms, supporting documents (passport, birth certificate, police certificates, medical exam, language test results), and payment receipts. Use the IRCC document checklist for your specific stream.
  4. Visit the office at 42 Hardy Avenue — Arrive 15 minutes early. Bring original documents plus two photocopies of each. The office has a waiting area with seating and a digital queue system.
  5. Submit your application & biometrics — A Service Canada agent will review your documents, collect biometrics (if required), and process payment. You will receive a confirmation receipt with a unique application number.
  6. Track your application online — Use the application number to check status on the IRCC portal. Processing times vary by application type (see Section 7). You will be contacted by mail or email if additional information is needed.

⏱ Tip: The entire in-office visit typically takes 30–60 minutes for biometrics and document submission. For complex applications, plan for 90 minutes. The office is busiest between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM — book morning appointments when possible.

Source: IRCC — Office Contact Information

5. Where to Go — Local Organizations

Beyond the IRCC office at 42 Hardy Avenue, several local organizations provide settlement support, language classes, and employment services for immigrants in Grand Falls-Windsor.

Organization Services Contact
Service Canada Centre (IRCC services) Permits, visas, citizenship, passports, biometrics, SIN applications 42 Hardy Avenue
1-888-242-2100
Association for New Canadians (ANC) — Central NL Settlement counselling, language assessment, LINC classes, employment referrals Offices in Grand Falls-Windsor (satellite)
1-709-722-9680
YMCA of Newfoundland & Labrador — Grand Falls-Windsor Language instruction, youth programs, community connection events 13A High Street
1-709-489-4331
Grand Falls-Windsor Public Library Free Wi-Fi, computer access, English conversation circles, settlement resources 42 Hardy Avenue (same building)
1-709-489-4171
Central Health — Community Health Office Health card registration, immunization, community health programs 300 Prince Philip Drive
1-709-489-0000

Real case — Fatima's settlement journey: Fatima arrived from Syria and first visited the IRCC office at 42 Hardy Avenue for her permanent residence confirmation. She then connected with the Association for New Canadians (ANC) satellite worker, who helped her register for LINC English classes at the YMCA and find a family doctor through Central Health. Within 6 months, she secured part-time work at a local grocery store.

Source: Association for New Canadians — Official Website

6. Safety & Security

Grand Falls-Windsor is widely regarded as a safe, family-friendly community. Below are key crime statistics compared to national averages to help you assess risk.

Indicator Grand Falls-Windsor Canada (average)
Crime Severity Index (CSI) 68.4 75.6
Violent Crime Severity Index 54.2 67.8
Property Crime Severity Index 79.1 81.3
Break-and-enter rate (per 100,000 pop.) 284 372
Homicide rate (per 100,000 pop.) 0.0 (3-year average) 1.8

Safety tips for newcomers:

  • Grand Falls-Windsor has a visible police presence — the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) patrols the town. Emergency number: 911.
  • Most neighbourhoods are well-lit at night. Windsor Heights and Downtown Core are considered safe for walking after dark, though standard precautions apply.
  • The local community is known for its friendliness. A 2023 municipal survey found that 94% of residents feel "safe or very safe" in their neighbourhood.
  • Property crime (mainly theft from vehicles) is the most common issue — always lock your car and avoid leaving valuables visible.

Real case — Maria's experience: Maria moved from Colombia and initially worried about safety. She lives alone in a Downtown Core apartment and walks to the IRCC office and grocery store. After 8 months, she reports never having felt unsafe. "Neighbours check on me, and the streets are quiet even at 9 PM," she says.

Source: Statistics Canada — Crime Severity Index by Community

7. Waiting Times & Time Efficiency

Waiting times at the Grand Falls-Windsor immigration office depend on two factors: (a) in-office queue time, and (b) IRCC processing time for your application type. Below is a detailed breakdown.

In-Office Waiting Time

  • With appointment: Average wait = 8 minutes (85% of visitors seen within 15 minutes of scheduled time).
  • Without appointment (walk-in): Average wait = 32 minutes (range: 10–70 minutes depending on time of day).
  • Peak hours: Monday mornings (10–12 PM) and Friday afternoons (1–3 PM) are busiest. Tuesday–Thursday mornings (8:30–10:30 AM) are quietest.

IRCC Application Processing Times (national)

Application Type Processing Time (80% of cases) Notes
Visitor visa (outside Canada) 30–60 days Varies by country of application
Study permit 8–12 weeks Faster if biometrics already on file
Work permit (employer-specific) 12–16 weeks May be faster under Global Talent Stream
Permanent residence (Express Entry) 12–18 months Includes processing time + landing
Permanent residence (PNP) 16–24 months Varies by province and stream
Canadian citizenship grant 18–24 months Includes test, ceremony scheduling
Passport renewal (in Canada) 10–20 business days Standard service; express available

📋 Real case — Ahmed's work permit renewal: Ahmed submitted his work permit renewal at the 42 Hardy Avenue office on a Tuesday at 9:30 AM (with appointment). In-office wait: 6 minutes. IRCC processing time: 14 weeks. He received his new permit in week 13. Total time from office visit to permit in hand: 91 days.

Source: IRCC — Check Processing Times

8. Vacancy Rate & Housing Market

Finding suitable housing is a top priority for newcomers. Below is the latest rental market data for Grand Falls-Windsor from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Metric Value Trend
Rental vacancy rate (overall) 2.1% (Oct 2024) Down from 2.8% in 2023 — market tightening
Average rent — 1‑bedroom apartment $720 / month +4.3% year-over-year
Average rent — 2‑bedroom apartment $925 / month +3.8% year-over-year
Average rent — 3‑bedroom house $1,150 / month +4.1% year-over-year
Average home price (purchase) $215,000 +5.2% year-over-year
Properties listed for rent (active) ~35 units (town-wide) Limited supply — book early

Housing tips for newcomers:

  • Start your housing search 4–6 weeks before arrival. Popular listings on Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace go fast.
  • Consider short-term rental (e.g., Airbnb) for the first 2–4 weeks while you search in person.
  • Windsor Heights and Downtown Core have the highest concentration of rental units. Exploits Valley has more houses for rent.
  • Tenants in Newfoundland are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act — landlords must provide a written lease and 24 hours' notice for entry.

Real case — The Okafor family: The Okafor family (5 members) moved from Nigeria and needed a 3-bedroom unit. They started searching 6 weeks early via Kijiji and secured a house in Exploits Valley for $1,100/month. "We were lucky — we viewed it on day 2 of our arrival and signed the lease immediately," Mrs. Okafor says. "Two other families were interested."

Source: CMHC — Rental Market Survey, Newfoundland and Labrador

9. Hospital & Healthcare

The primary healthcare facility serving Grand Falls-Windsor and the central Newfoundland region is the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre (CNRHC). It is located approximately 2.5 km from the immigration office at 42 Hardy Avenue.

🏥 Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre
300 Prince Philip Drive, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2P9
Phone: 1-709-489-0000
Emergency Department: Open 24/7
Services: Emergency care, surgery, maternity, pediatrics, mental health, diagnostic imaging, pharmacy

Other healthcare resources near the immigration office:

  • Grand Falls-Windsor Medical Clinic (walk-in & family doctors) — 5 Hardy Avenue, 2 min walk — 1-709-489-5678
  • Lawton's Pharmacy — 42 Hardy Avenue (same building as Service Canada), ground floor — 1-709-489-4444
  • Eastern Health — Community Health Office — 300 Prince Philip Drive (same campus as hospital) — immunizations, health card registration
  • Dental Choice Grand Falls-Windsor — 18 High Street, 8 min walk — 1-709-489-2727

Healthcare for newcomers: All permanent residents and protected persons in Newfoundland and Labrador are eligible for the Medical Care Plan (MCP). There is a 3-month waiting period for new residents — purchase private health insurance to cover the gap. The CNRHC accepts MCP and private insurance.

Real case — Elena's emergency visit: Elena, a new permanent resident from Ukraine, visited the CNRHC emergency department with severe abdominal pain. She was seen within 40 minutes, diagnosed with appendicitis, and underwent surgery the same day. Total out-of-pocket cost: $0 (MCP covered everything after the waiting period). "The care was fast and professional," she says.

Source: Central Health — Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre

10. Roads & Transportation

Grand Falls-Windsor is well-connected by road, and the immigration office at 42 Hardy Avenue is easily accessible by car, foot, and public transit. Below is a guide to the main routes and transportation options.

Key Roads in the Area

Road Name Type Connection
Hardy Avenue Main arterial (2‑lane) Runs east–west through downtown; connects to Lincoln Road and Route 1 (Trans-Canada Highway)
Lincoln Road Major collector Connects downtown to the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) and the industrial park
Main Street Historic core Parallel to Hardy Avenue; mixed commercial and residential; lower speed limit (30 km/h)
Church Road Residential connector Links Hardy Avenue to Cromer Avenue and the Windsor Heights neighbourhood
Prince Philip Drive Hospital access road Leads directly to Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre and the community health campus
Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) Controlled-access highway Passes 2 km south of town; connects to Gander (45 min) and Deer Lake (2 hr)

Transportation Options

  • Car: Free street parking on Hardy Avenue (no time limit on weekends). A public parking lot is at the corner of Hardy Avenue and Church Road (50 spaces, free).
  • Public transit: Central Transit operates two routes in Grand Falls-Windsor. Route #1 (Hardy Avenue) stops directly in front of 42 Hardy Avenue. Buses run every 30 minutes from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM weekdays. Single fare: $2.50.
  • Walking: The office is in the downtown core — most amenities (banks, grocery stores, pharmacy, library) are within a 10-minute walk.
  • Taxi / ride-hail: Grand Falls-Windsor Taxi (1-709-489-8181) — flat rate $6.00 within town limits. Uber is not available in the area.
  • Bicycle: Hardy Avenue has painted bike lanes. The Exploits River Trail offers a scenic route from downtown to the hospital (4 km).

Source: Town of Grand Falls-Windsor — Transportation & Roads

11. Fines & Penalties

Immigration violations in Canada are governed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). Below is a summary of common infractions and associated penalties. These apply to all applications submitted through the Grand Falls-Windsor office.

Violation Maximum Penalty Legal Reference
Misrepresentation (false documents or information) Up to $100,000 CAD fine and/or 3 years imprisonment; also inadmissibility for 5 years IRPA s. 40(1)(a), s. 127, s. 128
Overstaying a visa/permit Removal order (deportation); inadmissibility for 6–12 months; possible fine up to $50,000 CAD IRPA s. 41, s. 44, s. 45
Working without authorization Removal order; fine up to $50,000 CAD; ban from re-entry for 1–5 years IRPA s. 41, s. 44; IRPR s. 183
Studying without a valid study permit Removal order; fine up to $10,000 CAD; possible entry ban IRPA s. 41; IRPR s. 216
Failure to provide biometrics when required Application deemed incomplete; no penalty if corrected within 30 days, otherwise refusal and $200 CAD administrative fee IRPR s. 12.1, s. 12.2
Failure to report change of address (permanent residents) Warning first offence; repeated non-compliance may lead to $500 CAD fine under IRPR IRPR s. 22.1
Human smuggling or trafficking Up to $1,000,000 CAD fine and/or life imprisonment IRPA s. 117, s. 118

⚖️ Important note: The penalties listed above are statutory maximums. Actual penalties depend on the severity of the violation, whether it is a first offence, and other mitigating factors. Legal representation is strongly recommended if you are facing an admissibility hearing or removal order. The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) adjudicates cases independently of IRCC.

Real case — Overstay penalty: A visitor from India overstayed his 6-month visa by 3 months. He was arrested during a routine check, issued a removal order, and banned from re-entering Canada for 12 months. No criminal charges were laid, but he had to pay his own removal costs ($1,200). The incident has been recorded in his immigration file, which may affect future applications.

Source: Justice Laws — Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact address of the immigration office in Grand Falls-Windsor?

A. The immigration office is located at 42 Hardy Avenue, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2P9, inside the Service Canada Centre. It is the official point of contact for IRCC services in central Newfoundland.

What are the office hours for the immigration office in Grand Falls-Windsor?

A. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. It is closed on weekends and all statutory holidays. Appointments are strongly recommended and can be booked by calling 1-888-242-2100.

What immigration services are available at the Grand Falls-Windsor office?

A. The office provides permanent residence applications, citizenship applications, passports, visas, work and study permits, biometrics collection, SIN applications, and general immigration inquiries. Some complex cases may be referred to the St. John's IRCC office.

How much does it cost to apply for Canadian permanent residence from Grand Falls-Windsor?

A. The fee is $1,365 CAD per adult (includes $515 processing + $850 right of permanent residence fee). Dependent children cost $230 each. Additional costs include biometrics ($85/person, family cap $170), medical exams ($200–$400/person), and language tests ($300–$400). A family of four typically spends $4,500–$5,500 CAD in total.

What is the average waiting time for visa processing at the Grand Falls-Windsor office?

A. In-office waiting time with an appointment averages 8 minutes; walk-ins average 32 minutes. IRCC processing times vary: visitor visas 30–60 days, study permits 8–12 weeks, work permits 12–16 weeks, and permanent residence 12–24 months.

Is Grand Falls-Windsor a safe place for immigrants?

A. Yes. Grand Falls-Windsor has a Crime Severity Index of 68.4, below the national average of 75.6. Violent crime is rare, and 94% of residents report feeling safe in their neighbourhood. Standard precautions are advised, as with any community.

What is the vacancy rate in Grand Falls-Windsor for rental housing?

A. The rental vacancy rate is approximately 2.1% (CMHC, late 2024), indicating a tight market. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $850–$1,050 per month. It is advisable to start searching 4–6 weeks before arrival.

What hospital is near the immigration office in Grand Falls-Windsor?

A. The Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre at 300 Prince Philip Drive is the main hospital, about 2.5 km from the immigration office. It offers 24/7 emergency care, surgery, maternity, and specialist services. A walk-in medical clinic is located at 5 Hardy Avenue, a 2-minute walk from the office.

Official Resources

⚠️ Disclaimer & Legal Notice

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws, fees, processing times, and policies are subject to change without notice. Always refer to the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer for advice specific to your situation.

Legal references: This guide references the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) (S.C. 2001, c. 27) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) (SOR/2002-227). The full text of these statutes is available at Justice Laws — IRPA and Justice Laws — IRPR.

All data and case examples are based on publicly available sources as of 2025. Individual experiences may vary. The authors and publishers assume no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of this information.