Upvote:1
If you apply online for a visa from Canada, you do not need to submit your passport straight away, so it's OK if the passport is elsewhere during that time.
If you need to give biometrics, Canada will mail you a letter and send an email, and you have 30 days from the date on that letter to give biometrics. You need the passport to identify yourself when you give biometrics.
Finally, at the end of the process, you need to submit the passport to the consulate when Canada asks for it, to receive the visa.
If you apply via a VAC or by mail, you do need to submit your passport with your documents.