India Resumes Some Visa Services in Canada

Effective Date: November 22, 2023

India has recently resumed India e-visa services for Canadian nationals, following a suspension that lasted nearly two months, according to sources knowledgeable about the situation. This announcement, made on Wednesday, marks a significant development in travel facilitation between the two countries.

With the resumption of these services, Canadian citizens can now conveniently apply for their Indian e-visas online. This digital application process streamlines the visa acquisition, making it more accessible and efficient for travelers from Canada seeking to visit India.

Effective Date: October 26, 2023

The High Commission of India in Canada has announced the resumption of certain visa services, including entry visa, business visa, medical visa, and conference visa, starting from October 26, 2023.

This decision comes after a temporary suspension of these services due to security concerns for Indian diplomats in Canada.

Background

A few weeks ago, the issuance of Indian visas in Canada was halted because the safety and security of Indian diplomats was compromised (India Suspended Visa for Canadian Citizens). This decision was primarily made to ensure the well-being of diplomatic personnel.

According to EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar, "It was no longer safe for our diplomats to go to work to issue visas, so their safety and security was the primary reason we had to temporarily stop the issue of visas."

Strained Relations

India's relations with Canada have faced challenges recently, particularly following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegation of the involvement of "agents of the Indian government" in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). This led to tensions and reciprocal actions between the two nations.

India rejected Trudeau's allegations as "absurd" and "motivated," subsequently suspending the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and asking Ottawa to downsize its diplomatic presence in India. These diplomatic tensions had an impact on visa services.

Impact on Services

As a result of these diplomatic tensions, Canada temporarily suspended visa and in-person consular services in certain Indian cities, with these services now being exclusively offered at the Canadian High Commission in Delhi. Furthermore, the International Recruitment and Control Council (IRCC) reduced its workforce in India from 27 to just 5 employees.

The five Canada-based IRCC staff members will concentrate on tasks requiring a physical presence in India, including urgent processing, visa printing, risk assessment, and overseeing key partners. However, the reduced staffing levels are expected to affect processing times, potentially leading to delays in processing, responses to inquiries, and the issuance of visas and passports for Indian citizens.

The resumption of certain visa services in Canada is expected to help ease these tensions and facilitate smoother diplomatic and consular interactions between the two nations.

Categories of Visa Services to Resume

The High Commission of India in Ottawa and its Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver have decided to resume specific categories of visa services. These services will include:

1. Entry Visa

This category encompasses visitors traveling for tourism, family visits, or other non-specific purposes.

2. Business Visa

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors will once again have access to Indian business visas, fostering trade and economic relations.

3. Medical Visa

Medical visas, which are crucial for individuals seeking medical treatment in India, will be reinstated, easing access to world-class healthcare services.

4. Conference Visa

This category facilitates the participation of Canadians in conferences, seminars, and other professional gatherings in India, promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The resumption of these categories is poised to benefit a diverse range of individuals, including tourists, business travelers, patients, and professionals.

How To Apply India Visa?

To apply for the specific categories of visas that are set to be reinstated in Canada by the High Commission of India in Ottawa, you should follow these general steps. Keep in mind that the specific application process may vary:

• Select the Visa Category: Identify the category of visa that aligns with your purpose of travel. The categories being reinstated include Entry Visa, Business Visa, Medical Visa, and Conference Visa.
• Review Visa Requirements: Each visa category has specific requirements and documentation. Make sure to carefully review the requirements for the type of visa you need. These requirements typically include a completed application form, passport-sized photographs, a valid passport, proof of purpose of travel (invitation letters for conferences, business contacts, medical treatment details, etc.), proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay, and any other documents as specified by the High Commission or Consulates.
• Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the visa application form as per the guidelines provided. Ensure that all information is accurate and matches the documents you will be submitting.
• Schedule an Appointment: Depending on the specific procedure, you might need to schedule an appointment to submit your visa application and documents. Check the official website for instructions on how to book an appointment if required.
• Pay the Visa Fee: Visa applications typically involve a fee. The fee structure may vary based on the type of visa and your nationality. 
• Submit Your Application: Attend the scheduled appointment, if necessary, and submit your visa application along with all the required documents and the visa fee. Be prepared for any biometric data collection or interviews if it's part of the process.
• Wait for Processing: Visa processing times can vary depending on the category and other factors. Be patient and allow sufficient time for the High Commission or Consulates to review your application.
• Collect Your Visa: Once your visa is approved, you will be notified, and you can collect your visa from the designated location. Ensure that you carefully review the visa for accuracy and any conditions.
• Travel to India: With a valid visa in hand, you can now plan your trip to India as per the approved visa conditions.

In conclusion, the resumption of visa services in Canada is a diplomatic milestone that signifies a step toward reconciliation and cooperation between India and Canada. It serves as a beacon of hope for the future, where both countries can work together to address shared challenges and opportunities on the global stage.