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All About Visas
- All foreign nationals, including children, require a visa to enter India. The only exceptions are nationals of Nepal and Bhutan who can enter India without a visa. (Note: Nepalese nationals need a visa if entering India from China)
- The passports should be valid for a minimum period of 190 Days with at least two blank pages. Visas can be issued only on passports and NOT on Travel Documents.
- THE VALIDITY OF VISA STARTS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE. Visas are processed on receipt of the application, irrespective of the date of travel. Applicants seeking short term visa up to six months are, therefore, advised to apply nearer the time of their travel so as to be able to complete their trip within the validity of the visa. Applicant may be required to appear for a personal interview at the High Commission/ Consulate General of India at his/her own expense. Kindly check carefully that the intended stay is not beyond the expiry date on the visa.
- Visa fees once deposited cannot be refunded even if requested service is modified or not granted. Validity of the visa begins from the date of issue.
- Foreigners coming from or through yellow fever countries must have a valid vaccination certificate.
- Foreigners entering India on long term visas valid for more than 180 days should follow the relevant registration formalities. All persons who hold Student Visa, Employment Visa and Research Visa which are valid for more than 180 days are required to get themselves registered with the nearest Foreign Registration Office (FRO) or Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival in India.
PAKISTAN NATIONALS & PERSONS OF PAKISTANI ORIGIN
All applicants holding Pakistani passports or those applicants who have Pakistani origin but are currently holding Canadian or other nationality passports should be directed to approach the High Commission/Consulates directly for visa services of all kinds. Their applications, which would be received by the High Commission/Consulates directly, may take several weeks to process and visa charges shall be taken from them only after clearance of their visa requests.
Special visa application is needed for Pakistani nationals. This can be downloaded from the section containing forms.
Foreigners of Pakistani origin who continue to hold dual nationality viz. Pakistani nationality as well as foreign nationality must apply for visa on their Pakistani passports with visa form meant for Pakistani nationals.
It can take several months before a decision can be conveyed on visa requests by Pakistani nationals. Applicants are requested to be patient and not make enquiries in this regard by phone, e-mail, personal visit, fax or letters, which, due to constraints, we will not be able to respond to.
Canadians of Pakistani origin who no longer have Pakistani nationality and Pakistani passport may apply for visa on their Canadian passport with visa application meant for foreigners, but would have to submit a certified copy of the surrender certificate stating that they have renounced their Pakistani citizenship along with an affidavit (the form is available on our website) duly notarized stating therein that they no longer hold Pakistani citizenship and Pakistani passport. Format of the affidavit can be downloaded from the section containing forms on this website.
Normally such passports would be mailed back in one month. Normally, three months single entry visa is given.
Non-Canadian foreigners of Pakistani origin who no longer hold Pakistani citizenship may also apply on their foreign passports by submitting a certified copy of surrender certificate and notarized affidavit as in the case of Canadians of Pakistani origin. They are also required to submit an additional reference form meant for foreigners which can be downloaded from the section containing forms. Minimum time taken is around three months.
SRI LANKAN NATIONALS
For Sri Lankan nationals and Canadian nationals of Sri Lankan origin, passports would be mailed back within four weeks. Applicants should attach photocopy of their photo ID indicating their address.
An additional reference form is also required to be submitted. This can be downloaded from the section containing forms
BANGLADESHI NATIONALS
Special visa application is needed for Bangladesh nationals. This can be downloaded from the section containing forms. The processing time is about one month.
TYPES of VISAS
Tourist Visa
The visa is issued to people who wish to visit India for tourist purposes. Tourist visas are valid for 6 months with single or multiple entries. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue. The visa is non- extendable and the change of purpose is not allowed.
Business Visa
A Business Visa is granted to those who do business in India such as making sales or establishing contacts on behalf of a company outside of India. Business visas may be valid for 6 months to one year or more with single or multiple entries. Irrespective of the duration of validity of visa, on each visit maximum period of stay in India is limited to 6 months (180 days) only. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue. Those who are applying to work for an Indian company should apply for an Employment Visa.
Employment Visa
An Employment Visa is granted to those who have been employed by an Indian company The Embassy/Consulate may grant Employment visa valid for a limited validity irrespective of the duration of the contract. Further extension up to 5 years could be obtained from MHA/FRRO in the concerned state in India. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Student Visa
Student visa is granted to bonafide students to pursue regular studies at recognized educational institutions in India. Visa is valid for the period of study as approved by the educational institution in India for multiple entries. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Entry Visa
An Entry Visa is granted for a specific purpose (short term courses, unpaid internships, Trade shows and Exhibitions) or other non-business related purposes. An Invitation letter is required from concerned organisation/authorities in India.
Members of the family who previously held Indian Nationality or whose parents/grandparents previously held Indian Nationality and need to travel to India to visit relatives and friends
Members of the family of a person employed in India are also eligible for Entry visa. In the latter case, documents establishing the employment of the spouse along with a copy of his/her Employment visa must be attached. Valid for six months to five years stay with single or multiple entry. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Long Term Entry Visa
Long term 5 years entry visa is issued to people of Indian origin only. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue. A Long term entry visa is issued to people of Indian origin only and hence appropriate documentation is required to substantiate Indian origin e.g. Old Indian Passport copy or any document issued in the name of the applicant by the Government of India. The visa is valid for up to five years with multiple entries. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Please note if you going for tourism purposes and do not have Indian referees kindly attach a self undertaking that you will book your accommodation/ hotels on arrival in India.
Long Term Visa holders desirous of staying for more than 180 days are required to register at their nearest Foreigners Regional Registration office or District Superintendents of Police in districts.
Conference Visa
A Conference visa is granted for people who would attend international conferences, or on certain subjects, as decided by the Government of India from time to time, can be issued only after clearance for the said conference is received from the Government of India. Valid for three months to five years stay with single or multiple entry. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Journalist Visa
A Journalist Visa is granted to professional journalists and photographers. Valid for three months with single entry. If you are intending to make a documentary in India, kindly contact the Press and Information wing in the Embassy. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Research Visa
A Research Visas is granted to Research Professors or Scholars, who wish to conduct the research work in India. Applicants are requested to obtain prior permission to conduct research project in India from the concerned authorities. Applicants are requested to apply at least six weeks before their date of departure to India and visas will be valid for entry into India four weeks after issue. Validity of the visa would coincide with the research period. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Transit Visa
A transit visa is granted to enable the holder to travel through India to reach his/her ultimate destination. Change of purpose is not allowed. Transit visa is issued to people who wish to change their flight within 72 hours of their arrival. The Transit visa is valid for direct transit only within 15 days of date of issue for a maximum period of 3 days with single or double entry. For a stay in India beyond 3 days, an appropriate visa should be obtained. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Medical Visa
A Medical visa is granted to those who would travel to India for a medical treatment. Visa is valid for up to three months with single entry. Please note that relevant letters/documents explaining details of the treatment, signed and stamped by the concerned hospitals/doctors are required to validate the purpose of travel. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Medical Escort Visa
A Medical Escort visa is granted to those who would accompany a patient traveling to India for a medical treatment on a medical visa. This visa can be given to a close relative/family member or a friend of the patient. Please note that relevant letters/documents explaining details of the treatment, signed and stamped by the concerned hospitals/doctors, a declaration from the patient or an immediate family member is also required confirming the escort travel along with the patient. Visa is valid for up to three months with single entry. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Transfer of long-term Visa
A Long term visa (5 yrs Visa) issued by the HCI/CGI for the Non-Business related purposes. For transferring a long term visa from an old passport to a new passport, applicants are required to submit the old passport which holds the valid Indian Visa and the current valid passport. To transfer a long term visa, it should a remaining validity of at least one month (30 days), on the day you submit your application. Please note that your visa can be transferred from the respective HCI/CGI, where it was issued earlier.
Transfer for Visa
Visa issued by the HCI/CGI can be transferred from the old passport to the new passport. Old passport which holds the valid Indian Visa and the current valid passport are required to be submitted. To transfer a visa, there should be a remaining validity of at least one month (30 days) on the day you submit your application. Please note that your visa can be transferred only from the respective HCI/CGI, where it was issued earlier.
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| General
Information
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Important instructions for visa seekers
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All foreign nationals need visa to enter India. |
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Visas can be issued only on passports and NOT on Travel Documents. The
passports should be valid for a minimum period of 190 Days. |
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Visa application should be in the prescribed format (posted on this website).
Every column of the application should be complete in all respects. Incomplete
applications will not be accepted/processed. Any delay on
this account will be the responsibility of the applicant. Acceptance of visa
application does not necessarily mean grant of visa. The High Commission/
Consulate General reserves the right to delay/refuse visa without assigning any
reasons. Visas are issued subject to various checks and clearances. Persons,
who earlier held Indian passports, while applying for visa must submit their
Canadian passport with last Indian visa endorsement or their previous Indian
passport (cancelled or otherwise) and Landing paper. |
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Fee once charged, will not be refunded even in cases where visa is refused or
application withdrawn. |
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THE VALIDITY OF VISA STARTS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE. Visas are processed on
receipt of the application, irrespective of the date of travel.
Applicants seeking short term visa up to six months are, therefore, advised to
apply nearer the time of their travel so as to be able to complete their trip
within the validity of the visa. Applicant may be required to appear for a
personal interview at the High Commission/ Consulate General of India at
his/her own expense. |
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No vaccination is necessary for those traveling to India from Canada. However,
persons coming from or passing through Yellow Fever infected areas are required
to be in possession of a valid certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever
before arriving in India. AIDS test is required for persons aged 18 years to 70
years who stay in India for one year or more. |
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Long Term Visa holders desirous of staying for more than 180 days are required
to register at their nearest Foreigners Regional Registration office or
District Superintendents of Police in districts. |
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An applicant who desires to visit any RESTRICTED/ PROTECTED areas in India is
required to submit an application on the prescribed proforma for issue of a
Special Permit, in addition to the visa application. It takes about 10-12 weeks
to process such an application. The form is available on our website. In cases
of visa for Research, Missionary work, Journalism, travel document holders and
Chinese nationals, separate rules apply. Persons who wish to apply for visa for
Film shooting in India may please check on website www.mea.gov.in under the
head Film Documentary Shooting.
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All visas are valid from the date of issue. Visas are processed on receipt of
the application and visas issued immediately irrespective of the date of
travel. Kindly check carefully that the intended stay is not beyond the expiry
date on the visa. |
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A list of closed holidays for this year is available on the website. |
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Visas are issued and affixed on passports and, therefore,
passports must be sent / Submmited with the application |
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Two references known to the applicant both in India and in Canada should be
written on the application form. This will enable authorities to contact the
applicant in case of any emergency. |
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Non-Canadian nationals are required to fill in the Additional Visa Reference
Form (posted on this website |
PAKISTAN NATIONALS & PERSONS OF PAKISTANI ORIGIN
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All applicants holding Pakistani passports or those applicants who have
Pakistani origin but are currently holding Canadian or other nationality
passports should be directed to approach the High Commission/Consulates
directly for visa services of all kinds. Their applications, which would be
received by the High Commission/Consulates directly, may take several weeks to
process and visa charges shall be taken from them only after clearance of their
visa requests.
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Special visa application is needed for Pakistani nationals. This can be
downloaded from the section containing forms.
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Foreigners of Pakistani origin who continue to hold dual nationality viz.
Pakistani nationality as well as foreign nationality must apply for visa on
their Pakistani passports with visa form meant for Pakistani nationals.
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It can take several months before a decision can be conveyed on visa requests
by Pakistani nationals. Applicants are requested to be patient and not make
enquiries in this regard by phone, e-mail, personal visit, fax or letters,
which, due to constraints, we will not be able to respond to.
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Canadians of Pakistani origin who no longer have Pakistani nationality and
Pakistani passport may apply for visa on their Canadian passport with visa
application meant for foreigners, but would have to submit a certified copy of
the surrender certificate stating that they have renounced their Pakistani
citizenship along with an affidavit (the form is available on our website) duly
notarized stating therein that they no longer hold Pakistani citizenship and
Pakistani passport. Format of the affidavit can be downloaded from the section
containing forms on this website. Normally such passports would be mailed back
in one month. Normally, three months single entry visa is given.
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| Non-Canadian foreigners of Pakistani origin who no longer hold Pakistani
citizenship may also apply on their foreign passports by submitting a certified
copy of surrender certificate and notarized affidavit as in the case of
Canadians of Pakistani origin. They are also required to submit an additional
reference form meant for foreigners which can be downloaded from the section
containing forms. Minimum time taken is around three months.
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SRI LANKAN NATIONALS
For Sri Lankan nationals and Canadian nationals of Sri Lankan origin, passports
would be mailed back within four weeks. Applicants should attach photocopy of
their photo ID indicating their address.
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| An additional reference form is also required to be submitted. This can be
downloaded from the section containing forms
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BANGLADESHI NATIONALS
| Special visa application is needed for Bangladesh nationals. This can be
downloaded from the section containing forms. The processing time is about one
month. |
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| Visa
Categories & Checklists
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PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING PRIOR TO APPLYING.
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
All visa applicants applying in the Vancouver Jurisdiction need to ensure that their visa application includes a utility bill & reference form (without the fees) to show proof of residency, if their Canadian passport was issued outside of the Consulate General of India Vancouver's jurisdiction. This is a mandatory requirement set out by the Consulate General of India, Vancouver.
Tourist visas will only be issued for a maximum of 6 months. However, there will be exceptions made for individuals who are in the travel and trade industry as well as those who are US passport holders and are not of Indian origin. Applicants in the travel and trade industry may apply for a 1 year tourist visa. US passport holders who are not of Indian origin may apply for a maximum of five years as a tourist.
Please note: All applicants who are of Indian origin are only eligible to apply under Entry Visa category. For all applicants applying for a visa more then 6 months need to provide their previous cancelled Indian passport along with their application.
All applicants having tourist visa should remember that they can only re enter India after the gap of two months after the completion of their previous visit. Also you must wait a minimum of 1 month after the expiry of the current visa prior to applying for a new tourist visa. This directive is for all applicants applying in Canada.
Please note: In order for a minor to apply for a visa, photocopies of both parents' passports need to be submitted along with the visa application; as well the application needs to be signed by both parents. This directive is for all applicants applying in Canada.
All applicants applying for a visa need to ensure:
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Their application does not have anything left blank, anything that does not apply should be marked "N/A" (not applicable).
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All applicants should also have their passport signed and personal particulars filled prior to applying (on page 4 of Canadian passports).
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Their present address includes their postal code. And all references need to be completed in full (i.e. full names, phone numbers and addresses with postal codes)
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Attach a Demand draft or Postal Order favoring VF Services (Canada) Inc. To know the exact fees & the service charge (Kindly prepare one draft which includes the visa fees as well as the service fees. For all applicants applying under the CGI Toronto and High Commission of India jurisdiction please include $21.75 (inclusive of all taxes) to your draft. For all applicants applying under the CGI Vancouver jurisdiction please include $21.56 (inclusive of all taxes) to your draft this is if you choose to pay via money order or bank draft or are submitting a postal application.)
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Any application for a visa of 6 months does not require previous Canadian passports.
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When applying for any Employment or Business Visa, the visa will be issued from the country of origin or from the country of domicile of the applicant/foreigner provided the period of Permanent Residence of that applicant in that country is for more than 2 years. Therefore The Consulate General of India Toronto will issue a Business and Employment visa only to:
i) Canadian passport holders or
ii) Non-Canadian passport holders who have been a permanent resident of Canada
for more than 2 years. (This may be checked from their landed papers) ) For
more information regarding a business or employment visa you may also refer to
the following website
http://www.mha.nic.in/pdfs/work_visa_faq.pdf
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Their previous Visa has been expired for at least 2 months prior to applying
for a new visa under tourist or entry category. (This directive is for the CGI
Toronto as stated above).
IMPORTANT: VFS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROCESS ANY APPLICATION UNTIL ALL REQUIRED
DOCUMENTS ARE SUBMITTED, AND THE APPLICATION IS FILLED AS REQUIRED.
Application Forms - Download :
TYPES OF VISAS
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Tourist visa
The visa is issued to people who wish to visit India for tourist purposes .The
visa is non- extendable and the change of purpose is not allowed.
Required documents:
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Visa application form duly filled and signed by the applicant.
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One recent color passport size (about 35 mm x 35mm) photograph in color,
showing full frontal view of face against a white background to be
pasted/stapled on the application form.
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Current Valid passport with minimum of 190 days validity. Previous passport
for, Canadian passport holders not born in Canada.
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Requisite fee
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No objection letter from either of the parents if the child is traveling with
one parent. Or both parents should sign the application for visa
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Applicants submitting their Visa application for minors in Vancouver
Jurisdiction must include photocopies of both parents' passports and both
parents must sign the application form.
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A person of Indian origin applying for visa for the first time MUST submit the
MOST RECENT Indian passport
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Checklist
To view the visa fee in detail kindly click
here
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Transit Visa
Transit visa is issued to people who wish to change their flight within 72
hours of their arrival.
This visa is issued for 15days and is non extendable and can be a double or a
single entry visa.
Required documents :
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Visa application form duly filled and signed by the applicant.
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One recent color passport size (about 35 mm x 35mm) photograph in color,
showing full frontal view of
face against a white background to be pasted/stapled on the application form.
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Current Valid passport with minimum of 190 days validity. Previous passport
for, Canadian passport holders not born in Canada.
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Requisite fee
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Checklist
To view the visa fee in detail kindly click
here
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Student Visa ( multiple entry )
The visa is issued to bonafide students who wish to pursue studies in
recognized educational institutions in India. It is a multiple entry visa.
Required documents :
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Visa application form duly filled and signed by the applicant.
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One recent color passport size (about 35 mm x 35mm) photograph in color,
showing full frontal view of face against a white background to be
pasted/stapled on the application form.
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Current Valid passport with minimum of 190 days validity. Previous passport
for, Canadian passport holders not born in Canada.
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Requisite fee
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A letter from a recognized educational institution in India confirming
admission of the applicant, duration of course
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Evidence of financial arrangements made for maintenance in India.
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If admission is not confirmed, provisional admission letter may also be
produced. Valid for duration of the course.
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Checklist
Please note this application may take longer processing time.
To view the visa fee in detail kindly click
here
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Entry/Conference/Volunteer/Visiting relative Visas
Required documents :
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This visa is issued for conferences or Volunteering in India.
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Visa application form duly filled and signed by the applicant.
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One recent color passport size (about 35 mm x 35mm) photograph in color,
showing full frontal view of face against a white background to be
pasted/stapled on the application form
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Current Valid passport with minimum of 190days validity. Previous passport for,
Canadian passport holders not born in Canada
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A letter of invitation from the organizers of the Conference/Volunteering
institutes
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Approval, if any, obtained by the organizers from the Government of India for
holding the Conference/ volunteer ship to be attached
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Checklist
Please note this application may take longer processing time.
To view the visa fee in detail kindly click
here
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Business Visa
The visa is issued for Trade, Business, symposium , project Scheme
Required documents :
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Visa application form duly filled and signed by the applicant.
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One recent color passport size (about 35 mm x 35mm) photograph in color,
showing full frontal view of face against a white background to be
pasted/stapled on the application form
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Current Valid passport with minimum of 190 days validity. Previous passport
for, Canadian passport holders not born in Canada
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A letter from the applicant's company /organization in Canada
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An invitation letter from India indicating the nature of applicant's business,
probable duration of stay, the places and firms in India to be visited.
Any applicant currently residing under the jurisdiction of the Vancouver
Consulate General of India will be required to provide the following documents
in addition to the above mentioned documents:
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For Non-Canadian nationals applying for an employment/business visa they must
show a valid status in Canada for a minimum of 2 years.
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Proof of applicants financial standing.
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Checklist
To view the visa fee in detail kindly click
here
For frequently asked questions in regards to obtaining a business or employment
visa you may also refer to the following site
http://www.mha.nic.in/pdfs/work_visa_faq.pdf
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Employment visa
Required Documents
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Online Visa application form duly filled and signed by the applicant
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Two recent color passport size (about 35 mm x 35mm) photograph in color,
showing full frontal view of face against a white background to be
pasted/stapled on the application form
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Current Valid passport with minimum of 190 days validity. Previous passport
for, Canadian passport holders not born in Canada
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Copy of the Employment Contract
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Proof of registration of the company under relevant provisions of the
Government of India Rules
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Letter from the employer indicating nature of job, salary structure and
duration of hire)
Any applicant currently residing under the jurisdiction of the Vancouver
Consulate General of India will be required to provide the following documents
in addition to the above mentioned documents:
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All foreign nationals must submit documentary proof of their educational
qualifications and professional expertise.
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Declaration by the company in India to the effect that the company (Indian
Company) is not exceeding the limit of one percent of total employment in
India.
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Checklist
For frequently asked questions in regards to obtaining a business or employment
visa you may also refer to the following site
http://www.mha.nic.in/pdfs/work_visa_faq.pdf
Please note this application may take longer processing time.
To view the visa fee in detail kindly click
here
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| Visa
fee & Modes of payments:
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VFS Processing Charges:
A charge of CAD 19.25 ( excluding taxes ) payable to VF services (Canada) Inc.
is applicable per passport Please note that the fees / processing charge is non
refundable and non transferable
Mode of payment:
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Submitting the application at Indian Visa and Consular service centers:
Payment can be made by the below mentioned payment options
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Credit Cards -Visa, & MasterCard (cards locally issued in Canada)
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Debit Card - (Interac card)
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Cash
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Postal Applications:
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All money orders and bank drafts are made payable to VF services Canada Inc. All money orders and bank drafts also need to include VFS processing fees (CAD $21.56 per applicant applying in British Columbia, CAD $ 21.75 for applicants applying in Ontario & applicants applying in Winnipeg, Edmonton & Calgary need to pay CAD $ 20.21, applicants applying in Montreal have to pay CAD $ 21.73) as well as all applicable visa fees on the same draft (this is if you choose to pay via money order or bank draft or are submitting a postal application
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Kindly do not enclose any cash in your postal application envelope. VFS will
not be responsible for the loss of cash or the postal orders.
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Postal applications can be sent only to the Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver
Consular Services Centers
Please note that applications will not be processed until the correct visa fees
and service charge is paid.
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| Photo
Specifications
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Applicants are requested to submit their application form keeping in mind the
new dimensions which are explained below.
General
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The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo,
as described above
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The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
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The photograph must be submitted glued to the application form
Photo Size
The photo for each applicant submitted must measure:
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35 mm x 35 mm with the head centered in the frame.
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The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should
measure about 3 cms
Photo Appearance
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The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is
facing the camera directly.
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Face should cover about 60-70 percent of the photo area.
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The photograph MUST be in color and have only a light background. Photos with
dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
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General, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown
from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from
hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
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Photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does
not permit adequate identification is not acceptable.
Photo Facility
Applicants applying for visa & other consular services at Brampton & Surrey centers can now get their photographs clicked inside the application center at automated photo booth.
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