Dear Applicants,

All applicants that wish to apply for a Visa to India will now have to and can only apply online.

The new online application form, which will need to be completed by applicants when submitting documents for a visa to India, will commence from 25th July 2011 for Ottawa & Toronto jurisdiction and 1st Aug 2011 for Vancouver jurisdiction. It is mandatory for all applicants to bring online filled visa forms to India Visa Application Centers (IVAC).
Applicants can fill in the online application by clicking here to start the Visa applying process. Handwritten applications will not be acceptable. Applicants are requested to verify all the details before printing the visa form. Applicants sending the visa applications via courier should remember that paper application form will be returned back to them without processing if received at Indian High Commission, Ottawa; Consulate General of India Toronto & Consulate General of Vancouver. 

Applicants should paste (please don’t staple) 1 picture on the visa form (2 inches X 2 inches i.e. 51mm x 51mm). For picture specifications please click here for our New Photo Specifications.

• Please ensure to note the interim unique reference number generated at the start (and seen on each page) of the online application form
• Please record/ note the final reference number that is generated upon completion of your application
• Provide an email address in your application so that information on your unique reference numbers can be sent
• Please submit a confirmed and detailed itinerary if applying for a double/triple entry visa. However, this does not guarantee the issuance of a visa and the decision would still remain subject to the discretion of the High Commission of India (Ottawa) and the Consulate General (Toronto and Vancouver).
• Applications MUST be signed by the applicant him/herself and not by any representative
• For Postal Applications - please allow 10 to 15 days, from the date it is posted, before the application can be processed
• Before submitting your visa application, please check your passport(s) to ensure there is no valid visa for India
• All fields on the Online Application Form must be completed in as much detail as possible. When entering address information, please ensure that you provide the Postal Code as well.

• Offline/handwritten application forms will not be accepted at the IVACs for applications made on or after 25th July 2011( for Ottawa & Toronto jurisdiction) and 1st Aug 2011 for Vancouver jurisdiction.
• Photographs with a colored background will not be accepted. Photographs only with a white/off white background will be accepted at the IVACs
• Please do not staple photograph to the application Form. Please paste it to the front of the Form
• Please ensure all applications requiring additional documents are completed prior to submission at the IVACs. Information to this effect is given on the website http://in.vfsglobal.ca

• Log on to the website - http://in.vfsglobal.ca
• Click on the link to begin filling an online visa application form
• Please note the interim Unique Reference Number located at the start, and on each page, of the Online Form once you begin. Guidance notes are also provided
• Complete all the required fields as specified.
• Upon completing and saving the Online Application Form, applicants will receive an email with details of the final Reference Number, providing an email address has been given while filing the Form. Applicants will also have the option to Download/Print the application form at this stage
• Upon clicking Save, applicants will be redirected to the module that allows selection of the center for submission, mode of collection.
• Upon completion, applicants will receive another email with details of the application made
• All applicants will be required to download and sign a Declaration Form, which will be made available on the website http://in.vfsglobal.ca and submit it along with the application at the Visa Center.
• Please wait 1 business day to ensure your data has been received by the Visa Application Center.
• Please submit all documents at the IVAC along with all other required documents

Important instructions for visa seekers

PAKISTAN NATIONALS & PERSONS OF PAKISTANI ORIGIN

SRI LANKAN NATIONALS

BANGLADESHI NATIONALS

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:

• Their application does not have anything left blank, anything that does not apply should be marked "N/A" (not applicable).
• All applicants should also have their passport signed and personal particulars filled prior to applying (on page 4 of Canadian passports).
• 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)
• 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.)
• Any application for a visa of 6 months does not require previous Canadian passports.
• 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
• 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).

• Visa Checklist
  
• Visa application form for Pakistani nationals
  
• Additional Form to be filled by Non-Canadians
  
• Application form to be filled up by Sri Lankan nationals
• Special permit form
  
• Business information sheet
• Additional form for Employment visa
• Additional form for business visa for Chinese nationals
• Double Entry Visa
• Consent Form for minor visa applicant

TYPES OF VISAS

1. 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:
   • Visa application form duly filled and signed by the applicant.
     
   • One recent color passport size (about 51 mm x 51mm) photograph in color, showing full frontal view of face against a white background to be pasted/stapled on the application form.
     
   • Current Valid passport with minimum of 190 days validity and two blank pages. Previous passport for, Canadian passport holders not born in Canada.
     
   • Requisite fee
     
   • 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
     
   • 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.
     
   • A person of Indian origin applying for visa for the first time MUST submit the MOST RECENT Indian passport
     
   • Visa Checklist
     
     
   To view the visa fee in detail kindly click here
   
   
2. 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 :
   • Visa application form duly filled and signed by the applicant.
     
   • One recent color passport size (about 51 mm x 51mm) photograph in color, showing full frontal view of
     face against a white background to be pasted/stapled on the application form.
     
   • Current Valid passport with minimum of 190 days validity and two blank pages. Previous passport for, Canadian passport holders not born in Canada.
     
   • Requisite fee
   • Visa Checklist
     
   
   To view the visa fee in detail kindly click here
   
   
3. 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 :
   • Visa application form duly filled and signed by the applicant.
   • One recent color passport size (about 51 mm x 51mm) photograph in color, showing full frontal view of face against a white background to be pasted/stapled on the application form.
     
   • Current Valid passport with minimum of 190 days validity and two blank pages. Previous passport for, Canadian passport holders not born in Canada.
     
   • Requisite fee
     
   • A letter from a recognized educational institution in India confirming admission of the applicant, duration of course
     
   • Evidence of financial arrangements made for maintenance in India.
     
   • If admission is not confirmed, provisional admission letter may also be produced. Valid for duration of the course.
     
   • Visa Checklist
     
   
   
   Please note this application may take longer processing time.
   
   
   To view the visa fee in detail kindly click here
   
   
4. Entry/Conference/Volunteer/Visiting relative Visas
   
   Required documents :
   • This visa is issued for conferences or Volunteering in India.
   • Visa application form duly filled and signed by the applicant.
     
   • One recent color passport size (about 51 mm x 51mm) photograph in color, showing full frontal view of face against a white background to be pasted/stapled on the application form
     
   • Current Valid passport with minimum of 190days validity and two blank pages. Previous passport for, Canadian passport holders not born in Canada
     
   • A letter of invitation from the organizers of the Conference/Volunteering institutes
     
   • Approval, if any, obtained by the organizers from the Government of India for holding the Conference/ volunteer ship to be attached
     
   • Visa Checklist
     
   
   Please note this application may take longer processing time.
   
   To view the visa fee in detail kindly click here
   
   
5. Business Visa
   
   The visa is issued for Trade, Business, symposium , project Scheme
   
   Required documents :
   • Visa application form duly filled and signed by the applicant.
     
   • One recent color passport size (about 51 mm x 51mm) photograph in color, showing full frontal view of face against a white background to be pasted/stapled on the application form
     
   • Current Valid passport with minimum of 190 days validity and two blank pages. Previous passport for, Canadian passport holders not born in Canada
     
   • A letter from the applicant's company /organization in Canada
     
   • 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:
   

   • For Non-Canadian nationals applying for an employment/business visa they must show a valid status in Canada for a minimum of 2 years.
   • Proof of applicant's financial standing.
     
   • Visa 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
    
6. Employment visa
   
   Required Documents
   • Online Visa application form duly filled and signed by the applicant
     
   • Two recent color passport size (about 51 mm x 51mm) photograph in color, showing full frontal view of face against a white background to be pasted/stapled on the application form
     
   • Current Valid passport with minimum of 190 days validity and two blank pages. Previous passport for, Canadian passport holders not born in Canada
     
   • Copy of the Employment Contract
     
   • Proof of registration of the company under relevant provisions of the Government of India Rules
     
   • 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:

   • All foreign nationals must submit documentary proof of their educational qualifications and professional expertise.
     
   • 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. 
     
   • Visa 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

• Visa fee chart

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:

1. Submitting the application at Indian Visa and Consular service centers:
   Payment can be made by the below mentioned payment options
   
   
   • Credit Cards -Visa, & MasterCard (cards locally issued in Canada)
     
   • Debit Card - (Interac card)
     
   • Cash
     
2. Postal Applications:
   
   
   • 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
   • 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.
     
   • 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.