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Visa
| 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application withdrawn.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.
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 plan to visit relatives during
their visit to India are advised to apply under Entry Visa category. As well
any visa applied for beyond 6 months will need to be done so under the Entry
visa category. All applicants applying for a visa may only apply two months
after the completion of their previous visa. For example if your visa expired
on January 1st then you may not apply again until March 1st (until
the two months have been completed). 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 who fall under the jurisdiction of The Consulate General of
India Vancouver.
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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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
($20.21 per applicant) 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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/ volunteership 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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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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A letter from the applicant's company /organisation 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.
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Applicants applying in the Vancouver Jurisdiction need to submit the Proof of
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)
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Applicants applying in the Vancouver Jurisdiction Need to submit the foreign
national must submit documentary proof of his educational qualifications and
professional expertise.
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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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Applicants who wish to submit their applications via postal services can make a
payment via bank drafts
or postal orders favoring VF Services (Canada) Inc. Kindly prepare one drat
which includes the visa fees as well as the service fees of 20.21 ( Inclusive
of taxes )
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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 white 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.
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