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.
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."
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.
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.
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:
This category encompasses visitors traveling for tourism, family visits, or other non-specific purposes.
Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors will once again have access to Indian business visas, fostering trade and economic relations.
Medical visas, which are crucial for individuals seeking medical treatment in India, will be reinstated, easing access to world-class healthcare services.
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.
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:
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.
Step1: Complete the online application by providing your passport details.
Step2: Submit payment online using a credit card.
Step3: Monitor your email for confirmation of payment and receipt of your eVisa, which will be sent electronically.
