HOW TO APPLY

Important Note:

Effective 03 November 2018, prior appointment is mandatory for Biometric Enrolment at all the Canada Visa Application Centres (CVAC) in India. Depending on your nationality, you may already need to give biometrics.

Since July 31, 2018 – applicants from Europe, Middle East and Africa

Starting December 31, 2018 – applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas

To find out if you need to give biometrics, please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp

Please note that appointments are mandatory in order to enroll biometrics at the Visa Application Centre. A planned visit with a preferred time slot at the Visa Application Centre guarantees prompt service thus eliminating longer waiting time resulting in inconvenience.

Please note, for the sole purpose of scheduling appointment VFS Global will collect Personal Information from the applicant. A consent form in this regard will be required from the applicant.

Applicants requesting emergency appointments for the purpose of biometric collection may do so provided suitable proof of the emergency is presented at the time of the appointment. Suitable proof may include a note or other documentation from an official. Please note that this proof only needs to be presented and will not be collected by the VAC, and that this will provide an emergency biometric appointment but not affect IRCC’s processing time for the application. For any further information or questions, the Contact Centre is able to assist with any inquiries.

Please click here to Schedule an Appointment

Temporary resident visa, study and work permit applicants only need to give biometrics once every 10 years

• However, permanent residence applicants will need to give biometrics with each application.
• If you have applied for a temporary resident visa, study or work permit in the past and are unsure if the biometrics have been provided, please refer to the IRCC website ( Canada.gc.ca/biometrics), and “ Find out if your biometrics are still valid”
• Refer to the IRCC website for a list of countries that require a visa for temporary residents: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/entry-requirements-country.html
• For the purposes of biometric collection, nationality is based on the nationality you have declared in question number 6 (*Citizenship) on the IRCC application form.
• How to Prepare for your Biometrics
• Applicants scheduling an appointment for biometric enrolment are advised to consider the below mentioned points before their appointment:
• It is advised that you keep your hands henna-free at the time of your biometric appointment to ensure an unimpeded biometric enrollment. Henna may affect the quality of fingerprints and applicants may need to re-enroll their biometrics at a later date if the VAC staff member is unable to obtain high quality prints.
• Applicants with temporary injuries, cuts, cracks, and/or bandages on their fingers are advised to wait until after they have recovered before giving their biometrics. Temporary injuries may affect the quality of fingerprints and applicants may need to re-enroll their biometrics at a later date if the VAC staff member is unable to obtain high quality prints.
• Applicants should avoid wearing light color clothing or head gear (head gear is allowed for religious purposes only) in order for their picture to be captured effectively. Wearing bright colours is recommended.
• Male/female applicants wearing head gear for religious purpose should ensure that as much of their face, forehead and ears as possible is visible.
• Accompanying parties are not allowed inside the Visa Application Centre unless they are accompanying a child less than 18 years of age or a person who requires assistance (e.g. the elderly, medical infirm or disabled applicants). In all other cases, only the applicant should visit the Visa Application Centre.

Two ways of submitting visa application to Canada

• Paper Application
• E-Application

Paper Application

Step 1 :

Read complete information on the visa/permit requirements on IRCC website and download the appropriate application forms and checklist relevant to the purpose of your visit. Please refer to the “ Prepare Your Application” page to obtain details on visas/permits.

Step 2:

Fill out the application form. Electronically Completed Forms (including the barcoded sheets) are to be printed on a white, bond quality, non-glossy paper, using a laser printer.

Please ensure that 2D barcode is printed clearly and on high quality paper. Downloaded and hand-written forms will not be accepted.

If an applicant is unable to complete a paper application by themselves and require assistance to do so, they can avail VFS Global’s chargeable Assisted Service – Paper Application, at the Visa Application Centre. Service is available for both biometric and non-biometric applicants.

Applicants will be required to attach current passport copy and complete a Visa Application Centre consent form for Assisted Service – Paper Application.

Using the centre’s self-service workstation, the staff will provide assistance in filling out the paper application form by transcribing the applicant’s responses and entering the data accordingly. Applicants are requested to check the accuracy of the transcribed data before signing the application form.

If you prefer to fill out the form at the Visa Application Centre, our self-service workstation is available at an hourly charge.

Please visit the Additional Services page for more information.

Step 3:

Complete supporting documents as per the IRCC document checklist relevant to the visa category.

If you are unable to provide all the supporting documents as mentioned in the official IRCC document checklist, you are required to fill out and sign a waiver form and attach it with your application. Please note, failure to provide the requested documents as stated in the IRCC document checklist may result in additional delays or refusal of your application for a visa, permit or travel document.

Read the Privacy Policy, fill out 2 copies per person of VFS Global Consent Form and attach it with your application.

Important: If a completed and signed VFS Global Consent Form is not included with the application, we will NOT be able to assist you, and your application will be returned.

Note:- Kindly remove all the stapler pins from your documents, before you submit your application at the visa application centre

Step 4:

• Pay the Government of Canada Fee and biometric fee (if required) as per instructions on the IRCC website. Pay your fees.
• For applicants who are unable to make online payments, VFS Global offers an additional paid service wherein applicants can pay cash at the center, and avail the use of a VFS Global Corporate credit card to make the online payment. Confirmation of the Government of Canada fee payment generated on the IRCC payment portal will be issued to the applicant, along with the invoice-cum-receipt.

Step 5:

If you are NOT REQUIRED to submit biometrics, visit your local Canada Visa Application Centre along with your passport, photographs, completed forms, the Government of Canada Fee, and all the supporting documents prelisted in the IRCC document checklist. Applicable Visa Application Centre service charges for package transmission and Assisted Service – Paper application will be charged to you at the time of the application submission.

If you are REQUIRED to submit biometrics, prior appointment is mandatory for biometric enrolment.

A planned visit with a preferred time slot at the Visa Application Centre guarantees prompt service thus eliminating longer waiting time resulting in inconvenience.

Important Note: If you need to give your biometrics, the biometric fee of CAD85 covers the Canada Visa Application Centre service charge for Package Transmission. Charges for additional services are not included.

Step 6:

On your appointment date (if applicable), please arrive at the Visa Application Centre with the appointment letter 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time.

Please bring your completed and printed application forms, supporting documents, Government of Canada fee payment receipt, original passport and two copies of the passport bio data page.

If you are not required to submit biometrics, please visit the Visa Application Centre during business hours

Once you are at the Canada Visa Application Centre, your application and biometric (if applicable) will be collected. Pay the applicable Visa Application Centre service charges and obtain a receipt. This receipt contains your unique tracking number which you will need to track the progress of your application online.

Important Note: If you need to provide biometrics, your CAD85 biometric fee covers the Canada Visa Application Centre service charge for application handling.

E-Application

Important Note:

Effective 03 November 2018, prior appointment is mandatory for Biometric Enrolment at all the Canada Visa Application Centres (CVAC) in India. Depending on your nationality, you may already need to give biometrics.

Since July 31, 2018 – applicants from Europe, Middle East and Africa

Starting December 31, 2018 – applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas

To find out if you need to give biometrics, please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp

Please note that appointments are mandatory in order to enroll biometrics at the Visa Application Centre. A planned visit with a preferred time slot at the Visa Application Centre guarantees prompt service thus eliminating longer waiting time resulting in inconvenience.

Applicants requesting emergency appointments for the purpose of biometric collection may do so provided suitable proof of the emergency is presented at the time of the appointment. Suitable proof may include a note or other documentation from an official. Please note that this proof only needs to be presented and will not be collected by the VAC, and that this will provide an emergency biometric appointment but not affect IRCC’s processing time for the application. For any further information or questions, the Contact Centre is able to assist with any inquiries.

Please click here to Schedule an Appointment

• How to Prepare for your Biometrics
• Applicants scheduling an appointment for biometric enrolment are advised to consider the below mentioned points before their appointment:
• It is advised that you keep your hands henna-free at the time of your biometric appointment to ensure an unimpeded biometric enrollment. Henna may affect the quality of fingerprints and applicants may need to re-enroll their biometrics at a later date if the VAC staff member is unable to obtain high quality prints.
• Applicants with temporary injuries, cuts, cracks, and/or bandages on their fingers are advised to wait until after they have recovered before giving their biometrics. Temporary injuries may affect the quality of fingerprints and applicants may need to re-enroll their biometrics at a later date if the VAC staff member is unable to obtain high quality prints.
• Applicants should avoid wearing light color clothing or head gear (head gear is allowed for religious purposes only) in order for their picture to be captured effectively. Wearing bright colours is recommended.
• Male/female applicants wearing head gear for religious purpose should ensure that as much of their face, forehead and ears as possible is visible.
• Accompanying parties are not allowed inside the Visa Application Centre unless they are accompanying a child less than 18 years of age or a person who requires assistance (e.g. the elderly, medical infirm or disabled applicants). In all other cases, only the applicant should visit the Visa Application Centre.

Step 1:

Complete instructions on how to submit a visa application via E-Application can be found on the IRCC website “ Apply Online”.

Applicants who are REQUIRED to submit biometrics after successfully submitting an E-Application will receive a notification in the form of a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). Upon receipt of the BIL, you will be required to visit the Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics.

Step 2:

If you are REQUIRED to submit biometrics, prior appointment is mandatory for biometric enrolment.

Once an appointment is scheduled, an appointment letter will be generated along with a reference number.

The appointment letter will provide details of the date, time and location of the appointment, along with other relevant information regarding security at the center, additional services, etc.

Prior to 31 December 2018, applicants required to submit biometrics may come to the Visa Application Centre at their convenience within business hours.

If you are NOT REQUIRED to submit biometrics, please wait for the decision of your application and check your MyCIC account for further instructions.

Step 3:

On the date of your appointment (if applicable) please arrive at the centre 15 minutes prior to your appointed time.

Please bring your original passport, appointment letter, and Biometric Instruction Letter.

Upon completion of biometric enrolment, you will be provided a receipt confirming that your biometric has been collected at the Canada Visa Application Centre.

Step 4:

Once a decision has been taken on your visa application, you will be notified via email to submit your passport through a Passport Request Letter. If you are unsure of emails from IRCC getting delivered to you, please check your my CIC account periodically for updates.

Upon receipt of the Passport Request Letter, please submit your original passport, current passport copy and 2 copies per person of VFS Global Consent Form along with the Passport Request Letter, at the Visa Application Centre.

For complete guidance on how to submit passport and other supporting documents, please click here .

If you have received a notification from the Government of Canada requesting for your passport, you have either :

• Applied online as E-Application or;
• You are a Permanent Resident applicant whose application has been finalized and now requires the passport to be submitted

Your passport, along with the passport request letter, may be submitted through the Canada Visa Application Centre of your choice.

Please note that there will be a service charge for the above amenities. The details can be obtained here.

How to submit your passport:

Once you receive notification from the Government of Canada requesting your passport, you can submit the passport and that passport request letter.

Please note that Passport Submission at the VAC is a walk- in service; No appointment is required for the same.

• In person – Bring your original passport, current passport copy and 2 copies per person of VFS Global Consent Form along with the passport request letter, to the Visa Application Centre (VAC).Submitting your passport at the Visa Application Centre entails a service charge of package transmission fee.
• Through an authorized representative. Send in your original passport, along with the pre-printed passport request letter, current passport copy and 2 copies of duly filled VFS Global Consent Form for the authorized representative, to the Visa Application Centre. Submitting your passport at the Visa Application Centre entails a service charge of package transmission fee.
• This service is a walk-in service; you DO NOT need an appointment for passport submission. Kindly refer “Contact us” for Passport Submission hours at the Visa application Centres
• For complete details on Visa Application Centre service charges please check Service and Service Charge Schedule

Important Note:

In the case of a PR applicant whose application has been finalized and who has been instructed to submit his/her passport, a photograph as per required specifications, and a completed Appendix B might be requested as well. Please check the instructions sent to you for complete information and guidance. Submitting your passport at the Visa Application Centre entails a service charge of package transmission fee.

Please click here for photograph specification as required by IRCC.

Upon completion of the passport submission process you will be provided a receipt in the form of an Invoice-cum-Receipt (ICR), indicating the total amount paid based on additional services availed at the Visa Application Centre . ICR will likewise contain the application reference number and tracking number which can be used to track the application online.

Upon return of the passport from the Canada Visa Office to the Visa Application Centre , applicant may either:

• Collect the passport in person at the Canada Visa Application Centre. Bring a valid ID and the receipt issued at the Canada Visa Application Centre at the time of submission.
• Authorize someone on your behalf to collect the passport. To do so please complete the VFS Global Consent Form and ensure that the authorized person brings along valid government issued identification for him/herself and the applicant, along with the receipt issued at the Canada Visa Application Centre at the time of submission.
• Have your passport delivered to your preferred location. Please check Additional Services offered at the Visa Application Centre for applicant convenience.