Visa services for India from Canada offer an essential gateway for people intending to visit India for various purposes. These services streamline the visa acquisition process, ensuring smoother travel experiences for visitors.
The Toronto Indian Embassy and Consulate or Consulate General of India play a vital role in serving the Indian diaspora in Toronto and across Canada. They offer numerous services, including visa issuance, passport renewal, police clearance, and more, effectively bridging the gap between India and Canada.
Consulate General of India and Its Services
- 📍 Address: 365 Bloor St E #700, Toronto, ON M4W 3L4, Canada
- 📞 Phone number: +1 416-960-0751
- ✉️ Email: [email protected]
- 🌐 Website: www.cgitoronto.gov.in
The Consulate General of India (CGI) in Toronto is responsible for providing consular services to Indian nationals residing in Ontario and neighbouring regions. It plays a significant role in the promotion of India-Canada relations and provides various services to Indian citizens and Canadians. For consular-related queries and visa services, travellers can contact the embassy or consulate using the provided contact information.
Services Offered
The Consulate General of India, or sometimes called Toronto Indian Embassy and Consulate, offers a range of services to Indian nationals residing in Canada and Canadians planning to visit India.
Visa Services
The Consulate General of India, Toronto, process visa applications for various categories, including tourist visas, business visas, employment visas, and student visas. Travellers can apply for their visas through the online application portal or by visiting the embassy/consulate in person.
Police Clearance
Indian nationals residing in Canada may require a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for various purposes, such as employment or immigration. The embassy and consulate facilitate the issuance of PCCs upon request.
Passport Renewal
Indian citizens living in Canada can renew their passports through the embassy or consulate. The renewal process involves submitting the required documents and paying the prescribed fees.
Overview of Indian Visa
An Indian visa is an official document that allows foreign nationals to enter India for specific purposes, such as tourism, business, study, or employment. The Indian government offers different types of visas to cater to the diverse needs of travellers.
Types of Indian Visa
Below is a comprehensive overview of the Indian visa types, costs (for Canadian passport holders) and other details:
| Visa Type | Duration | Entries | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Up to 1 year | Single/Multiple | 124 |
| Tourist Visa | Up to 5 years | Multiple | 248 |
| Business Visa | Up to 1 year | Single/Multiple | 149 |
| Business Visa | Up to 5 years | Multiple | 310 |
| Entry Visa | Up to 6 months | Single/Multiple | 100 |
| Entry Visa | 6 months – 1 year | Multiple | 149 |
| Entry Visa | 1-5 years | Multiple | 248 |
| Employment Visa | Up to 6 months | Single/Multiple | 186 |
| Employment Visa | 6 months – 1 year | Multiple | 248 |
| Employment Visa | 1-5 years | Multiple | 372 |
| Student Visa | Course duration (max 5 years) | Multiple | 100 |
| Medical Visa | Up to 6 months | Single/Multiple | 100 |
| Medical Visa | 6 months – 1 year | Multiple | 149 |
| Conference/Seminar Visa | Up to 6 months | Single/Multiple | 100 |
| Journalist Visa | Up to 6 months | Single/Multiple | 100 |
| Research Visa | Up to 6 months | Single/Multiple | 100 |
| Research Visa | 6 months – 1 year | Multiple | 149 |
| Research Visa | 1-5 years | Multiple | 248 |
Additional fees per application:
- Consular surcharge: CAD 4
- BLS International charges: CAD 9.82 (excluding taxes)
Please note that visa fees are subject to change. Applicants are advised to verify current costs and requirements through official Indian government websites or directly with the High Commission/Consulate before applying.
Visa Application Process, Including Online Applications
The process of applying for an Indian visa involves the following main steps:
Step 1 – Online Application Submission
- Register and submit the visa application online at the Indian Visa Online website (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/). Carefully read all guidelines and provisions before applying.
- A step-by-step process for filling the online application form is available in the guidelines. Upload a digital photograph as per specified format.
Step 2 – In-Person Submission at BLS Center
- Take printout of online application form and prepare supporting documents as required for the visa type.
- Submit the printout, documents and applicable visa fees at the nearest BLS International Services Canada Visa Application Centre.
- BLS website (www.blsindia-canada.com) provides further details on application form, required documents, fees and branch locations.
Step 3 – Biometric Enrollment (if applicable)
- For some visa categories, applicants may also need to complete biometric enrollment at the Visa Application Centre.
Important: Processing time for Indian visa applications can range from few days to few weeks depending on visa type, application volumes, etc.
Info for Canadian Passport Holders Applying for Indian Visas
Canadian passport holders applying for Indian visas should keep the following considerations in mind:
- Validity of Passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of intended departure from India.
- Visa Duration: The duration of the visa granted is at the discretion of the Indian authorities and may vary based on the purpose of travel.
- Multiple Entry Visa: Canadian citizens can apply for multiple-entry visas, allowing them to enter India multiple times during the visa’s validity period.
Tourist Visa, Including for Pakistani Nationals in India
There are different visa application requirements for Pakistani citizens and persons of Pakistani origin seeking Indian visas:
Pakistani Citizens
- The visa sponsor in India must obtain a Sponsorship Certificate from the Indian authorities and send it to the applicant.
- Applicant fills online visa application form (indianvisaonline.gov.in). Print and sign the form, attach photograph.
- For minors under 18, attach birth certificate, parents’ consent and passport pages.
- Attach Sponsorship Certificate and fee of CAD 6.
- Submit in-person at the Consulate General of India, Toronto.
Persons of Pakistani Origin
- Fill online application, print, sign and photograph. Provide proof of renouncing Pakistani nationality if applying on Canadian passport.
- For minors, attach birth certificate, parents’ consent and passport pages.
- Pay visa fee of CAD 128.
- In-person submission at Consulate General of India, Toronto.
Important: Minimum 7-9 weeks processing time. Visa issuance subject to completing all procedures.
Urgent or Emergency Visa and Their Application Process
In case of emergencies or urgent travel to India, the Indian consulates in Toronto offer expedited visa processing services. Applicants must provide valid reasons for the urgency and submit the necessary supporting documents.
E-Visa India: Its Benefits and Application Process
The E-Visa facility has simplified the visa application process for many travellers. Canadian citizens can apply for an E-Visa online, which significantly reduces processing times. The E-Visa is available for tourism, business, and medical purposes.
OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) and PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Cards
The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card are special immigration statuses that offer certain benefits to individuals of Indian origin living abroad. The OCI card provides lifelong multiple-entry visa-like benefits, allowing holders to visit India without the need for a separate visa. The PIO card was merged with the OCI card in 2015, and all existing PIO cardholders were deemed OCI cardholders with similar privileges.
Benefits of OCI and PIO Cards:
- Lifelong visa-like benefits for multiple entries into India.
- Exemption from registration with the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in India for any length of stay.
- Parity with Indian nationals in economic, financial, and educational fields (except for acquiring agricultural or plantation properties).
- The right to work or pursue business and educational opportunities in India.
Application Process
Applicants can apply for OCI cards online through the official website of the Indian government. The process involves submitting the required documents, including proof of Indian origin, passport, and other supporting documents. Upon approval, the OCI card is issued to the applicant.
Detailed Information on the OCI Lost Indian Passport Protocol
In the event of a lost Indian passport for OCI cardholders, specific steps should be followed to obtain a new passport. The process includes filing a police report for the lost passport, applying for a new passport at the Indian consulate, and updating the OCI card with the new passport details.
As of 2015, the PIO card was merged with the OCI card, and all existing PIO cardholders were deemed OCI cardholders. The conversion process was automatic, and there was no additional fee for the conversion.
Since the PIO card is no longer issued separately, there is no need to track the status of a PIO card application. Instead, applicants should apply directly for an OCI card following the relevant application process.
Indian Passport Renewal
Indian citizens residing in Toronto or Canada can renew their passports through the Indian consulate. The renewal process involves the following steps:
- Filling out the passport renewal application form online or in person.
- Submitting the required documents, including the old passport, proof of residence, and photographs.
- Paying the prescribed renewal fee.
Costs Associated with Passport Renewal
The cost of renewing an Indian passport from Toronto or Canada includes the passport renewal fee and any additional processing charges. The fee structure for passport renewal can be found on the official website of the Indian consulate.
What to Do in Case of Lost Passports
In case of a lost Indian passport, individuals should immediately report the loss to the nearest police station and obtain a police report. They should then apply for a new passport at the Indian consulate, providing the necessary documents and information about the lost passport.
Police Clearance Certificate
The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an essential document required for individuals seeking to emigrate or work in foreign countries, including Canada. It certifies that the applicant has no criminal record in India. The PCC is issued by the Regional Passport Office (RPO) or the concerned Indian mission abroad, such as the Indian Embassy in Toronto.
How to Apply for It and the Associated Costs
To apply for a Police Clearance Certificate from the Indian Embassy in Toronto, follow these steps:
- Obtain the PCC application form from the official website of the Indian Embassy in Toronto or collect it in person.
- Fill out the application form with accurate details and attach the required documents, such as a copy of the applicant’s passport, proof of address, and two passport-sized photographs.
- Pay the prescribed fee for the PCC application. The fee may vary depending on the processing time and the number of copies required.
- Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the Indian Embassy in Toronto in person or by mail.
Once the application is processed and approved, the Indian Embassy will issue the Police Clearance Certificate, which can be used for various purposes, including immigration, employment, or obtaining a visa to another country.
Indian Driving Record
If you are an Indian citizen residing in Toronto and wish to obtain your Indian driving record, you can follow these procedures:
- Contact the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in the Indian state or city where your driving license was issued.
- Request a certified copy of your driving record, which will include details of your driving history and any violations or penalties, if applicable.
- Depending on the RTO’s policies, you may need to submit an application, identification documents, and pay a fee for the issuance of the driving record.
- Obtaining your Indian driving record can be helpful if you plan to apply for a Canadian driver’s license or need to prove your driving history for any other purpose.
Indian Consulate in Other Cities
Apart from the Toronto’s Consulate General of India, there are also consulates in Vancouver and Ottawa, catering to specific regions in Canada. The consulates provide similar services as the Toronto Embassy and Consulate.
Travellers residing in or near Ottawa and Vancouver can avail themselves of consular services at the respective Indian consulates.
Consulate General of India, Vancouver
- 📍 Address: #201-325 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1Z7 Canada
- 📞 Telephone: (604) 662-8811
- 🌐 Website: cgivancouver.gov.in
High Commission of India, Ottawa
- 📍 Address: 10 Springfield Rd, Ottawa, ON K1M 1C9, Canada
- 📞 Phone: +1 613-744-3751
- 🌐 Website: www.hciottawa.gov.in
The consulates offer services such as visa processing, attestation of documents, and assisting Indian nationals in the region.
List of Holidays When the Embassy and Consulates Are Closed
It’s crucial for travellers to be aware of the holidays when the embassy and consulate remain closed. Here is a list of holidays when the Toronto Indian Embassy and Consulate are closed:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| April 2 | Good Friday |
| May 24 | Victoria Day |
| July 1 | Canada Day |
| August 15 | Independence Day (India) |
| September 6 | Labour Day |
| October 11 | Thanksgiving Day |
| November 1 | All Saints’ Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and additional holidays may be observed by the embassy and consulate.
BLS International Services
BLS International is an authorized outsourcing agency that partners with the Indian missions abroad to facilitate visa and consular services. They assist with visa application processing, document attestation, and other consular services.
Available Forms and Documents on Their Websites
The BLS International website provide access to various forms and documents required for visa applications and consular services. Travellers can download the necessary forms and obtain information on the application process from their respective websites.