Opening Thoughts
India recently announced the reopening of certain visa services in Canada, following a month-long pause. This development comes as a ray of hope for many awaiting visa processing. From October 26, 2023, the High Commission of India in Ottawa and the Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver have started processing some types of visa applications again.
Background
The sudden stop in visa services last month caused a delay in visa processing, making it difficult for people planning to travel between India and Canada for work, family reunions, or other reasons. During this pause, new applications were not being accepted which added to the inconvenience. The partial reopening of visa services is a step toward easing the issues between India and Canada. The High Commission, Consulates General and BLS are key in providing visa services, helping maintain the flow of people between the two countries. The resumption of these services is expected to clear the backlog of visa applications, bringing relief to many applicants.
Details of Visa Resumption
The announcement made on October 25, 2023, stated that certain types of visa applications will be processed again by the High Commission in Ottawa and the Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver from October 26, 2023. Specifically, the services for Entry Visa, Business Visa, Medical Visa, and Conference Visa have resumed. It’s noteworthy that the Entry Visa is only for people of Indian origin. However, it’s important to mention that regular tourist visas have not yet resumed. People must apply through BLS International for their visa processing. Emergency visa services and OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) applications were never halted and continued to be processed even during the pause. This decision is a significant step toward better diplomatic relations.
Offering Assistance
Navigating through visa paperwork can be a hassle, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Gaba Travel, we’re all about making your journey smoother right from the start. Need help with your Visa or OCI applications? Our team is here to assist. We’ll guide you through the process, ensuring you’re all set for a successful application. Let’s simplify the visa process and help you get closer to your travel goals.
Final Remarks
The resumption of limited visa services symbolizes a move toward stronger ties between India and Canada. It’s a positive sign, and it’s hoped that more services, including tourist visas and e-visas, will be resumed soon, making travel between the two countries easier and smoother.
Sources: CTV News, CBC News, CityNews Ottawa, Reuters, Times Colonist, High Commission of India
