Mar 15

Canada Immigration Visa

Team Antworks

VFS Global manages visa applications and carries out visa tasks for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in India. VFS Global is also responsible for providing general information and administrative services pertaining to all the Temporary Resident Visa such as the visitor visa, study visa, work permits, and travel documents for permanent residents of Canada.

From processing the visa applications, sending out notifications to returning the passports with visa decisions, Canada Visa Application Center (CVAC) offers a broad range of services to the visa aspirants. Additionally, CVAC also manages the visa interview appointments. CVAC has nothing to do with the application decision since that task is carried out by IRCC.

Canada Visa Types

Canada Visa

Canada offers four types of visa based on the applicant’s requirements:

Temporary Resident Visa
Study Permits
Work Permits
Permanent Resident Travel Document

Temporary Resident Visa

In order to enter or transit through Canada, the citizens from other nations are required to complete the online visa application process and get an approval for their application. Based on the type of the visa, the applicant can fill in the specific form, furnish necessary documents, and pay the visa fee to carry out the application process.

Eligibility Factors

Passport or any other valid travel document
Proof of sufficient funds to support the travel and stay
Letter of invitation and/or medical exam certificate
Completed VFS Consent Form
Documents based on the visa type

Application Process

Applicants can choose to opt for either the online or offline (on paper) method. Once the application is submitted, it goes under review to determine whether it can be approved or renewed. The applicant may be asked to submit medical test results, police certificate or to appear for an interview. VFS Global will send out notifications to the applicant through text SMS/email to keep them updated.

The application gets processed within few weeks (subject to the requirement of any additional steps). The application needs the passport to be submitted which is returned along with the visa decision. The passport must have a blank page to provide space for visa stamping. Based on the nationality of the applicant, duration of stay, etc., the visa fee varies for different types of visas.

Extending Temporary Resident Visa

By keeping a check on the temporary resident status, individuals can apply for an extension before the visa expires. Applicants are recommended to carry out the application process at least 30 days before the visa expiry date.

Study Permits

The Study Permits allow foreign students to live and study in Canada for a specific period of time depending on the application and other important factors. Based on the applicant’s profile, the visa may have restrictions on the level of studies, permission to work, duration of stay, etc. During the course, the applicant may be provided with an option to work part-time. Students under the study permits are allowed to spend an extra 90 days after the completion of the course/study to prepare for their departure or to apply for a visa extension.

Eligibility Factors

Passport or any other valid travel document
Acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Proof of sufficient funds to support the travel and stay
Letter of invitation and/or medical exam certificate
Completed VFS Consent Form
Documents based on the visa type

Application Process

The applicant must obtain the letter of acceptance from a DLI for their respective course or study program in order to be eligible for the Study Permits. The application can be carried out online or offline based on the applicant’s convenience. Once the completed application form along with the VFS consent form and required documents are submitted, the applicant will need to pay the visa fee. The visa fee varies for each category based on the applicant’s nationality, duration of stay, and many other factors. The application may require the applicants to provide additional documents such as Medical Certificate, Police Certificate, etc. The processing time will take up to six weeks or vary depending on the particular CVAC and any additional step, if required by the IRCC.

Work Permits

The Work Permits allows individuals to live and work in Canada. Whether the applicant is within Canada or from outside of Canada, the application can be carried out online as well as off lines based on the eligibility factors. Applicants under the Global Skills Strategy can take advantage of the two-weekprocessing facility when they are applying from outside of Canada. Based on the applicant’s nationality and other factors such as age, language requirements, education qualification, work experience, etc., the applicant can choose a suitable program that will allow him/her to live and work in Canada.

Eligibility Factors

Passport or any other valid travel document
Offer of employment
Letter of invitation and/or medical exam certificate
Documents based on the visa type
Completed VFS Consent Form
Proof of sufficient funds to support the travel and stay

Application Process

Based on the duration of employment, the nationality of the applicant, visa category, etc., the applicant will need to complete the application form and submit it along with all other specified documents and the VFS Consent Form. In order to process the application, the applicant must pay the visa fee which is based on various factors. Both the online and offline application offers an extensive range of payment mode options. The processing time may take up to 11 weeks.

Permanent Resident Travel Document

Individuals who are permanent residents of Canada are required to have the Permanent Resident (PR) Card to enter Canada by any mode of transport. Most PR Cards offer five years of validity, however, certain PR Cards are only valid for a maximum period of one year. The processing time under this category of an application can take up to eight weeks. By filling in the form, providing the documents, and paying the fee, the applicant can obtain the PR Card which will help him/her to show proof of permanent citizenship.

How to Apply For a Canadian Visa

Almost all applications for the Canadian visa is done through VFS global. The process is detailed and clear. Let’s take a look at the VFS process here.

The first step to applying for a Canadian visa is to read the requirements and application form thoroughly.
Download the correct form and the checklists you require.
Fill out the form and attach your documents electronically. You then need to print it on a white, non-glossy, bond sheet of paper with a laser printer.
In case you cannot fulfil the documents required, you can fill out the waiver form and sign it. Then attach it to your application form.
You are required to read the privacy policy. Fill out the consent form and then attach it to your application form. This is required by VFS to carry out your visa application. If you miss this step, the application will be returned to you.
After this, you can proceed to pay the fees. The process and instructions are given in detail on the Canadian Visa Office website.
If you choose to submit your application through the Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC), by mail or in person, then additional CVAC service fees must also be paid.
Keep your passport, photographs, the required documents and filled-in application forms ready. Visit the CVAC with these documents.
A service charge inclusive of tax will be applicable. This needs to be paid in INR cash.
You will be given a receipt with a unique tracking number. You will be able to track the status of your application online.

Tracking the Visa Application

At any stage of the application process, the applicants can use the following methods to track the status of their application:

By Phone – Contact VFS Helpline Number 022-67866002 (Monday – Friday: 08:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M.)
By Email – Send an email to info.canada@vfshelpline.com (Monday – Friday: 08:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M.)
Online – Follow these steps

Visit-https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track/Index?q=shSA0YnE4pLF9Xzwon/x/CQ1P0LBKn66dLdNUfueK+zXVvfCaQtqf4wkl10oKbwhActUUQpLseDw/c2V80Cpow==
Enter Tracking ID No
Enter D.O.B. in DD/MM/YYYY format
Validate Captcha
Click Submit

Canada Visa Application Centers in India

New Delhi	Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Mezzanine Level, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi-110001
	Office Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M.
Chandigarh	Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. SCO 186-187, Ground Floor (Front Side), Sector- 8C, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh-160018
	Office Hours: 08:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 08:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 08:30 A.M. to 05:30 P.M.
Jalandhar	Canada Visa Application Centre Aman Plaza, 3rd Floor, 310 Lajpat Nagar, Mahavir Marg, Nakodar Chowk, Opposite to Lovely Autos, Jalandhar-144001
	Office Hours: 08:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 08:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 08:00 A.M. to 06:00 P.M.
Chennai	Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Fagun Towers, Second floor, No 74, Ethiraj Salai, Landmark: Near Ethiraj College Egmore, Chennai- 600008
	Office Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 02:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M.
Bengaluru	Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Unit No – 405, Level-4, 3rd Floor, Prestige Atrium, No.1 Central Street, Bengaluru -560001
	Office Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 02:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M.
Hyderabad	Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. H.No-1-8-313, Linus, 2nd Floor, Chiran Fort Club Lane, Begumpet, Hyderabad-500016
	Office Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 02:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M.
Mumbai	Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Trade Centre 5th Floor, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai – 400051
	Office Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 02:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M.
Ahmedabad	Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Gujarat Chamber Building, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad-380009
	Office Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 02:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M.
Pune	Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. 4th floor, E core, Marvel edge, Viman Nagar, Pune 411014
	Office Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 02:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M.
Kolkata	Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Rene Tower, Building No. 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, Rajdanga, Landmark: Near Geetanjali Stadium Kolkata, 700107
	Office Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 02:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M.