In a move towards normalizing cross-border travel, India has officially restarted the processing of Employment Visas for Canadian citizens. This resumption comes after a period of suspension that began in September 2023 due to diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
Mandatory Pre-Approval Now Required
Canadian nationals seeking an Indian Employment Visa can no longer submit their documentation directly. The updated process mandates that applicants must first secure official clearance from the relevant Indian consular post before submitting their original passports and completing other administrative steps.
This revised procedure introduces an extra layer of scrutiny. Applicants are prevented from submitting their original passports for processing until explicit prior approval is granted by the consular authorities. Only after receiving this green light can individuals present their passport in person, settle the required visa fees, and finalize the application.
In-Person Biometric Enrolment Compulsory
Adding to the stringent oversight, all applicants are now required to complete a compulsory in-person biometric enrolment. This new rule eliminates the option for remote processing and mail-in or postal applications for Employment Visas, making a physical visit to a consular post non-negotiable.
Immigration services firm Fragomen confirmed these changes, highlighting that the updated protocol signifies a distinct departure from previous, more straightforward arrangements, embedding an upfront vetting stage directly into the application pipeline.
Context of Visa Suspension and Phased Reopening
The total freeze on Indian visa services for Canadian citizens and foreign nationals applying from Canada began in September 2023. This comprehensive suspension included all Indian visas, including e-visas, amidst heightened diplomatic tensions.
A phased rollback of services commenced in the subsequent months. By October 2023, Indian consulates in Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver had restored entry, business, medical, and conference visa services. This was followed by the reinstatement of electronic business visas for Canadian citizens in November of the same year. The current reopening of Employment Visas marks another significant step in this gradual normalization, though consular posts emphasize that this specific green light applies strictly to Employment Visas for Canadian citizens and not other categories unless explicitly confirmed by the Indian government.