Here’s an update on Canada visa for Indians news as of February 4, 2024:
Processing Delays:
- Processing times for Indian visa applications remain longer than usual due to a backlog and limited resources. While Canada aims to clear this backlog by early 2024, expect potential delays.
- In October 2023, Canada’s Immigration Minister stated they might only process half of the applications by year-end due to resource constraints. This could lead to an estimated backlog of 17,500 applications by early 2024.
Resumed Services:
- For Canadians: India resumed e-visa services for Canadian citizens in September 2023 after a temporary suspension.
- For Indians: VFS visa application centers in India continue to operate, though in-person services at three centers remain suspended. Visa applications are still accepted through VFS and the High Commission of Canada in Delhi.
Other Developments:
- Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada persist, impacting negotiations for a trade pact.
Resources:
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html
- VFS Global Canada: https://www.vfsglobal.ca/canada/
- The Economic Times: https://m.economictimes.com/nri/migrate/canadian-visa-processing-for-indians-expected-to-return-to-normal-by-early-2024/articleshow/104644970.cms