1. Fast.  VisaConnection specializes in securing India visas and can help you secure a India visa.
  2. Easy.  VisaConnection is the easiest way to get a visa.  We process India visas at the India Embassy every day for residents of Canada.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

India Visa FAQs

When is the best time to apply for my India visa?
The best time to apply for your India visa is 1-2 months before your travel date.

Do I have to send you my passport to get a India visa? Is it safe to send a passport?
Yes. You will need to send your actual passport, not a copy of it. The India visa is stamped on your passport and will become one of your passport pages. Visa request cannot be processed without your original passport. Because of the importance of your passport, we strongly suggest that you send your application in a secure way, using a traceable courier such as FedEx.

Sample of Business Travel Requirements for a India Visa for Canadian Citizens

  1. Passport

    You must provide your actual signed passport, including one copy of the personal information pages of your passport. Your passport must:

    • Be valid for the next 190 days
    • Be signed
    • Have at least two consecutive blank visa pages, side by side
    • Not be frayed, torn, separating, or altered in any other way

    If your passport does not meet these requirements, please contact VisaConnection at 877-972-8472 for further details.

  2. Photographs

    You must provide two colour, passport type photographs that meet the following criteria:

    • Be taken within the last three months and printed on high quality photo paper
    • Be taken against an all white background free of shadows
    • Be 51 mm by 51 mm in size
    • Provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression
    • You may wear neither glasses nor headwear except for religious purposes
    • Your photos should not be affixed to your application and they may not display evidence of adhesive or staples

  3. Visa Application Form

    The Embassy of India has instituted a web-based visa application form. The application must be completed online and can be found at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/. We cannot process your visa request if you do not complete the application form online. Instructions:

    • Please ensure to note the interim unique reference number generated at the start (and seen on each page) of the online application form
    • Please record/ note the final reference number that is generated upon completion of your application
    • Provide an email address in your application so that information on your unique reference numbers can be sent
    • Applications MUST be signed by the applicant him/herself and not by any representative.
    • All applications must be signed  under the photo and on the second page; both signatures must match the signature in your passport.
    • Before submitting your visa application, please check your passport(s) to ensure there is no valid visa for India
    • Please ensure that the barcode appears on the bottom left-hand corner of your printed visa application
    • Town/Country of Birth must match exactly to your passport
    • Place of Issue of Passport must match exactly to your passport

    NOTE: All fields on the Online Application Form must be completed in as much detail as possible. When entering address information, please ensure that you provide the Postal Code as well. Please fill out all additional forms found in this visa application kit.

    VisaConnection provides a guide to assist you in completing the application. To access the guide follow this link: https://visaconnection.com/forms?formname=Guide-India.pdf or type the address into your browser.

  4. Submission Surcharge

    India visa applications require special shipping and handling for submission to the consulate. A shipping and handling surcharge of $25.00 will apply to all India visa orders.

  5. Business Cover Letter

    You are required to provide an original Business Introduction Letter from your Canadian-based company. All letters must be printed on company letterhead that displays an Canadian mailing address. Use the sample Business Introduction Letter provided at https://visaconnection.com/forms?formname=Canada-Business-Cover-Letter-Sample.pdf using the exact language and format provided in order to prevent a rejection and possible delays with your visa request.

  6. Letter of Invitation

    A letter of invitation from the company that you will be visiting is required. A copy is acceptable. The letter must:

    • Be on a company letterhead
    • Include the company's address, phone number, website address, and email address
    • Contain Information about the applicant (e.g. intended dates of stay, places and firms to be visited).
    • State the nature of business activities 
    • Include the intended period of stay
    • Include the contact's address and phone number
    • Be signed

  7. Sri Lankan Nationals and Persons of Sri Lankan Origin

    Sri Lankan nationals and persons of Sri Lankan origin must submit the following:

    • A completed and signed form entitled Additional Form for Sri Lankan Origins
    • A copy of a current photo ID  for Sri Lankan passport holders only
    • A copy of your drivers license or a utility bill (only if you reside in Toronto)

  8. Former Indian Nationals

    Former Indian nationals applying for the first time for a visa to India must submit the following:

    • A cancelled Indian passport
    • Certificate certifying the visa applicant surrendered their Indian nationality

  9. Proof of Provincial Residency

    You must provide proof of residency. Your proof of residency must:

    • Include a copy of your driver's license and an original utility bill OR
    • A verified bank statement showing your address

  10. Business Information Sheet

    You must provide one completed Business Information Sheet found in this kit.   Note: The Business Information Sheet must be typed and not handwritten.

  11. Business Visa Checklist

    You must provide one completed Business Visa Checklist form found in this kit.  Use the one that matches your requested visa (10 years or 1 year validity).

  12. VisaConnection Order Form

    You must provide one completed VisaConnection Order Form. The form must:

    • Include a valid email address and payment information
    • Include your signature in blue or black ink

  13. Postal Application Form

    You must include one Postal Application Form found in this kit. Sign at the bottom. We will complete the form on your behalf. This form must be sent to VisaConnection with all other required documents.

  14. Birth Certificate - If Applying for a 10 Year Visa

    You must provide your birth certificate (Photocopy) - If born in Canada Statement of Live Birth (Long birth certificate, with parents name).
    If born outside Canada your birth certificate must be provided and indicate your parents' nationality/place of birth.

  15. Persons of Pakistani Origin Only

    You must make a personal appearance at the Indian Consulate to process your visa if you are a person of Pakistani origin, either of your parents were born in Pakistan, and/or formerly held a Pakistani passport. The consulate requires additional procedures in order to process your visa and VisaConnection is unable to assist in these procedures.

  16. Application Status Updates

    For status updates on applications, BLS only allows online status check.  BLS will not provide any status update to anyone via phone.

  17. Visa Conditions

    If you are applying for a visa more than 3 months before your entry date, you must provide a letter indicating the reasons for the early visa submission.

  18. Online Photo Upload

    Uploading your photo to your online India visa application is optional. If you choose to upload your photo it must match the photograph that is submitted with your visa request. Please note that mismatched photos will cause your visa application to be rejected and/or delayed.

  19. Certificate of Incorporation from the Canadian Based Company

    You must provide a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation from the Canadian based company.

  20. Certificate of Incorporation from the Indian Based Company

    You must provide a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation from the Indian based company.

  21. Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card

    You must provide a copy of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card from the Indian Based Company.

  22. Traveller Registration (Highly Recommended)

    Feel safer and travel with peace of mind by using our Traveller Registration Service. Registration notifies the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development where and when you will be travelling, enabling the Government of Canada to reach you in case of an emergency abroad or inform you of an emergency at home. To enroll in this optional service complete the registration form in this kit and send it to us with the rest of your documents.

Sample of Tourist Travel Requirements for a India Visa for Canadian Citizens

  1. Passport

    You must provide your actual signed passport, including one copy of the personal information pages of your passport. Your passport must:

    • Be valid for the next 190 days
    • Be signed
    • Have at least two consecutive blank visa pages, side by side
    • Not be frayed, torn, separating, or altered in any other way

    If your passport does not meet these requirements, please contact VisaConnection at 877-972-8472 for further details.

  2. Photographs

    You must provide one colour, passport type photograph that meets the following criteria:

    • Be taken within the last three months and printed on high quality photo paper
    • Be taken against an all white background free of shadows
    • Be 51 mm by 51 mm in size
    • Provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression
    • You may wear neither glasses nor headwear except for religious purposes
    • Your photo should not be affixed to your application and it may not display evidence of adhesive or staples

  3. Visa Application Form

    The Embassy of India has instituted a web-based visa application form. The application must be completed online and can be found at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/. We cannot process your visa request if you do not complete the application form online. Instructions:

    • Please ensure to note the interim unique reference number generated at the start (and seen on each page) of the online application form
    • Please record/ note the final reference number that is generated upon completion of your application
    • Provide an email address in your application so that information on your unique reference numbers can be sent
    • Applications MUST be signed by the applicant him/herself and not by any representative.
    • All applications must be signed  under the photo and on the second page; both signatures must match the signature in your passport.
    • Before submitting your visa application, please check your passport(s) to ensure there is no valid visa for India
    • Please ensure that the barcode appears on the bottom left-hand corner of your printed visa application
    • Town/Country of Birth must match exactly to your passport
    • Place of Issue of Passport must match exactly to your passport

    NOTE: All fields on the Online Application Form must be completed in as much detail as possible. When entering address information, please ensure that you provide the Postal Code as well. Please fill out all additional forms found in this visa application kit.

    VisaConnection provides a guide to assist you in completing the application. To access the guide follow this link: https://visaconnection.com/forms?formname=Guide-India.pdf or type the address into your browser.

  4. Submission Surcharge

    India visa applications require special shipping and handling for submission to the consulate. A shipping and handling surcharge of $25.00 will apply to all India visa orders.

  5. Sri Lankan Nationals and Persons of Sri Lankan Origin

    Sri Lankan nationals and persons of Sri Lankan origin must submit the following:

    • A completed and signed form entitled Additional Form for Sri Lankan Origins
    • A copy of a current photo ID  for Sri Lankan passport holders only
    • A copy of your drivers license or a utility bill (only if you reside in Toronto)

  6. Former Indian Nationals

    Former Indian nationals applying for the first time for a visa to India must submit the following:

    • A cancelled Indian passport
    • Certificate certifying the visa applicant surrendered their Indian nationality

  7. Children Under 18 Years Old

    Please note the following requirements for minors only:

    • Minor consent form must be signed by both parents
    • Photocopy of the picture page of both parents passports must be included
    • If only one parent is traveling with the child, the parent not traveling must provide a notarized letter explaining that they authorize the child to travel with the other parent only. The non traveling parent must also provide a notarized copy of the personal information page of their passport. If no parents are traveling with the child, both parents must sign the notarized letter and provide details regarding who the minor is traveling with
    • Both parents must sign the application form as well as the authorization letter

  8. VisaConnection Order Form

    You must provide one completed VisaConnection Order Form. The form must:

    • Include a valid email address and payment information
    • Include your signature in blue or black ink

  9. Double and Multiple Entry Visa Applicants

    You must provide proof of travel arrangements for the duration of your trip.  Details of your intended arrangements must:

    • Include a copy of an itinerary or e-ticket showing entry and exit date
    • Show your full name as printed in your passport

  10. BLS India Tourist Checklist

    You must complete and sign the enclosed BLS India Tourist Checklist.

    Please ignore the instruction to include a bank draft or money order as VisaConnection will handle the payment on your behalf.

  11. Postal Application Form

    You must include one Postal Application Form found in this kit. Sign at the bottom. We will complete the form on your behalf. This form must be sent to VisaConnection with all other required documents.

  12. Persons of Pakistani Origin Only

    You must make a personal appearance at the Indian Consulate to process your visa if you are a person of Pakistani origin, either of your parents were born in Pakistan, and/or formerly held a Pakistani passport. The consulate requires additional procedures in order to process your visa and VisaConnection is unable to assist in these procedures.

  13. Visa Entry and Validity Selection

    The consulate will issue your visa based on the number of entries and the validity options that you select in your online application. If applying for 1 year entry visa, it is the discretion of the consulate to issue up to 1 year entry visa, and is not guaranteed.
     

  14. Application Status Updates

    For status updates on applications, BLS only allows online status check.  BLS will not provide any status update to anyone via phone.

  15. Visa Conditions

    If you are applying for a visa more than 3 months before your entry date, you must provide a letter indicating the reasons for the early visa submission.

  16. Online Photo Upload

    Uploading your photo to your online India visa application is optional. If you choose to upload your photo it must match the photograph that is submitted with your visa request. Please note that mismatched photos will cause your visa application to be rejected and/or delayed.

  17. Traveller Registration (Highly Recommended)

    Feel safer and travel with peace of mind by using our Traveller Registration Service. Registration notifies the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development where and when you will be travelling, enabling the Government of Canada to reach you in case of an emergency abroad or inform you of an emergency at home. To enroll in this optional service complete the registration form in this kit and send it to us with the rest of your documents.

  18. Place of Residency

    You must provide proof of residency. Your proof of residency must:

    • Include a copy of your driver's license and an original utility bill OR
    • A verified bank statement showing your address

  19. Electronic Tourist Visa

    If you meet specific eligibility requirements then you may wish to apply for an Electronic Tourist Visa (eTV) instead of following the information listed above. The eTV is an electronic authorization from the government to enter India and is equivalent to a visa, but no stamp or label is placed in your passport.

    To be eligible the traveler must:

    • Submit for the e-Tourist visa no less than 4 days and no more than 120 days prior to entry into India
    • Be applying for a visa for no more than 2 entries only
    • Must be arriving by air or sea at specific airports and seaports
    • Traveling for a 60 day or less stay in India

    To learn more about this option, return to our homepage and select "Electronic Tourist Visa" from our travel purpose list.