Kareem El-Assal - 20 November, 2020
Canada is resuming visa application centre (VAC) services in India today.
The Canadian government announced on Twitter that it will offer limited biometrics appointments to those who schedule appointments in Delhi, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru.
Priority will be given to international students and family class applicants.
Although international students have been exempted from Canada's travel restrictions as of October 20, Indian students who have not submitted biometrics in the past were still unable to travel to Canada and benefit from the exemptions. This has also been the case for other Indians such as future immigrants to Canada.
This is no longer going to be a major hurdle as the resumption of biometrics services will enable Indians to complete this important step in support of their travel to Canada.
Walk-in clients will not be accepted at VACs. You will need to book your appointment in advance and can only go to your VAC for your scheduled appointment.
If Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued you with a Biometric Instructions Letter (BIL), you can expect to receive an email about how you can schedule your biometrics appointment.
The government stated on Twitter that it will gradually offer more appointments over the coming weeks.
Biometrics are usually required if you are a foreign national looking to immigrate to Canada or to study, work, or visit. Foreign nationals submit their fingerprints, photograph, and pay a fee which is used by Canadian authorities to confirm your identity when you enter Canada.
