VANCOUVER INSTRUCTIONS FOR VISA APPLICANTS:

1. Visa applications are accepted at the counter from 9 am to 12. noon Monday to Friday, except holidays. (Please see holiday list at S. No 17 below)

2. One Visa application should be submitted with: (i) two recent passport size photographs pasted/stapled on the application form and (ii) Valid passport. APPLICANTS OF INDIAN ORIGIN, WHO HAVE ACQUIRED CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP AND HOLD VALID INDIAN PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THEIR INDIAN PASSPORTS ALONGWITH THE VISA APPLICATION.

3. THE VALIDITY OF VISAS STARTS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE. Visas are processed on receipt of the application irrespective of travel. Applicants seeking short term visas up to six months are therefore, advised to apply for the same nearer the time of their travel so as to be able to complete their trip during the validity of visas.

4. Special Visa applications are needed for nationals of PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTHAN, it may take up longer time to grant visa to an applicant who is a visitor to Canada or has any passport other than a Canadian one.

5. Acceptance of Visa application and giving of a collection date on the receipt do not necessarily mean grant of visa. THE CONSULATE GENERAL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DELAY/REFUSE VISA WITHOUT ASSIGNING ANY REASONS. VISAS ARE ISSUED SUBJECT TO ALL CHECKS AND CLEARANCES.

6. Applicant may be required to appear for an interview at his/her own expense. In such cases , the date of pick-up shown on the White Receipt will not be applicable.

7. All TELEPHONE INQUIRIES should be directed to : (604) 662 8811.

8. The Consulate General Shall not be held liable to any claim arising out of delay/refusal of visa or loss of passport in transit or otherwise.

9. Passports submitted at counter for visa will normally be ready for collection the next working day. However, this does not apply to applications for RESTRICTED/PROTECTED AREAS and certain other categories (such as Studies, Missionary Work, etc) requiring references, where the processing period may take 10 – 12 weeks. At the time of the collection of the passport (with Visa), the WHITE RECEIPT for fee will have to be produced. Mail cases will take a longer period ( about a week if all papers are complete).

10. Persons coming from or through Yellow Fever–infected areas are required to be in possession of a Valid Certificate of Vaccinations against yellow fever. No other Vaccinations are necessary.

11. Visa Fees, once charged, shall not be refunded, even if visa is refused or application is withdrawn.

12. Mailing Charges (C$ 12.00 by priority mail and C$ 15.00 by courier service for British Columbia and C$ 20.00 by priority and C$ 30.00 by courier for other areas)

13. EXACT VISA FEE, and MAILING CHARGES should be paid by money order/bank draft/certified cheque in favor of Consulate General Of India, Vancouver. Visa fee in cash is accepted only at the counter. APPLICANT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CHARGES LEVIED AGAINST DISHONOURED CHEQUES. No Personal Cheque is accepted.

14. All outstation applicants requiring urgent visas should ensure that a prepaid priority post envelope or a stamped, self-addressed envelope for registration is enclosed along with the application to enable The Consulate General to return passports. No passports will be sent by the Consulate General by COLLECT COURIER.