VACs In India Begin Reopening
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government
closed Canada’s Visa Application Centres (VACs) around the
world. As some countries regain control over the spread of the
virus, some VACs are reopening with limited service.
In the case of India, after months of closures and uncertainty,
the VAC centres have officially announced that they will begin
gradually reopening services, starting November 20.
Limited biometric appointments will start in Delhi, Chandigarh,
Jalandhar, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru. In the first stage of
the reopening, applicants who fit within Family Class, or Study
Permit principal applicants will be able to make appointments.
Applicants who have received a unique Biometric Instructions Letter
(BIL) issued by IRCC will receive additional instructions via email
on how to schedule their biometric appointment.
It is important to note that VACs will not be permitting any
walk-in appointments at this time. All appointments must be
confirmed in advance. They aim to make more appointments available
each week as they phase in the service.
Travel restrictions are still in place in Canada. Applicants are
advised to confirm whether they are exempt from these restrictions
prior to making travel plans.
Some VACs in other countries are also open for limited services.
To find out if the VAC centre near you is open, and what types of
appointments are being made at the moment, you can refer to the
official government website with the complete list
here.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.