The High Commission of Canada in India announced today that visa application centres (VACs) will start scheduling limited, in-person biometric appointments beginning November 20, 2020, in the following cities:
- Delhi
- Chandigarh
- Jalandhar
- Mumbai
- Ahmedabad
- Bengaluru
This news will be welcomed by students at all stages of the study permit application process, including:
- Students who applied for a study permit before September 15, 2020 through the 2-stage assessment process, and received Stage 1 (Eligibility) approval but still require documents necessary for approval of Stage 2 (Admissibility and Changes to Eligibility)
- Students with a pending study permit application who didn’t have all the necessary documents at the time they submitted their application
- Students who have not yet applied for a study permit
Once a student has a study permit, they can travel to Canada if they’re studying at a school with a government-approved COVID-19 readiness plan. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will update the list of approved schools regularly and encourages students to check back frequently. The next update is scheduled for December 1, 2020, with subsequent updates every two weeks.
“For health and safety reasons, appointments must be confirmed in advance with the VAC Contact Center,” said Nadir Patel, the High Commissioner for Canada to India. “If you have a Biometric Instructions Letter (BIL) from IRCC, you’ll receive instructions by email on how to schedule your biometric appointment.”
Family class and study permit applicants will be given priority as VACs phase in services, and more appointments are expected to become available each week.
The High Commission has asked that applicants do not visit a VAC without a scheduled appointment—walk-ins are strictly prohibited.
ApplyBoard will keep you updated as more details are made available.
