After the initial COVID-19 outbreak, most Visa Application Centres (VACs) around the world closed. VACs carry out certain functions on behalf of Canadian consular posts in the furtherance of immigration processing, including the collection of biometric information. Without VACs, many otherwise valid immigration applications are stalled. Over time, some VACs around the world have begun reopening, and in some cases, the reopening was for limited application types.
VACs in India were indeed closed with the onset of COVID-19, but re-opened for limited application types in November 2020, notably for certain family class matters – that is, sponsorships of spouses/partners and dependent children.
It has now been advised that VACs in India will process biometrics for work permit applications. Though there still may be other COVID-related factors and procedures to consider for the purposes of travelling to Canada for work, it would appear that this element is easing. Work permit applicants with a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) issued by Canadian immigration authorities (after an application is submitted) may now contact Indian-based VACs for appointments. Details, and information about specific VAC offices, may be found at https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/can/covid-19-updates.
The information in this article is for general purposes only, and not intended as legal advice for any particular situation.