Frequently asked questions

No. Indocan Visa Services is a private agency. We help you apply, and you can always apply yourself on the official websites. Government and application centre fees are charged at cost and shown separately.

No. You can do everything from home: start by phone or email, and your documents by email. If you prefer to meet face to face, visit our Scarborough office any day from 8 AM to 8 PM. If the government requires you in person, we tell you exactly what to bring.

No. For passport renewals, police clearance and surrender certificates we courier your application, so there is no lineup at the application centre. Come to our office to sign any day, 8 AM to 8 PM, and your documents are couriered back to your home.

This website is available in English, French, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Urdu, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Sinhala. Tell us your preferred language when you call or message.

Applying for or using a passport from your home country can affect your status in Canada. Please speak with a licensed lawyer first; we can help once they confirm it is safe for you.

Your documents are used only to prepare your application and are shared only with the government offices that process it. They are kept confidential, and you can ask us to delete our copies once your application is complete.

Check your postal code. In Ontario, every postal code except those starting with K is under the Consulate General of India, Toronto (K is under the High Commission in Ottawa). Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador are under Toronto too, as is Quebec for postal codes starting with G.

Usually not. Most services are handled by phone and email. A new OCI card is the exception: it must be submitted in person (Toronto area, Winnipeg or Halifax), and we tell you exactly what to bring.

The same way as with clients next door: a call or a message through our website, a written quote by email, payment by Interac e-Transfer, and your documents by email.

Your applications go to the High Commission of India in Ottawa, which has its own rules. Call us and we will tell you what we can do for you.

Adults renewing a passport that is expiring, expired or full (36 or 60 pages); minors born to Indian citizens, including first passports and renewals; name, address, spouse's name or spelling changes at renewal; Tatkaal (urgent) requests where the Consulate allows them; and lost or damaged passports, with a police report, affidavit and replacement forms.

Your current or expired Indian passport, proof of your status in Canada (PR card, work or study permit), proof of your Canadian address and recent photos. Minors, name changes, lost passports and Tatkaal need extra documents; you receive a complete checklist once your file is open.

No. After Canadian citizenship you need a surrender certificate and then an OCI card.

Yes. An expired passport can be renewed in Canada. Tell us your situation when you contact us and we confirm exactly what you need.

The Consulate offers tatkaal processing in some cases. Processing times are set by the government, not by us. Call or message us to confirm.

No. We courier your complete passport renewal to the application centre, so you skip the lineup and keep your workday. You sign at our office any day, 8 AM to 8 PM, and your new passport is couriered to your home.

Yes. Minor applications need consent from both parents and extra documents. We tell you exactly what is needed.

The Consulate decides processing times and they change. Once we have your payment and all your documents, your application is fast-tracked and submitted without delay.

Canadian citizens of Indian origin who were Indian citizens, or whose parents or grandparents were; children and newborns born in Canada to a parent of Indian origin or an OCI holder; a foreign-origin spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI holder, with a registered marriage of at least two years; and PIO card holders converting to OCI.

Yes. Since 5 April 2026, OCI applications in Canada must be submitted in person at the official application centre for biometrics, and OCI applications by post are no longer accepted. Older online guides may be out of date; we apply the current rules to your case.

Yes. The New Citizen Package covers the surrender certificate and the OCI card, in the correct order, at a reduced combined Documentation Fee.

Yes, if a parent is of Indian origin or holds an OCI. Minor applications need both parents' documents.

A foreign-origin spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI holder can apply if the marriage is registered and has lasted at least two years, subject to the current rules.

If you were an Indian citizen, usually yes. We can help with both.

Common reasons are name or place-of-birth mismatches between documents, missing address proof, and photos or signatures that do not meet the requirements. We help you avoid them.

Issued at 20 or younger and a new passport after 20: a one-time re-issue. Under 20 with a new passport: upload the new passport and a recent photo online. New passport at 50 or older, or a change of address, name or occupation: an online update, no new card. Lost or damaged card: a duplicate OCI with a police report.

Your date of birth, your OCI issue date and your new passport date.

Yes. Ask for the family rate when you contact us.

Usually you update your details online and no new card is issued. A one-time re-issue is needed only if your OCI was issued when you were 20 or younger and your new passport was issued after you turned 20.

It depends on your situation. Please check with us before you book flights, so we can confirm what the current rules allow.

People use both words. Officially it is a re-issue or an update of details. We tell you which one applies to you.

You apply for a duplicate OCI, with a long-form police report and supporting documents. We can help with the whole application.

Yes. The requirements are different for applicants who previously held Indian citizenship, and we tell you exactly what applies to you.

Times vary and are set by the government. Once we have your payment and all your documents, your application is fast-tracked and submitted without delay.

Only if IRCC asks for one. If it does, we can help you get it.

No. We courier your PCC application, so there is no lineup and no time off work. You sign at our office any day, 8 AM to 8 PM, and the certificate is couriered to you.

Former Indian citizens who have become Canadian citizens, including applicants for an OCI card or Indian visa, cases where the last Indian passport was lost, and older cases that may be treated as a deemed surrender.

A penalty may apply. Tell us when you contact us and we explain the options.

The surrender certificate and the OCI card, prepared in the correct order, at a reduced combined Documentation Fee.

Processing times are set by the Consulate and change. Once we have your payment and all your documents, your application is fast-tracked and submitted without delay.

Some applicants can apply for both together, depending on the current rules. Call or message us to confirm.

Yes, usually with extra documents such as a police report and affidavit. We can help with these.

Former Indian citizens are usually asked for it when applying for a visa or OCI. Call or message us to confirm.

No. We courier your surrender application, so you keep your workday. You sign at our office any day, 8 AM to 8 PM, and the certificate is couriered to you.

Usually no. A POA signed in Canada and attested by the Consulate is commonly accepted in India. Check with the office or bank in India that will receive it.

Yes, OCI holders and NRIs can apply for a PAN. We take care of the application for you.

No. For passport renewals (adults and children), police clearance certificates and surrender certificates, we courier your complete application to the official application centre. You sign at our office any day from 8 AM to 8 PM, or by mail if you live outside the GTA.

Yes. Our Scarborough office is open 7 days a week, 8 AM to 8 PM. Call or message us to get started.

Your new passport or certificate is couriered to your home address in Canada.

Your current passport, proof of status in Canada, proof of address and a photo. Send them by email; you receive a full checklist for your case once your file is open.

Most OCI updates after a new passport are done online, with no visit. Re-issues and duplicate cards must be submitted in person since 5 April 2026; we prepare everything so it is one short stop.

No. Indocan is a private agency, not affiliated with the Government of India, the Consulate or the application centre. You can always apply yourself on the official websites.

Missing documents, wrong photos and unsigned pages are common reasons for a second visit. We check all of it before you go.

For passport renewals, police clearance and surrender certificates, yes: we courier your application and it comes back to your door. You sign at our office any day, 8 AM to 8 PM.

For many services, yes: we courier your complete application for you. Where the centre needs you in person, we tell you exactly what to bring.

Indian passport renewal (adults and children, Tatkaal, lost or damaged), new OCI and OCI updates, police clearance certificates, surrender certificates, regular visas and attestation.

Each service has its own photo rules. Send us any clear photo and we prepare it to the right size.

Yes. We print the forms and mark every place to sign, in blue ink.

Fast-tracked as soon as we have your payment and all your documents.

We help in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Urdu, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Sinhala and French.

Yes. Eligibility for the e-Visa depends on nationality and status in Canada; we confirm which visa applies.

No. Indocan is a private office in Scarborough. The only official e-Visa site is indianvisaonline.gov.in.

Yes. We help Sri Lankan and other non-Canadian passport holders living in Canada get Indian visas. Whether you need the e-Visa or a regular visa depends on your passport and status, and we tell you which one.

The e-Visa covers tourism, business and medical travel. A regular visa is needed for other purposes, such as work or study.

Apply well before travel. There is a set window before your travel date, and we tell you when to start.

For Canadian passport holders the government fee is US$40 for a 1-year e-Tourist visa, US$200 for 5 years, US$120 for e-Business and US$80 for e-Medical, plus a 3.6% bank charge and our Documentation Fee.

Yes. Canadian passport holders need a visa to enter India, unless they hold an OCI card. For tourism, family visits, business and medical travel, most Canadians use the India e-Visa, which we prepare and file for you.

No. The only official India e-Visa website is indianvisaonline.gov.in, and you can always apply there yourself. Indocan Visa Services is a private agency in Scarborough: we prepare your application and file it for you on that official site. The government e-Visa fee goes to the Government of India; our Documentation Fee is for our service.

Yes, on the official site indianvisaonline.gov.in. We are optional help for anyone who wants it done for them and checked properly.

Yes. Send us any clear photo of your face and we prepare it to the official size and background rules.

Send us the details. We review what went wrong and, where a new application is possible, prepare it correctly. The decision is always the Government of India's.

The only official India e-Visa website is indianvisaonline.gov.in. Copycat sites charge extra. We file only on the official site.

Tell us what is wrong and we check whether a new application is needed.

At least 4 days before you arrive in India and up to 120 days ahead.

A scan of your passport photo page (valid at least 6 months, 2 blank pages), a clear photo, your travel dates and, for some visas, a supporting letter. We tell you exactly.

Yes. We help every passport holder living in Canada and tell you whether the e-Visa or a regular visa applies.

Long waits: in 2025 the median wait from GP referral to treatment in Canada was 28.6 weeks, and more than 105,000 Canadians, about 51,500 from Ontario, were treated abroad (Fraser Institute). India offers experienced specialists, English widely spoken and often family nearby.

On the hospital's letterhead: your name, nationality and passport number, and the date or tentative date of admission or treatment.

Ask OHIP first if you hope for coverage (it covers care outside Canada only with written prior approval), check that your insurance covers planned treatment, keep every receipt for your tax return, and plan your recovery time.

Most patients need the India e-Medical visa, applied for online before travel. Family members travelling with the patient each need an e-Medical Attendant visa. OCI cardholders do not need a visa.

Up to two e-Medical Attendant visas are granted for each e-Medical visa.

Yes. The e-Medical visa needs a letter from the hospital in India on its letterhead, with your name, nationality, passport number and the date or tentative date of treatment.

At least 4 days before arrival and up to 120 days ahead. We recommend starting as soon as you have the hospital letter.

For Canadian passport holders the government fee is US$80 for the e-Medical visa and US$80 for each e-Medical Attendant visa, plus a 3.6% bank charge and our Documentation Fee, confirmed by email before anything is charged.

No. The e-Visa cannot be extended or converted in India. If your treatment may take longer, tell us before applying and we advise on the right visa.

Usually not. OHIP covers treatment outside Canada only in limited cases with prior approval, and most travel insurance excludes planned treatment. Check with both before you book.

Yes. The e-Medical visa covers treatment, including treatment under Indian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda.

Yes, depending on the passport. We help every passport holder living in Canada and tell you whether the e-Visa or a regular visa applies.

Mostly to visit family and friends, for weddings, holidays, pilgrimage, medical treatment, business, property matters, family emergencies, yoga and Ayurveda, short courses and meditation. Canada is one of India's top five sources of visitors, and nearly 1.9 million people in Canada reported Indian origin in the 2021 census.

If you, a parent or a grandparent were ever an Indian citizen, or you are married to an OCI holder, you can usually get a lifelong OCI card instead of a visa. Former Indian citizens may need a surrender certificate first.

Yes. Canadian citizens need an Indian visa or an OCI card. Most travellers use the e-Visa, applied for online before travel.

The e-Tourist visa covers visits to family and friends and attending a wedding as a guest. If you are of Indian origin, an OCI card may be better.

Yes. Call us. Once we have your documents we file without delay and tell you the fastest option for your situation.

At least 4 days before arrival and up to 120 days ahead. For weddings, festivals and winter travel, start as early as possible.

Yes. Pilgrimage sites such as the Golden Temple, Varanasi and Tirupati are open to e-Tourist visa holders. Some border and protected areas need a separate permit, and we tell you if your trip includes one.

No. You can do everything by phone and email, or visit our Scarborough office if you prefer.

Every name, date, photo and document is checked against the official requirements before the application is filed.

Yes. We help every passport holder living in Canada and tell you whether the e-Visa or a regular visa applies.

The e-Visa must be applied for at least 4 days before arrival. Once we have your documents we file without delay and tell you the fastest option.

Yes. For emergencies, call (647) 239-5851 any time, day or night, including weekends and holidays.

Most people travel on the e-Visa, or an OCI card if they have one. We tell you the fastest option for your case.

An OCI card, if you qualify, or a 5-year e-Tourist visa means you are always ready to travel.

A scan or photo of your passport photo page, any clear photo of your face, and your flight date if you have one.

A scan of your passport photo page (valid at least 6 months from arrival, with 2 blank pages), a clear photo of your face, and your rough travel dates. We check the photo meets the official rules.

At least 4 days before you arrive in India and up to 120 days ahead. We file as soon as we receive your documents.

No. We fill in and check the whole application from your documents, by phone, email, email or at our Scarborough office.

Travel agencies, tour operators, immigration consultants, lawyers, notaries and community organizations that send clients to India.

Yes. Companies sending staff to India can open a corporate account. See corporate India business visas.

Tell us your expected monthly volume and services. We propose wholesale rates and confirm them with you.

Only if you want us to. By default we work through you.

By email. We send you a checklist for each service and tell you right away if anything is missing.

No. We prepare Government of India applications: visas, OCI, Indian passports, PCC and surrender certificates. Canadian PR and citizenship matters stay with you or your licensed consultant.

Every India e-Visa type (tourist, business, medical, attendant, Ayush, conference) and regular visas, for Canadian and other passports.

Fast-tracked as soon as documents are complete, with urgent e-Visas handled first.

Call (647) 239-5851 or send the form below with your company name and expected volume.

Meetings, sales, sourcing, site visits and trade fairs: the e-Business visa (US$120, 1 year, multiple entry). Conferences: the e-Conference visa. Paid work or assignments in India: a regular Employment visa.

Yes. One contact for all travellers, company invoicing, and corporate rates by volume.

Passport and personal data are used only for the visa application, shared only with the government offices that process it, and kept confidential. Copies are deleted on request.

Yes. Once documents are received, urgent e-Visas are filed without delay.

Yes. Eligibility is assessed per passport and status in Canada.

Yes. Visas for groups and delegations are prepared together, with matching invitation details.

A business card or company letter for each traveller and, where available, an invitation letter from the Indian company or event organizer. We provide a checklist per visa type.

If they qualify for an OCI card, no visa is needed for business visits. We check eligibility.