Date:16/02/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/02/16/stories/2005021601170400.htm

Back Canadian High Commission outsources visa services

Our Bureau

Mumbai , Feb. 15

THE Canadian High Commission has outsourced administrative work to Visa Facilitation Services (VFS), a private company specialising in visa-related work.

VFS will provide the service from March 9 at nine centres, including Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Mumbai for a fee of Rs 400.

VFS will help in submission of application, with supporting documents and visa fees. It will also courier the application packets to the High Commission and disburse the processed papers. However, the High Commission will assess each visa application.

Canada has its High Commission in the Capital and a Consulate-General in Chandigarh.

In the normal course, applicants could expect hope to receive their visas within three days of submitting the applications, said Ms Lucie Edwards, Canadian High Commissioner in India. On an average, one out of 10 applicants is called for a personal interview, she said.

The main motivation for tying up with VFS is client service, said Mr Sidney Frank, Counsellor (Immigration for India, Nepal, and Bhutan). "The arrangement makes it more convenient for applicants staying outside Delhi and Chandigarh to submit their documents with the High Commission, especially because it is not feasible for the Canadian Government to open consular offices in multiple locations," said Mr Frank.

Protection of client's privacy was a key issue that the Commission looked into before tying up with VFS. For instance, the High Commission's decision will be sent in a sealed envelope to each applicant.

In 2004, the High Commission issued 49,000 temporary visit visas in India — which is nearly 70 per cent of the applications received. Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, and Mumbai accounted for the most number of applicants. Some of the major reasons cited were travel, business, leisure and education.

According to Mr Frank, the High Commission also issued 25,600 visas for those intending to settle in Canada. Since 1995, India has been the largest source of immigrants to Canada, after China.

University education, minimum level of proficiency in English, and professional experience are among the attributes that Canada looks for in immigrants, said Mr Frank.