If you’re an Indian national living in Canada or planning to visit India, you’ll likely come across BLS Canada in your search for visa, OCI (Overseas Citizen of India), or passport services. BLS International is the official partner of the Indian consulates in Canada and handles various administrative tasks, making the process much easier for applicants.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about BLS Canada, from visa applications and passport renewals to OCI services, tracking applications, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the steps required to submit your application, avoid common mistakes, and speed up the process.
What Is BLS Canada?
BLS Canada is an outsourced service provider contracted by the Indian government to assist with visa, passport, and consular services. They serve as an intermediary between applicants and the Indian consulates in Canada. Instead of visiting the consulate directly, applicants submit their documents to BLS International centers in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Brampton.
Their primary services include:
- Indian Visa Services: Including tourist, business, medical, and entry visas.
- OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) Card Services: Application, renewal, and reissuance of OCI cards.
- Indian Passport Services: New passport applications, renewals, and reissuances.
- Other Consular Services: Attestation, notarization, and Police Clearance Certificates (PCC).
Why BLS Canada Is Important for Indian Nationals
BLS Canada simplifies the process of applying for important travel and citizenship documents by offering multiple submission points across Canada. It saves time by allowing applicants to submit documents online or in-person at their nearest center, rather than having to deal directly with consular offices. BLS International also provides status tracking services, making it easier to follow the progress of your application.
Indian Visa Application Process via BLS Canada
1. Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Visa Application
Applying for an Indian visa through BLS Canada is a multi-step process. Here’s how you can apply:
- Fill out the Visa Application Form:
Start by visiting the Indian visa online portal and complete the required application form. Ensure that all your details are accurate. - Prepare Your Documents:
Depending on your visa type (tourist, business, medical, etc.), you’ll need to gather:- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
- Passport-sized photographs as per the specifications.
- Proof of travel, such as flight bookings or hotel reservations.
- Invitation letters (for business and medical visas).
- Submit Your Application:
You can submit your visa application either in-person at a BLS Canada center or via postal service. If submitting by mail, ensure that you include a pre-paid return envelope for the return of your documents. - Biometrics Requirement:
Applicants aged 12-70 are required to provide biometric data at the BLS centers. Schedule your appointment accordingly. - Track Your Visa Status:
After submission, you can track your application status using the BLS Canada tracking portal. - Processing Time:
Visa processing times vary based on the type of visa and volume of applications. On average, it can take 5-15 business days to process your visa.
How to Apply for an OCI Card through BLS Canada
The OCI card is a lifelong visa for people of Indian origin, allowing them to live, work, and study in India without the need for a separate visa. Here’s how you can apply:
- Complete the Online OCI Form:
Visit the OCI services website and fill out the online application form. Ensure all details, such as passport information and personal data, are accurate. - Gather Required Documents:
For a new OCI card application, you’ll need:- A copy of your current passport.
- Proof of Indian origin (previous Indian passport or birth certificate).
- Two passport-sized photos (51mm x 51mm).
- Submit Your Application:
Similar to the visa process, you can submit the OCI application at a BLS Canada center or through postal services. - Processing Time for OCI Cards:
The processing time for OCI cards usually takes 8-10 weeks, but can vary depending on the consulate’s workload. - Track Your OCI Application:
Like visas, you can track the status of your OCI card application through the BLS tracking portal.
Indian Passport Renewal via BLS Canada
If you’re an Indian citizen residing in Canada and need to renew your passport, BLS International handles the process. Here’s what you need to know:
- Fill Out the Passport Renewal Form:
Visit the Passport Seva website to fill out the renewal form. - Required Documents:
Prepare the following documents:- Your current passport.
- Proof of address in Canada.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs.
- Submit Your Application:
As with visas and OCI cards, you can submit the passport renewal application at a BLS center or via mail. - Processing Time:
The average processing time for passport renewals is 3-6 weeks. Plan ahead if you need your passport for travel.
Fees and Costs
The fees for BLS Canada services depend on the type of service you are applying for:
- Tourist Visa: Approximately CAD $108 for up to 6 months.
- OCI Card: CAD $370 for a new OCI card application.
- Passport Renewal: Fees range from CAD $100 to CAD $150.
Additional service fees may apply for postal services, biometrics, or appointment rescheduling. Check the BLS Canada website for the latest fee structure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete Documents:
Ensure that all your documents are complete and up-to-date before submitting your application. - Incorrect Photos:
Follow the photo specifications closely, as incorrect photos are one of the main reasons for delays. - Biometrics:
If required, don’t forget to schedule your biometric appointment. - Tracking Delays:
Use the tracking portal to stay informed about the progress of your application. Respond promptly if additional documents are requested.
Conclusion
Whether you’re applying for a visa, OCI card, or renewing your passport, BLS Canada makes the process straightforward. While the process can sometimes feel overwhelming due to documentation requirements and waiting times, understanding the steps and preparing accordingly can save you time and reduce stress.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your application is processed smoothly and that you’re well-prepared for your upcoming trip to India or for maintaining your OCI status.
If you have further questions or need help, don’t hesitate to visit the BLS International Canada website for detailed FAQs and guidance.
What information do I need to track my BLS application?
To track your BLS application, you need your application reference number, passport number, and possibly your date of birth.
How long does it take to process a BLS visa application?
Visa applications typically take 5-15 business days to process. However, it can vary depending on the visa type and application volume.
Why is my BLS application not showing any updates?
If your BLS application status isn’t updating, there may be a delay in processing. Check back after a few days, or contact BLS customer support for assistance.
Can I track my passport and OCI application through BLS?
Yes, BLS allows you to track the status of both passport and OCI applications using the same online tracking tool available on their website.
