A Comprehensive Guide to BLS Canada: Navigating Visas, OCI Cards, and Passport Services

If you’re an Indian national in Canada or a person of Indian origin, chances are you’ve encountered BLS Canada for consular services. With numerous requirements and often confusing steps, managing visa, OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India), and passport applications can be intimidating. After researching and compiling data from various resources, this guide is designed to demystify BLS Canada’s services, covering everything from processing timelines and documentation to fees and tracking your application.

BLS Canada is your primary touchpoint for handling these applications in Canada, functioning as an official intermediary between applicants and the Indian consulates across the country.

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What is BLS Canada?

BLS International operates under the Indian government to manage visa, OCI, and passport services, saving you the hassle of dealing directly with the consulates. Located across major Canadian cities—Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and more—BLS Canada centers offer Indian nationals and people of Indian origin an accessible, organized way to submit applications, complete biometric requirements, and track their application status online​

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Services Offered by BLS Canada

BLS Canada provides four main categories of services:

1. Indian Visa Applications
2. OCI Card Processing
3. Indian Passport Services
4. Attestation and Police Clearance

Let’s explore each service category in detail.

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Indian Visa Applications: Types and Process

If you’re planning a trip to India for family, business, studies, or medical reasons, BLS Canada facilitates various visa types, such as tourist, business, medical, and student visas. Here’s what you need to know:

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa Type

Indian visas come in various categories:

• Tourist Visa: Ideal for leisure travel or visiting family in India.
• Business Visa: For business conferences, trade, or meetings.
• Medical Visa: For individuals seeking medical treatment.
• Student Visa: For those studying in Indian institutions.

Step 2: Complete the Visa Application Form

Start by filling out the visa application form at the Indian Visa Online portal. This form is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail—be sure to double-check everything from spelling to the selected consulate jurisdiction based on where you live in Canada.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Each visa type has specific documentation requirements. Generally, you’ll need:

• A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity.
• Passport-sized photos (2×2 inches).
• Supporting documents, such as a flight itinerary, hotel reservation, or invitation letter, based on the type of visa.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

You can submit your application in person at a BLS Canada center or via mail, especially if you live far from a service center. Walk-in submissions require an appointment, which you can schedule on the BLS website to avoid wait times.

Step 5: Biometrics Requirement

For applicants between ages 12 and 70, biometric data (fingerprints and photo) is mandatory, except for short-term visas. Biometric data can be submitted at a BLS center by appointment.

Step 6: Track Your Application

Once your application is submitted, track your visa status via the BLS Canada tracking portal using your reference number.

Visa Processing Times and Fees

Visa processing generally takes 5 to 15 business days but may vary based on the consulate’s workload and the visa type. Tourist visas usually cost around CAD $108, with additional fees for other visa categories and services like the Premium Lounge for faster processing​

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OCI Card Applications Through BLS Canada

If you’re of Indian origin and would like the benefits of lifelong entry and residence in India without needing a visa, the OCI card is ideal. BLS Canada handles the entire OCI process, whether for new applications, renewals, or updates.

Applying for an OCI Card

1. Complete the Online OCI Application: Start by filling out the online form at the OCI services website. This form includes personal and family information, so accuracy is essential.
2. Submit Required Documents: For a new OCI card, submit:
   • A valid passport.
   • Proof of Indian origin (e.g., birth certificate, parents’ Indian passport).
   • Two passport-sized photos.
3. Submit Your Application: As with visas, you can either visit a BLS center or mail your application.
4. Track Your Application: Once submitted, you can check your application’s status on the BLS website.

Processing Times and Renewal Requirements

Processing for new OCI cards generally takes 8-10 weeks, while renewals are faster at around 4-6 weeks. Renewal is needed when you obtain a new passport before age 20 or after age 50​

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Indian Passport Renewal at BLS Canada

BLS also provides passport renewal services for Indian nationals residing in Canada. Here’s how it works:

1. Fill Out the Renewal Form: Complete the passport renewal form available on the Passport Seva website.
2. Required Documents: Generally, you’ll need:
   • Your current passport.
   • Proof of residence in Canada.
   • Passport-sized photos and, if necessary, proof of a name change.
3. Submit the Application: Like other services, you can submit it in person or by mail.

Processing Times and Fees

Passport renewals usually take 3-6 weeks, depending on the consulate’s workload. Costs range from CAD $100 to CAD $150​

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Additional Services: Police Clearance and Document Attestation

In addition to visas, OCI cards, and passports, BLS Canada also handles Police Clearance Certificates (PCC) and document attestation for various purposes, such as visa or immigration applications. Processing times for PCCs generally align with the Indian consulate’s processing times, often ranging from 2-4 weeks.

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Avoid Common Pitfalls in Your BLS Canada Application

To prevent delays and avoidable headaches, keep the following in mind:

1. Double-Check All Documents: Incomplete documents are a common cause for delays. Ensure you have the correct number of photos, all forms filled out accurately, and identification proof.
2. Follow Photo Specifications: Incorrect photo sizes are a frequent issue. BLS Canada’s website has detailed photo requirements—double-check these to avoid delays.
3. Schedule Biometrics Early: If required, book your biometric appointment in advance, as BLS centers can get busy, especially during peak times.
4. Apply Early: Start the application process well before any planned travel or document expiration to avoid unexpected delays.

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Conclusion: BLS Canada Makes Consular Services Accessible

While navigating consular services can feel overwhelming, BLS Canada simplifies this process with clear guidance, tracking options, and multiple submission points across the country. Whether you need a visa for an upcoming trip, an OCI card to maintain a lifelong connection to India, or a passport renewal, BLS Canada offers convenient and organized assistance. For more details, updates, and specific forms, visit the BLS Canada website.

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OCI Card Processing Time: How Long Does it Really Take?

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