How to Apply for a Business Visa to India from Canada
Business trips to India from Canada have become easier with the Indian visa online forms. Using the business visa application process, residents of Canada can travel to India with an eVisa. Both Canadian nationals and non-Canadian nationals (with Canadian permanent residency) can avail of the Indian business eVisa.
Since the eVisa application process is much less time-consuming, you can invest more time in planning your trip. You can apply for a business eVisa from wherever you are.
What is an Indian Business eVisa?
India grants different types of eVisas to foreigners who wish to travel to India for business purposes. A business eVisa is typically permitted for business activities approved under the normal visa activities. However, you should remember that normal tourist visas will not work if you are visiting India for business activities.
Business Activities taken account into Visas
Canadians can apply for an Indian e-visa for business activities including trading goods in India, attending meetings, or hiring employees. Plus, individuals can also get an Indian business visa if they are participating in any trade fairs or exhibitions.
Who can apply for Indian Business eVisa?
Canadians are eligible to apply for business visas with Indian visa online forms. However, they need a valid Canadian passport or proof of Canadian residency for at least two years. Also, the applicant visiting India should not lend money or be involved in any petty trading.
Canadian residents can also apply for a business eVisa if they are invited by any Indian business organisation. Furthermore, foreigners coming to India for consultations or technical assistance are also eligible to apply for a business eVisa.
Validity
An Indian eVisa for business is valid for a year from issuance. However, Canadians can stay up to a maximum of 180 days at a time. If you want to extend the date of your stay, registration with the Foreigner’s Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) is necessary two weeks before your maximum day of stay in India.
E-Visas in Case of Multiple Visits
For Canadian citizens, a maximum of two visits is granted in a calendar year using eVisas.
Essential Documents Required to Apply for a Business Visa to India
You will require some important documents before filling out the Indian visa online forms. These documents will validate your visa application process and make the approval smoother. Without visiting the Indian embassy or consulate physically, Canadian citizens can apply for an Indian e visa for business purposes.
Here are the essential documents required for applying for an Indian eVisa.
Valid passport: The Canadian passport or the resident card is the main requirement. The passport must have a minimum of 6 months of validity remaining after you leave India.
Recent Passport Size Photographs: A clear passport-sized photograph of the applicant’s face is needed for the application. You can check the photo requirements here.
Passport Information Page: Your updated passport information page is also an essential document while applying for an Indian business eVisa.
Payment Methods: A valid credit or debit card is required for paying the fees for the application.
Alongside these, some additional documents are required specifically for applicants applying for business eVisas. If you are visiting India to attend an Indian company or a trade fair, you should have an invitation or business card with the name of the Indian company. Plus, the Indian company you are visiting must have a website.
Application Process for Indian Visa Online Form
Canadian applicants can apply for an Indian Visa by filling up Indian visa online forms. The application process is very easy. However, you need to have the necessary documents for a quicker application process. If you are planning to travel to India, you have to apply 120 days before your expected date of arrival in India.
Post-application, you can check its status. Just provide your application invoice ID. If you do not have the application invoice ID, you can search using your passport number and your date of birth.
Online Processes of Applying for an Indian Business Visa from Canada
- Applicants can apply for an eVisa on the eVisa application website by filling out the Indian Visa online forms.
- Pay the application fees.
- You will receive the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or eVisa via email.
- You need to print the eVisa and present it during immigration.
- The immigration checkpost officer will put a stamp on your passport as proof of authorization.
Remember to carry all the necessary documents during the time of immigration after reaching India.
Processing Time
The typical processing time of an Indian e visa for business is four to five days. During this time, your document will be checked thoroughly. However, if you need the visa early, you may opt for rush processing. Rush processing usually takes a maximum of three days to process business eVisas.
Indian Business Visa Extension from Canada
Visa extensions become important when you have to stay in a country for a longer time than you expect. For foreign citizens holding a business visa, an extension of 5 years is permissible. But this will depend on how your business is doing.
Authorised Checkpoints to Enter India for Canadian Citizens using Business eVisa
You can only enter India through sanctioned entry points, which include major airports and seaports in India. You can check the complete list here
General Mistakes to Avoid while Applying for an Indian Visa from Canada
Before filling out the Indian Visa Online Forms, you have to cross-verify the availability and validity of every document. To avoid rejection of the eVisa application, you have to remember the following:
Incomplete or Inaccurate Information
You need to fill out the application form with accurate information and complete the entire application form.
Non-Attested Financial Documents
Your eVisa application will lead to rejection if your financial documents, like bank statements, are not duly attested. Proof of financial stability is mandatory to apply for eVisa.
Expired Passport
Check your passport validity before travelling as it should be more than six months from the date you depart India.
Unavailability of Supporting documents
For the approval of business eVisas, supporting documents, including company invitation letters and business cards, are essential. Failing to provide any of these will lead to the rejection of a business eVisa application.
Keep a record of all your documentation for smoother application processing. You can find some more tips to avoid eVisa rejections here.
Prepared for a Business Trip to India?
Visiting India for business purposes from Canada has become very easy with online eVisa applications. Plus, another aspect of an Indian e-visa for business is that it is uploaded within the comfort of your home. You do not have to visit the embassy, which makes it much easier. However, you have to understand specific details and requirements for the eVisa category you are applying for.
For further assistance, you check the Indian eVisa helpdesk. With all the resources provided at your hand’s reach, you can start applying for the Indian business eVisa.