Canada's Target: 20,000 Indian Visas by the End of 2023

Immigration Minister of Canada Marc Miller, at the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) meeting, commented that regarding the anticipated initial 38,000 Indian visas that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aimed to process by December, the department now plans to process 20,000 of them efficiently. IRCC acknowledges that the current staffing limitations for visa processing may result in extended processing times. Additionally, it could impact the timely return of visas and passports to successful applicants. IRCC anticipates that at the start of 2024, there will be an estimated backlog of approximately 17,500 Indian visa applications. The department's objective is to process 80% of all applications within the specified service standards, which may differ depending on the type of application. An application is considered in backlog when it surpasses the defined service standards. For instance, the department expects to process international student visa applications outside Canada within 60 days, family-class sponsorship applications within 12 months, and Express Entry applications within six months.

IRCC Anticipates Return to Regular Indian Visa Processing by 2024

Senior IRCC officials are striving to restore regular processing for Indian applications by early 2024, with 22 immigration staff returning to work in Canada and the Philippines. The department highlights that it processes the majority of Indian applications outside the country. Specifically, the global network handles 89% of applications from India.

Resuming of Visa Services by October 26, 2023

Putting an end to the confusion regarding visa stoppage and amid diplomatic rows, the High Commission of India in Ottawa announced that its consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver will resume visa services starting on October 26, 2023. This decision resolves the uncertainty surrounding visa services and signals a positive step towards restoring normalcy in diplomatic relations between India and Canada. The High Commission has officially verified that the reinstated visa services include entry, business, medical, and conference visas. This development is a testament to the strengthening ties between India and Canada, promising increased connectivity, cultural exchange, and business growth. 

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