India Embassy in Canada
The Embassy of India in Ottawa (Indian High Commission, Canada) provides consular assistance to Indian citizens in Canada. The Embassy also serves foreigners who want to visit, work or reside in India.
This guide contains all you need to know about document legalization at the India Embassy in Canada, including processing times, fees, and how to submit your documents.
Table of Contents
India Embassy Ottawa
The Embassy of India in Canada legalizes documents that have first been authenticated by Global Affairs Canada. Each Indian consular office across Canada is responsible for legalizing documents issued within its jurisdiction. See the legalization guide below for details on the whole process.
The Embassy of India also offers other consular services, including the provision of death, birth, and life certificates, surrender/renunciation certificates, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, passport and visa services, and renewals of International Driving Permits (IDP).
Contact details
High Commission of India
-
10 Springfield Road
Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 1C9 - (613) 744 3751
- (613) 744-0913
- [email protected]
- www.hciottawa.gov.in
Consulate General of India
-
365 Bloor Street(East)
Suite # 700,
Toronto, ON, M4W 3L4 - (416) 960-0751/52
- (416) 960 9812
- www.cgitoronto.gov.in
Consulate General of India
-
201-325 Howe Street, 2nd Floor
Vancouver, B.C. V6C 1Z7 - (604) 662-8811
- (604) 682-2471
- www.cgivancouver.gov.in
Opening Hours
High Commission of India
- 10.30AM - 12.30PM Monday to Friday
Consulates of India in Toronto and Vancouver
- Walk-in services have been suspended because of COVID-19.
Payment methods
For legalization, the fee is paid directly to the Indian Embassy. This fee must be paid at the counter by bank draft or money order addressed to the High Commission of India, Ottawa. Cash, bank cards, and personal checks are not accepted.
However, for other services, you must pay the fee to the Indian High Commission’s outsourcing agents, BLS International. You can pay BLS International via cash, bank draft, credit card, debit card, online payment, and direct deposit through an ATM or bank.
Legalization
What is Indian legalization?
The Embassy of India in Canada and its Consulates can legalize your documents in order for them to be recognized as valid in India. This process is also sometimes called attestation, authentication, or apostille.
However, Canada is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, which means that it cannot issue apostilles. Authentication and legalization are the equivalent to an apostille.
Your Canadian documents must first be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development for authentication prior to being submitted to the Embassy of India. The Indian Embassy can then legalize your authenticated documents.
The Indian Embassy and each Consulate are responsible for a specific geographical area:
Areas of Jurisdiction
| Embassy/Consulate | Jurisdiction | Submit applications to |
|---|---|---|
|
High Commission of India in Ottawa |
National Capital Region of Ottawa-Hull, Kingston, Cornwall, Hawkesbury, Arnprior, Renfrew, Perth, Prescott, Brockville, Carleton Place, Smith's Falls, Morrisburg (all Ontario), & Montreal (Quebec), Nunavut Territories |
Ottawa Tel: +1-613 755 2072 Montreal Tel: +1-514 218 5063 |
|
Consulate General of India in Toronto |
Ontario and Quebec (excluding the places mentioned above),Toronto, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland |
Toronto Tel: +1-416 307 2237 Brampton Tel: +1-416 307 2237 Winnipeg Tel: +1-204 285 3985 |
|
Consulate General of India in Vancouver |
Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon Territory, North West Territories |
Vancouver Tel: +1-604 595 8903 Surrey Tel: +1-604 235 2637 Calgary Tel: +1-403 351 5428 Edmonton Tel: +1-604 235 2637 |
The Legalization process at the Indian Embassy
You can legalize the documents in person only at the High Commission of India in Ottawa. You must first book an appointment.
- Before submitting your document to the Embassy or Consulate, your document must be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada. Documents without an authentication stamp will not be processed.
- Fill in the application form.
- Take the required documents and the application form to the Embassy of India.
- You must issue full payment in Canadian dollars via bank draft or money order, addressed to the High Commission of India, Ottawa.
The Indian Embassy has the right to reject documents that have content that does not follow the rules.
India Legalization FAQ
How much does it cost to legalize my documents at the Embassy of India?
The legalization fees vary depending on the type of document being submitted.
Here’s a helpful list of legalization fees per document:
- Power of Attorney documents – CAD 28
- Commercial documents – CAD 65
- Birth, Death, Marriage certificates – CAD 16
- Will/Adoption documents – CAD 28
How long does it take to legalize my documents at the Embassy of India?
The Embassy of India will generally legalize your documents on the same day you’re submitting them. However, they can be rejected if the documents were incorrectly prepared.
You will also need to authenticate your documents at Global Affairs Canada prior to submitting them at the Indian Embassy. They can typically authenticate your documents on the same day if you’ve prepared the documents correctly and are submitting in person. If sending them in by mail, it will take a minimum of 15 days, excluding postage time.
This may seem like too long, and it can be, especially if you don’t submit the correct documentation. At DAC, we streamline the authentication process, saving you time and money. Get in touch with us on 1-855-700-5840 for a free document evaluation and quote.
Which documents can be legalized by the Embassy of India in Canada?
The Indian Embassy can legalize the following documents provided that they’re authenticated:
- Power of Attorney documents
- Commercial documents
- Birth, Death, Marriage certificates
- Will/Adoption documents
- Documents issued by the Indian authorities
Do I need to translate my documents for the Embassy of India to legalize them?
No, translations are not required. However, it’s best to check with the Indian entity where you will be using your document to check if translation is a requirement at that end
What documents do I need to submit to work in India?
You must submit the following documents to apply for an Indian employment visa:
- Visa application
- Valid travel document
- Proof of your employment contract or engagement by the Indian company
- Proof of your educational qualifications (degree) and professional expertise
- Documents pertaining to the proposed employment, including the registration of the company under the Companies Act, proof of registration of the firm in the State Industries Department or the Export Promotion Council concerned.
Looking for a Faster Apostille?
Other Consular Services offered by the Embassy of India in Canada
Apart from legalization services, the Indian High Commission in Canada provides consular services for Indians residing in Canada and Canadians and other foreigners who are traveling or moving to India.
Below is a list of services offered by the Embassy:
- The provision of death, birth, and life certificates
- Surrender/renunciation certificates
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards
- Passport and visa services
- Renewals of International Driving Permits (IDP).
You can find detailed information about each of these services on the Embassy of India’s official website.
Consular Registration at the Spain Embassy Canada
Apart from legalization services, the Embassy of Mexico in Canada provides consular services for Mexicans residing in Canada and Canadians and other foreigners who are traveling or moving to Mexico.
Below is a list of services offered by the Embassy:
- Migratory Documentation
- Processing of visa applications
- Visas for Certificates of Analysis and Certificates of Origin
- Household import certificates to temporarily take your household goods to Mexico duty-free
- Birth registration
- Certified copies of Civil Registry certificates
- Certified copies of original for Mexican documents
- Power of attorney granted by individuals
- Power of Attorney granted by a company or an institution
- Issuance of a second or subsequent testimony
You can find detailed information about each of these services on the Embassy of Mexico’s official website.
India Embassy FAQs
Can I renew my Indian passport in Canada?
Yes, you can. The Embassy of India accepts applications to create a new passport as well as to re-issue one. You must hold an Indian passport and present your status in Canada – such as your visitor, study, or work permit.
You must apply at the BLS centre under the jurisdiction of the relevant Consulate, since walk-ins are not permitted due to COVID-19. You must either book an appointment or send your application by post. Check out our legalization guide for the list of consulates and BLS centres corresponding to your jurisdiction, as well as to find the BLS centres addresses.
How do I contact the Indian Embassy?
You can contact the Indian Embassy and its Consulates via telephone. Check which mission corresponds to your jurisdiction in the Legalization section of this article, and call the relevant office on these numbers:
High Commission of India
Tel: (613) 744 3751
Consulate General of India in Toronto
Tel: (416) 960-0751/52,
Consulate General of India in Vancouver
Tel: (604) 662-8811
How can I work in Canada from India?
To work in Canada, you have to apply for a work permit. There are two types of permits: open-work permits and employer-specific work permits. The former allows you to work for any employer in Canada.
The Canada Work Permit Visa allows you to:
- Work with the employer you list in your work permit application (if applying for an Employer-specific work permit)
- Apply for Dependent Visas for your family
- Travel across Canada
- Apply for permanent residency at a later date.
The Canadian work visa is ideal for temporary workers and foreign graduates from Canadian universities.
Can Canadians travel to India right now?
Due to concerns about the Delta COVID-19 variant, Canada has extended its travel ban to and from India until the 21st of July 2021. For travel advisory updates, check the Canadian Government’s travel website.
Do I need a visa to visit India?
Yes, you do. There are a number of visas you can apply for, including e-visas and regular visas. You can visit as a tourist, for a business conference, for medical reasons, or as a medical attendant. You can apply for a visa online by clicking here.
IN CONCLUSION
You should now have a better understanding of the legalization process at the India Embassy in Canada, together with the other consular services offered at the Embassy and Consulates.
Admittedly, authentication and legalization can get complicated: there are multiple entities involved in the process, as well as specific procedures to follow.
At DAC, we help facilitate the legalization of documents in Canada, navigating through the bureaucracy on your behalf so that you avoid unnecessary delays. Get in touch with our expert team on 1-855-700-5840 to request a quote and a free document evaluation.
About The Author
Lori, Director of Operations
Lori Shepherd is a licensed Paralegal, Notary and Mediator in the City of Ottawa and holds a B.A. from Carleton University. A native to the City, she has lived and worked across Canada and overseas. Lori is client focused and dedicated to clear and concise communication to ensure clients feel secure in using our services.
