Indian Embassy in Canada
The Indian Embassy 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 Indian Embassy in Canada, including processing times, fees, and how to submit your documents.
Table of Contents
Indian Embassy Ottawa
Located in Ottawa, the High Commission of India (Indian Embassy) provides critical consular services to Indian citizens and residents in Canada, including issuance and renewal of Machine‑Readable Passports (MRPs) (including for newborn children), Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Cards, and Police Clearance Certificates (PCC).
It also handles surrender certificates, and still provides attestation services (e.g. for affidavits, Power of Attorney, wills, public documents issued by Indian authorities) via BLS centres in Ottawa or Montreal. However, if your document has been apostilled adequately by a recognized Canadian authority (e.g. Global Affairs Canada or provincial ministries like Ontario, BC, Alberta), no further legalization by the High Commission is required.
In emergencies, including distress cases and deaths, the High Commission offers direct assistance and consular support for Indians in Canada.
For Canadian citizens, the High Commission processes visa applications for tourism, business, study, and residence in India, including guidelines on paper visa applications updated as of October 25, 2023. Detailed requirements and visa categories are provided on the official site.
Beyond consular responsibilities, the Indian Embassy actively supports bilateral relations between India and Canada, fostering cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and diplomatic dialogue through public diplomacy and cultural events to promote Indian heritage and enhance India‑Canada ties.
Contact details
High Commission of India (Indian Embassy)
-
10 Springfield Road
Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 1C9 - (613) 744 3751
- (613) 744-0913
- [email protected]
- www.hciottawa.gov.in
Consulate General of India, Toronto
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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, Vancouver
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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 (Indian Embassy)
- 09:30AM - 12:30PM Monday to Friday - Consular Services
Consulates of India in Toronto and Vancouver
- By appointment only.
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.
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 |
List of Consular Services at the Indian Embassy in Canada
- Passport issuance, renewal, and replacement services for Indian citizens, including services for lost, damaged, or expired passports, and new passports for newborns
- Visa application processing for Canadian and foreign nationals traveling to India, including tourist, business, employment, student, research, and medical visas
- Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) registration, renewal, and miscellaneous services for eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin
- Attestation and notarial services for Indian citizens, including affidavits, Power of Attorney, life certificates, and declarations
- Surrender certificate issuance for Indian citizens acquiring foreign nationality
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) issuance for immigration, residency, employment, or long-term visa applications
- Civil services including registration of births, deaths, and marriages for Indian citizens abroad (where applicable)
- Consular registration and assistance for Indian nationals residing or temporarily present in Canada
- Support for Indian citizens in distress, including emergency travel documents (Emergency Certificate), death-related documentation, and coordination for repatriation of mortal remains
Document Authentication Process - Apostille
As of January 11, 2024, both Canada and India are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, eliminating the need for traditional legalization of public documents between the two countries.
This means Canadian public documents intended for use in India, such as birth and marriage certificates, diplomas, police clearances, and business records, no longer need to be legalized at the Indian Embassy or its consulates in Canada. Instead, they require an apostille issued by Canadian authorities.
Apostilles are granted by Global Affairs Canada or by designated provincial competent authorities in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, depending on where the document was issued or notarized.
Unofficial documents, such as copies or translations, must be notarized by a Canadian notary public before they can be apostilled.
Once apostilled, these documents are legally recognized in India for administrative, legal, or business purposes; no further legalization by the Indian consular offices is needed.
Similarly, Indian documents intended for use in Canada must now be apostilled by Indian authorities before being valid for use within Canadian institutions or government bodies.
Apostille Process for Canadian Documents Intended for India
| All Documents | |
|---|---|
|
When is an apostille needed? |
Canadian public documents to be used in India require a single-step apostille issued by the appropriate Canadian authority. |
|
Description |
|
|
Who can apply? |
Canadian citizens and foreign nationals residing in Canada who intend to use Canadian-issued documents in India. |
|
Fee (in CAD) |
Apostille: Free via Global Affairs Canada (or provincial authorities)
Notary: CAD 35–75
Provincial apostille cost: CAD 10–65, depending on the province, e.g., (Ontario: CAD 16 for notarial documents, CAD 32 for public documents, Quebec: CAD 65 per document, Alberta: CAD 25 per document, British Columbia: CAD 20 per document, Saskatchewan: CAD 50 per document)
|
|
Processing Time |
Notarial processing (if required) typically takes about 5 business days.
Apostille issuance by Global Affairs Canada or provincial authorities may take 10–20 business days.
|
|
Criteria for apostille |
|
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How to submit |
Apostilles are issued by Global Affairs Canada (for federal documents and for provinces/territories that have not designated their own apostille authority) or by provincial authorities in provinces like Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
Global Affairs Canada
|
|
Submission Notes |
Courier waybills with account numbers are not accepted; only prepaid shipping labels or envelopes.
Notarization must be completed before submission if the document is unofficial, a translation, or lacks formal certification.
If unsure, notarization prior to apostille submission is recommended to avoid rejection.
|
Looking for a Faster Apostille?
Notarial Services at the Indian Embassy in Canada
The High Commission of India in Ottawa, along with its Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver, provides a range of notarial and attestation services for Indian citizens and individuals of Indian origin residing in Canada. These services are primarily related to Power of Attorney, affidavits, declarations, life certificates, and property or legal documentation intended for use in India.
As of January 11, 2024, both India and Canada are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, which eliminates the need for consular legalization of documents that have already been apostilled by designated authorities in either country.
Scope and Service Pathways
For common notarial needs, such as executing a Power of Attorney, property authorizations, sworn affidavits, or travel declarations, the Indian Embassy (High Commission) offers two distinct service pathways depending on where the document originates and how it will be used:
Option I – Apostille Route (Recommended for Canadian Public Documents)
Canadian-issued documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, education credentials, and legal declarations intended for use in India do not require further legalization by the Indian Embassy if they are properly apostilled by Global Affairs Canada or an authorized provincial ministry.
No consular appointment or physical submission is required for apostilled documents. This method is strongly recommended for:
- Travel authorizations
- Academic transcripts
- Civil status certificates
- Commercial documents
Option II – In-Person Notarial Attestation (For Indian-Origin or Non-Apostilled Documents)
For documents not eligible for apostille (e.g., India-origin documents, notarized declarations, or non-public paperwork), applicants must schedule an appointment with the Indian Embassy or Consulate through the SUVIDHA portal and submit the following:
Required Documents:
- Original document for attestation
- Valid Indian passport or OCI card (and copy)
- Proof of residence in Canada
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (where applicable)
- Completed service form/checklist (available on the High Commission website)
- Applicable fee, payable to BLS International Services Canada Inc.
Fees & Submission:
- All attestation services are processed through BLS International, the authorized service partner
- Payment is accepted via money order or bank draft; no personal cheques or online payments directly to the High Commission
- Prepaid return courier envelopes are required for postal services
Special Services: Travel Authorization for Minors
While India does not have a universal policy requiring parental travel authorization for minors leaving India, some cases (e.g., unaccompanied minors or those traveling with one parent) may require an affidavit or sworn declaration from parents to be presented in India.
If needed, the High Commission can attest:
- Parental consent letters
- Minor’s birth certificate (if issued in India)
- Indian or Canadian passports of parents and child
The letter may be drafted in English or a regional Indian language and must be signed in the presence of a consular officer or authorized notary before submission for attestation.
Civil Status Declarations & Registration Abroad
India does not require birth registration of children born abroad at the consulate unless registering for Indian citizenship or passport. However, for official purposes in India (school admission, property inheritance, etc.), birth certificates issued in Canada should be:
- Apostilled by Canadian authorities, and
- Translated into English (if not already), where applicable
Attestation of Indian birth or marriage certificates may be required if such documents are being submitted to Canadian institutions. These documents can be notarized via BLS submission or during a scheduled in-person visit.
Important Notes and Procedures
- All notarial services require advance appointment via the SUVIDHA Portal: https://suvidha.hciottawa.gov.in
- Document translation is not mandatory unless required by Indian authorities. All documents submitted for attestation must be in English or Hindi
Consular officers reserve the right to refuse attestation of incomplete or unverifiable documents.
Travel and Passport Services at the Indian Embassy in Canada
The High Commission of India (Indian Embassy) in Ottawa, along with its Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver, offers a full range of passport and travel services for Indian citizens residing in Canada. These services include applications for new passports, renewals, replacements for lost or damaged passports, and issuance of emergency certificates. All passport-related services must be submitted through the official outsourcing agency, BLS International, which operates authorized application centers across Canada.
Passport Services Offered
New Passport Applications: Indian citizens residing in Canada can apply for a fresh passport due to expiration, change in particulars, or loss of passport. Applications are submitted through BLS International by completing the online application form at the Government of India’s Passport Seva portal, printing it, and booking an appointment at the nearest BLS office.
Passport Renewals and Re-issues: Passport holders may apply for reissue due to expiration, nearing expiry, or exhaustion of pages. The new passport will carry a new passport number and extended validity. Renewal applications should be initiated at least one year prior to expiry.
Lost or Damaged Passports: In cases where a passport is lost or damaged, applicants must file a local police report and submit it along with the required documents and affidavit at the BLS Centre.
Emergency Certificate (EC): The Emergency Certificate is a one-way travel document issued to Indian citizens who need to return to India urgently but do not possess a valid passport. ECs are issued in exceptional circumstances, subject to verification and approval by the Consulate.
Application Process
Mandatory Online Registration: Applicants must fill the passport application form online at https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in before booking an appointment through BLS International.
Document Requirements: Applicants must submit printed and signed application forms along with a valid PR card or Canadian visa, current/old passport, supporting documents for change of particulars (if applicable), and compliant passport photos.
Submission via BLS: All documents are submitted to the nearest BLS Centre either by appointment or mail-in. In-person submission is required for some services (e.g., lost passport).
Police Verification: Depending on the service requested, police verification in India may be initiated, which can affect the processing timeline.
Fees and Processing Times
Fees vary depending on the number of pages, validity, and urgency of the passport service. As of the latest guidelines:
Ordinary Passport (36 pages, 10-year validity): CAD 106.00
Jumbo Passport (60 pages, 10-year validity): CAD 141.00
Minor Passport (5-year validity): CAD 71.00
Lost/Damaged Passport: CAD 177.00 for 36 pages or CAD 212.00 for 60 pages
Emergency Certificate: CAD 28.00
In addition to the above, BLS International charges a service fee (approx. CAD 11.30), courier charges, and applicable taxes.
Processing Times:
Normal passport services may take between 3–6 weeks, depending on the need for police verification and consular clearance. Applications for minors or renewals without changes are typically processed faster. Emergency Certificates are usually issued within 1–5 business days, subject to urgency and documentation.
Important Travel Information for Indian Citizens in Canada
Indian citizens are encouraged to maintain a valid Indian passport even if they have Canadian permanent residency status. It is illegal to hold dual citizenship under Indian law; therefore, those who acquire Canadian citizenship must surrender their Indian passport and apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
Ensure that your Indian passport has a minimum validity of six months before traveling internationally. Airlines and immigration authorities may deny boarding or entry otherwise.
Visa Requirements for Travelers to India (for Canadians and Other Foreign Nationals)
e-Visa Eligibility: Canadian passport holders are eligible to apply for various categories of e-Visas, including tourist, business, medical, and conference visas, via the official portal at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in. e-Visas must be applied for at least 4 days before travel and are valid for entry through designated airports and seaports.
Visa Validity and Conditions:
Tourist e-Visas are typically granted for multiple entries within a one-year period, with stays up to 90 days per visit. Business visas allow longer stays but may require additional documentation and justification.
Visa Fee Structure:
Fees vary based on visa type and duration. The Indian Visa Application Center (BLS) also charges processing and convenience fees. For in-person applications for regular stamped visas, appointments must be booked in advance, and biometric enrollment may be required.
OCI, PIO, and Surrender Certificate Services:
The Indian Embassy also processes applications for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards and Surrender Certificates for those who have acquired foreign nationality. These services are also handled through BLS International and have separate fee structures.
For more information, applicants should visit the High Commission’s official website at https://hciottawa.gov.in or the BLS International Canada portal at https://www.blsindia-canada.com.
Immigration and Citizenship Services at the Indian Embassy in Canada
The Indian Embassy in Ottawa, along with its Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver, provides a wide array of immigration, visa, and citizenship services for Canadian residents and Indian nationals. These services cater to individuals who wish to travel to India for tourism, work, study, business, or family purposes, as well as those seeking to maintain or restore Indian citizenship or obtain Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) documentation.
Visa Applications
India requires most foreign nationals, including Canadian citizens, to hold a valid visa for entry. The Indian government has streamlined this process via an online e-Visa platform (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in), although regular/sticker visas are still available through the High Commission (Indian Embassy) and Consulates. Travelers are advised to apply well in advance of their travel dates.
e-Visa (Tourist, Business, Medical, and Conference)
Canadian passport holders are eligible for the Indian e-Visa program, which includes several categories:
- Tourist e-Visa: Valid for 30 days (single entry), 1 year (multiple entry), or 5 years (multiple entry).
- Business e-Visa: Valid for 1 year, multiple entries.
- Medical e-Visa: Valid for up to 60 days with triple entries permitted.
- Conference e-Visa: Short-term visa for attendees of government-approved conferences in India.
Applications must be submitted online, and approval is typically granted within 3 to 5 business days. However, entry must be through designated airports or seaports only. e-Visas are non-extendable and non-convertible.
Regular Visa (Sticker Visa)
For travel purposes not covered under e-Visa (e.g. employment, research, journalism, student, missionary, or long-term entry), applicants must apply for a regular visa via BLS International, India’s authorized outsourced visa and consular service provider in Canada.
Visa Requirements include:
- Completed visa application form on the Indian Visa Online portal
- Original passport with minimum 6 months validity
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of residency in Canada (PR card, work/study permit, etc.)
- Additional documents depending on visa type (e.g. admission letter for student visa, employment contract for work visa)
- Fee payment via BLS; exact amount depends on visa category and duration
Visa Processing and Fees
Visa processing times vary between 5–10 working days for regular applications but may extend based on category or nationality. Fees also vary depending on the visa category, with tourist visas for Canadian citizens typically costing between CAD 125–200. Urgent or express services incur an additional fee. Payments must be made to BLS International in the form prescribed by the respective consular office.
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)
OCI is a long-term visa and identity document available to foreign citizens of Indian origin. Applicants can apply through BLS International under various categories, such as:
- OCI by birth/descent (parents or grandparents born in India)
- Spouse-based OCI (if married to an Indian citizen or OCI holder for at least 2 years)
- Minor children of eligible applicants
Applicants must provide proof of Indian origin, current nationality, a copy of a cancelled Indian passport (if applicable), marriage certificates for spouse-based OCI, and parental documents for minors.
OCI cards are typically processed within 6–8 weeks, and once issued, allow multiple entries into India with no visa requirements. They also grant residency rights and some economic privileges but exclude political rights.
Renunciation of Indian Citizenship
India does not permit dual citizenship. Indian nationals acquiring Canadian or other foreign citizenship must formally renounce Indian citizenship and surrender their Indian passports before applying for OCI or visa services.
To renounce Indian citizenship, applicants must:
- Fill out the renunciation form via the Indian Consular Services portal
- Submit the original Indian passport and Canadian naturalization certificate
- Pay the renunciation fee, which is approximately CAD 110, plus applicable BLS charges
- Obtain a “Surrender Certificate,” a prerequisite for all further OCI or visa services
Emergency Travel Services (Emergency Visa & Travel Document)
In urgent or humanitarian cases (e.g. death of a close relative, serious illness), emergency visas can be issued by the consulate subject to verification. Applicants must submit proof of emergency (e.g. medical certificate or death certificate), flight tickets, and a valid Canadian status document. Emergency visa fees are typically higher, and services are only provided by select consulates during specific hours.
Additionally, Indian citizens who have lost their passports while in Canada can apply for an Emergency Certificate (EC) to return to India. The nearest consulate handles processing and requires proof of identity, police report (if lost), and travel details.
Fees, Appointments & Processing Guidelines
All immigration-related applications must be submitted through BLS International, either in person or via postal service, depending on the service type. Appointments are generally required for in-person submissions. Each category of service (visa, OCI, renunciation, etc.) has a unique fee structure, including:
- Visa fees: CAD 125–200 (varies by type and duration)
- OCI fee: approximately CAD 400
- Renunciation/Surrender: CAD 110
- Emergency visa: higher fee, varies by urgency
- Service fee: CAD 10–15 charged by BLS per application
- Optional courier or SMS tracking services available
Payment modes accepted include debit card, bank drafts, or certified cheques, depending on the BLS office. Personal cheques and cash are typically not accepted.
Applicant Guidance
- Ensure passports have at least six months’ validity.
- Use the same identity documents throughout your application (passport, PR card, etc.).
- All documents not in English or Hindi must be translated and notarized.
- Always retain copies of submissions, receipts, and communication.
- For minor applicants, submit parental consent forms and both parents’ ID.
- Plan well ahead, especially during peak travel months or festival seasons.
Indian Embassy FAQs
Does India accept apostilles, or is embassy legalization still required?
India is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention, and with Canada’s accession in January 2024, documents exchanged between both countries no longer require embassy legalization. Instead, an apostille issued by Global Affairs Canada or a provincial competent authority is sufficient for legal recognition in India.
What types of Canadian documents can be apostilled for use in India?
Common documents requiring apostille for use in India include birth and marriage certificates, Canadian police clearance certificates (RCMP or local), educational diplomas and transcripts, powers of attorney, affidavits, commercial agreements, business registration documents, notarized translations, and export-related paperwork. DAC ensures each document is properly notarized (if required), then authenticated and apostilled through the correct Canadian authority.
What is the difference between apostille and consular legalization?
Apostille is a streamlined certification used between countries that are part of the Hague Convention. It replaces the older, more complex consular legalization process. Because both Canada and India are members, Canadian documents destined for India only require a single-step apostille, not embassy legalization.
How long does it take to apostille Canadian documents for use in India?
Processing time varies depending on the province of issuance and the type of document. DAC generally completes the apostille process within 3–5 business days. If translation is also required, an additional 5-10 days may be needed.
How do I start the apostille process with DAC for Indian use?
Simply request a free quote through the DAC website. A specialist will guide you through each step, from document assessment and notarization to apostille, translation, and international delivery. The process is designed to be seamless and fully compliant with Indian requirements.
Can DAC help notarize my documents before apostille for India?
Yes. If your document is not an original public document, such as a declaration, photocopy, or unofficial translation, it must first be notarized by a Canadian notary public to be eligible for apostille. DAC facilitates this step through its network of qualified notaries, ensuring the notarized document complies with apostille requirements.
Do Canadian documents need to be translated into Hindi or another Indian language for use in India?
Generally, most Indian authorities accept documents in English, especially for legal, immigration, or educational purposes. However, specific institutions or state bodies may request a translation. If needed, DAC provides certified translation services from English or French into various Indian languages.
Is a visit to the Indian Embassy in Ottawa or consulates still necessary for apostilled documents?
No. Apostilled Canadian documents are accepted in India without the need for additional consular legalization. Once apostilled, the document is considered legally valid for official use in India, and no embassy appointment or physical visit is required.
I want to use a Canadian diploma or transcript in India. What steps must I follow?
Depending on the issuing institution, your diploma or transcript may require notarization before it can be apostilled. Once notarized, DAC will coordinate the apostille process and provide certified translation if requested. This ensures your educational documents are fully accepted by Indian universities, employers, or professional bodies.
Does the Indian Embassy in Canada still offer document attestation or legalization?
Since India now accepts apostilles for Canadian documents, the High Commission and its consulates no longer require or provide legalization for most Canadian-origin public documents. However, the mission continues to offer other consular services such as OCI applications, passport renewals, and visa processing. For the latest consular offerings, it’s best to visit the official website of the Indian High Commission (Indian Embassy) in Canada.
IN CONCLUSION
You should now have a better understanding of the legalization process at the Indian Embassy in Canada, together with the other consular services offered at the Embassy and Consulates.
Admittedly, document authentication 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
Muna Hasen, Director of Customer Experience
Muna Hasen brings a strong background in legal support and community engagement. Born and raised in Ottawa, she has gained valuable experience both across Canada and internationally. Muna is committed to client-centered service, ensuring every interaction is guided by clarity, professionalism, and trust.