Indo-Canadian families planning to sponsor relatives, corporate travel managers coordinating business visits, and parents visiting international students across Canada must take note of updated operational protocols issued by VFS Global. As the official commercial partner for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), VFS Global oversees Canada Visa Application Centres (VACs) across key Indian urban hubs. Updated administrative service fees, mandatory Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) upload protocols, and enhanced appointment scheduling rules are now in effect across all VAC branches in India.
Updated Fee Structure for Temporary Resident Visas, Super Visas & VAC Services
When applying for a Canadian Visitor Visa, Super Visa, or study authorization, applicants pay statutory processing fees directly to the Government of Canada via the official IRCC portal, alongside revised VAC service fees payable at local centers. The updated fee layout includes:
1. Official IRCC Application & Biometric Fees – The primary IRCC fee for a standard Visitor Visa or Super Visa remains CAD $100 per applicant, while individual Biometric collection is capped at CAD $85. Paying the biometric fee directly to IRCC includes initial fingerprint/photo capture at the VAC and one default package transmission of your passport to the Canadian visa office.
2. Revised VAC Administrative & Courier Charges – VFS Global has adjusted optional and secondary service charges across Indian VACs. Mandatory package transmission (if submitting passports separately after initial biometric collection) is set at ₹604 per package. Optional two-way courier services for secure passport pickup and return are priced at ₹1,716 per package, while one-way decision envelope courier delivery is ₹858.
3. Assisted Digital Services – On-site document scanning at the VAC workstation costs ₹41 per page, while basic printing and photocopying services are set at ₹36 per page.
Mandatory Upload Rules for Biometric Instruction Letters (BIL) Before Appointment Booking
To eliminate unauthorized appointment hoarding by unauthorized third-party agents, VFS Global enforces strict verification protocols on its online appointment portal. Biometric enrollment appointments at all VACs in India-including Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad-remain completely free of charge, but applicants must follow precise booking rules:
1. Prerequisite BIL Generation – You cannot book a biometric appointment prior to submitting your visa application to IRCC. Applicants must wait until IRCC issues an official Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) containing a unique Application Number and IRCC Number.
2. Mandatory BIL Document Upload – During appointment creation on the VFS Global Canada Portal, applicants must upload a clear PDF copy of their BIL. The applicant’s full name, date of birth, and passport number entered in the booking system must match the details printed on the official BIL exactly.
3. One Appointment Per Valid BIL – Duplicate bookings or appointments created with dummy application numbers are automatically purged by VFS system algorithms without prior notice.
Utilizing the “Premium Lounge” Option Across Major Indian VAC Hubs
For elderly parents applying for Super Visas, families traveling together, or busy corporate travelers, VFS Global offers an optional “Premium Lounge” service across major centers, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad. Priced at ₹4,767 per applicant (inclusive of taxes), opting for the Premium Lounge provides distinct operational conveniences:
1. Dedicated Lounge Access & Personalized Assistance – Applicants submit documents and complete biometric capture in a private, comfortable lounge environment assisted by dedicated customer service officers.
2. Inclusive Photocopying, Printing & SMS Alerts – The lounge service fee covers complimentary document photocopying, printing services, and automated SMS tracking updates regarding application progress.
3. Important Service Disclaimer – Choosing the Premium Lounge or opting for additional VAC courier services affects physical submission comfort only; it does not guarantee faster visa processing times or influence decision outcomes by IRCC visa officers.
By reviewing updated VFS Global service charges, securing a valid BIL before attempting to book biometric appointments, and selecting appropriate VAC delivery services, applicants across India can avoid delays and ensure a smooth visa application process.
