Any estimate when VFS India might open?

[Catmom]

Lockdown are about to be lifted soon. Do you reckon VFS might open as well?

 

[kat_dog]

Just because lockdowns are done, doesn't mean VFS will open. They need permission from the authorized Canadian personnel

I reckon around 20th June to 25th June

 

[Rationalwarrior]

Hopefully soon. Last time, it took more than 6 months for VFS centers to be fully operational. However, this time we are more experienced in dealing with pandemic challenges and protocols. In the best-case scenario, they can reasonably open by late July if the caseloads follow current trends. Even if they don’t open soon, I am confident that the good people at IRCC would adapt and amend existing rules to lessen the burden on international students.

One thing to look out for is when the panel physicians resume their services again. If the medical exam services resume soon, then VFS centers could be next in line.

 

[kat_dog]

Hopefully soon. Last time, it took more than 6 months for VFS centers to be fully operational. However, this time we are more experienced in dealing with pandemic challenges and protocols. In the best-case scenario, they can reasonably open by late July if the caseloads follow current trends. Even if they don’t open soon, I am confident that the good people at IRCC would adapt and amend existing rules to lessen the burden on international students.

One thing to look out for is when the panel physicians resume their services again. If the medical exam services resume soon, then VFS centers could be next in line.

Agreed, this year they are much more prepared with vaccines available. And I'm sure they wouldn't want to repeat last year with the atrocious backlogs they had.

 

[Catmom]

Yeah. And I think VFS offices are already working albeit in smaller numbers for diplomats and other essential services.

VFS India offices are hyper active with visa process this year. Even when I went to their offices last month, I was impressed with the efficiency and speed that they were working.

Hopefully, if they start end of June, they will pick up the pace pretty quickly.

 

[Indianajones123]

It's 12-Jun and India Canada flights have been suspended till 31-July. When do you guys think VFS will open? Very anxious here because my college has already begun.

 

[Rationalwarrior]

It's 12-Jun and India Canada flights have been suspended till 31-July. When do you guys think VFS will open? Very anxious here because my college has already begun.

Realistically, If they want to process applications and send final decisions in time for the Fall 2021 semester, they would need to open up VFS centers by August. However, making this decision is not only a matter of practicality, but also involves a lot of other factors. Let’s hope for the best.

Otherwise, they could introduce an Approval in principle process(AIP) where the applicant is judged according to the documents and information available, and then at a later time is provided a final decision. This 2 stage process was also implemented last year due to Covid.