New Visa Regime For Indians To Canada

14 Jun 2011

An announcement was made by Canadian Minister of International trade Edward Fast at a meeting with delegates of the Indian government and business community in Toronto at a two-day mini Parvasi Bharatiya Divas Canada 2011 convention. Fast has mentioned that Toronto has announced a new visa regime that will allow Indians 10 years multiple entry visa to the country and this will be available to Indians who travel to Canada frequently.

Fast said,” After an initial visa screening, applicants can get a visa that allow them to visit Canada often - as long as their passports are valid up to ten years."

Minister of State for External Affairs Praneet Kaur who is leading the Indian delegation said both countries were committed to strengthen their bilateral trade relations. 

"The Indo-Canadian community is a microcosm of the people of Indian origin living abroad," she said.

" India and Canada will soon sign the Social Security Agreement, conclude a bilateral Investment Protection Agreement, negotiate a revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and complete an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement," she said, adding both nations aim at a bilateral trade target of USD 15 billion in next five years. 

Both countries were in talks for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that would yield significant economic benefit and lower tariff on a large number of products for both the countries.