VANCOUVER / NEW DELHI — A Pakistani-origin man living in Canada has sparked a widespread conversation on social media after documenting his long-awaited approval for an Indian visa. While the video is a celebration of a personal milestone, it has shed light on the rigorous security protocols that remain in place for travelers with ancestral ties to Pakistan.
1. The One-Month Milestone
Abhay, a forex trader known online as @abhayy_s, shared his relief after receiving a one-month, single-entry visa.
- The Struggle: Abhay noted he had been attempting to secure a visa for a significant amount of time, expressing frustration that his Canadian citizenship did not simplify the background checks.
- The “Origin” Clause: In his viral Instagram reel, he questioned why the process is “10 times more complicated” for those of Pakistani origin, even if they have never lived in Pakistan or hold citizenship elsewhere.
- Single-Entry Restriction: Unlike the standard 10-year multiple-entry visas often granted to Canadian citizens, his visa is strictly single-entry, meaning any exit from India would require him to restart the entire months-long application process.
2. Why the Process is Different: The “Prior Reference” Rule
Under current Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines, any applicant with Pakistani ties falls under a Prior Reference Category (PRC).
| Standard Visa (Canadian) | Pakistani-Origin Visa |
| Processing: ~7-10 Business Days | Processing: 7-9 Weeks (Minimum) |
| Visa Type: Often 10-year Multiple Entry | Visa Type: Usually 3-month Single Entry |
| Clearance: Local Consulate level | Clearance: Direct “Prior Reference” from New Delhi |
“What I find disturbing is that I hold a Canadian passport… but because I am of Pakistani origin, the process becomes 10 times more complicated for absolutely no reason,” Abhay stated in his video, which has since garnered thousands of views and mixed reactions from both Indian and Pakistani netizens.
3. Broader Context: 2026 T20 World Cup Visa Delays
Abhay’s story comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over visas. Reports recently surfaced regarding visa delays for Pakistani-origin cricketers from the USA, Canada, and the UAE ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup (co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
- Official Stance: Indian authorities have clarified that these visas are “delayed, not denied,” citing mandatory background checks that apply to all individuals born in Pakistan, regardless of their current nationality.