Planning a trip to Canada from India? You’re not alone — Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian travellers, whether for tourism, visiting family, attending conferences, or exploring immigration opportunities. But before you pack your bags, you need to understand the Canada visa process for Indians.
The good news: Canada offers a straightforward online application process through the IRCC portal. The not-so-good news: processing times can stretch to 71 days, and rejection rates have risen sharply in recent years. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about the Canada visa for Indians in 2026 — types, fees, required documents, and a step-by-step application process — so you can apply with confidence.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Canada?
Yes, Indian passport holders require a visa to visit Canada. Unlike citizens of certain countries who qualify for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), Indians must apply for a full Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — also called a Canada visitor visa — before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Indians travelling to Canada. All applications must be submitted online or through a VFS Global centre in India before your journey.
If you hold a valid US green card or a valid US non-immigrant visa, you may be eligible for an eTA instead of a full TRV. For everyone else, a visitor visa is mandatory.
Types of Canada Visa for Indians
Canada offers several visa types for Indian nationals depending on your purpose of travel:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Duration Per Visit | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (TRV) | Tourism, family visits, business | Up to 6 months | Up to 10 years (multiple entry) |
| Super Visa | Parents/grandparents of Canadian PR/citizens | Up to 5 years | Up to 10 years |
| Student Visa | Full-time study at designated institutions | Duration of study | As per program length |
| Work Permit | Employment in Canada | As per job offer | As per permit |
| Transit Visa | Passing through Canada | Up to 48 hours | Single/double entry |
For most Indian travellers, the Visitor Visa (TRV) is the most common option. If you are visiting your children or siblings who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, the Super Visa is an excellent long-stay choice.
Canada Visa Fees for Indians (2026)
Here is the complete fee structure for a Canada visa from India in 2026:
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) | Approx. (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (per person) | CAD 100 | ~INR 6,200 |
| Family maximum (all members) | CAD 500 | ~INR 31,000 |
| Biometrics (per person) | CAD 85 | ~INR 5,300 |
| Biometrics (family maximum) | CAD 170 | ~INR 10,600 |
| Super Visa (per person) | CAD 100 | ~INR 6,200 |
Note: INR amounts are approximate and subject to exchange rate fluctuations. You will also need to factor in VFS Global service charges if applying through a VFS centre in India.
Documents Required for Canada Visa from India
Here is the complete document checklist for a Canada visitor visa application in 2026:
Mandatory Identity Documents
- Valid Indian passport — must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date, with at least 1 blank page
- Old or previous passports (if any) — Canadian immigration reviews your full travel history
- Recent passport-size photographs — 2 photos, 35mm x 45mm, white background
- Completed IRCC application form (IMM 5257) via the official portal
- Biometrics — fingerprints and photo, if you have not given biometrics within the last 10 years
Financial Documents
- Bank statements for the last 6 months — minimum balance of INR 3 to 4 lakhs recommended, with a consistent transaction history
- Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 2 to 3 years
- Salary slips for the last 3 months (if employed)
- Property documents or fixed deposit certificates to demonstrate assets
Employment and Ties to India
- Employment letter from your employer — on company letterhead, stating your position, salary, and approved leave duration
- Business registration documents (if self-employed or running a business)
- Property ownership documents in India
- Family ties documents — marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates
Travel Plan Documents
- Flight booking — tentative or confirmed (avoid non-refundable tickets before visa approval)
- Hotel reservations or host’s address and contact details
- Detailed travel itinerary — day-by-day plan for your Canada trip
- Invitation letter — if visiting family or friends in Canada (with their Canadian citizenship or PR card copy)
- Cover letter — explaining your trip purpose, financial situation, and intent to return to India
- Travel insurance — not mandatory but strongly recommended to strengthen your application
How to Apply for Canada Visa from India: Step by Step
- Create an IRCC account: Go to ircc.canada.ca and create your My Account (previously called MyCIC). This is your gateway for all Canadian immigration applications.
- Complete the “Come to Canada” questionnaire: Answer questions about your travel purpose, nationality, and background. The tool determines your eligibility and generates a personalised document checklist.
- Fill out the application form (IMM 5257): Complete all sections accurately — personal details, travel history, employment information, and family details. Double-check everything before submitting.
- Upload supporting documents: Scan and upload all required documents as PDF or JPEG files. Ensure every file is clear, complete, and legible.
- Pay the visa fee online: Pay CAD 100 for the visa plus CAD 85 for biometrics using a credit or debit card. You will receive a payment receipt.
- Receive your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL): After fee payment, you typically receive a BIL within 24 to 48 hours. Use this to book a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre in India.
- Attend your biometrics appointment: Visit your nearest VFS Global centre for fingerprints and photo. Key cities include Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Chandigarh.
- Track and wait for processing: Monitor your application status on the IRCC portal. Current processing times range from 15 to 71 days.
- Receive visa decision: If approved, a visa stamp is placed in your passport. Collect your passport from the VFS centre or via courier.
Pro Tip: Apply at least 2 to 3 months before your intended travel date to account for biometrics scheduling delays and processing time.
Canada Visa on Arrival for Indians — Is It Available?
No. Indians cannot get a Canada visa on arrival. There is also no eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) option available for Indian passport holders. The eTA is only available to nationals of visa-exempt countries such as the US, UK, Australia, and most EU countries.
Every Indian traveller must apply for and receive a full TRV (visitor visa) before departing for Canada. Plan accordingly — the application process typically takes 6 to 10 weeks for Indian applicants.
Canada Visa Processing Time for Indians (2026)
- Online applications: 50 to 55 days on average
- Paper applications: 60 to 65 days
- Overall current average: approximately 71 days (down from 80 to 90 days earlier in 2026)
- Best case (complete strong file): 15 to 20 days
There is no official priority or express processing for Canadian tourist visas for Indian applicants as of 2026. It is essential to plan well in advance — applying at least 2 to 3 months before your travel is strongly advisable.
Common Reasons for Canada Visa Rejection for Indians
Canada’s visitor visa rejection rate for Indians has risen sharply, touching 81% in some periods. Here are the most common reasons for refusal:
- Weak ties to India — no compelling reason to return, such as a job, property ownership, or dependants
- Insufficient or suspicious funds — low bank balance, recent large deposits, or unclear financial history
- Incomplete or incorrect documents — missing pages, wrong forms, or unsigned declarations
- Vague travel purpose — no clear itinerary or genuine justification for visiting Canada
- Previous visa refusals not disclosed — hiding past refusals from any country is a serious red flag
- Signs of immigration intent — indication you may plan to stay permanently rather than return to India
- Fraudulent documents — Canada actively checks for forged invitation letters or fabricated bank statements
Important note: Canada allows dual intent. You can apply for a visitor visa even if you have an active PR application running in parallel, as long as you can convincingly demonstrate your intent to return to India from this specific trip.
Tips for Getting Your Canada Visa Approved
- Maintain a healthy, consistent bank balance for at least 6 months — avoid sudden large deposits right before applying
- Write a detailed, honest cover letter explaining your trip purpose, financial position, and strong reasons to return to India
- Provide strong proof of ties to India — employment letter, property ownership, family members remaining in India
- Book tentative or refundable flights and hotels — do not pay for non-refundable tickets before your visa is approved
- Apply only through the official IRCC portal at ircc.canada.ca to avoid scams and fraudulent agents
- Disclose all previous visa refusals from any country — hiding them is treated as misrepresentation
- Start your application at least 2 to 3 months before your intended travel date
- For complex cases, consider consulting a regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC)
Apply for Canada Visa with VisaForTrip
Applying for a Canada visa involves extensive paperwork, strict financial requirements, and long processing times. Our visa experts at VisaForTrip help thousands of Indian travellers every year to compile the perfect application and maximise their chances of approval.
Apply Now for Canada Visa | WhatsApp Our Visa Expert
Also read our guide on Canada Visa Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them for detailed tips on building a strong application file.
Frequently Asked Questions: Canada Visa for Indians
1. How much does a Canada visa cost for Indians in 2026?
The Canada visitor visa costs CAD 100 (approximately INR 6,200) per person, plus CAD 85 (approximately INR 5,300) for biometrics. The total per applicant is approximately INR 11,500 before VFS Global service charges.
2. How long does it take to get a Canada visa from India?
Current processing time for Indian applicants is approximately 50 to 71 days for online applications. Apply at least 2 to 3 months before your intended travel date to account for biometrics scheduling and processing delays.
3. Can Indians get a visa on arrival in Canada?
No. Indian passport holders must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before travelling to Canada. There is no visa-on-arrival or eTA facility available for Indian nationals (unless you hold a valid US green card or US non-immigrant visa).
4. What is the minimum bank balance required for a Canada visa?
There is no fixed minimum, but immigration officers expect sufficient funds for your trip. Experts recommend a minimum balance of INR 3 to 4 lakhs with a consistent transaction history over 6 months. Avoid sudden large deposits before applying.
5. Can I apply for a Canada visa even if I have a PR application pending?
Yes. Canada allows dual intent. You can apply for a visitor visa even with an active PR application, provided you can demonstrate genuine intent to return to India after your current visit.
6. Is travel insurance mandatory for a Canada visitor visa?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for a Canada visitor visa, but it is strongly recommended. It demonstrates responsible travel planning and can positively influence your application.
7. Where do I submit Canada visa biometrics in India?
You can submit biometrics at any VFS Global centre in India. Key cities include Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Kochi.