Canada Visa for Indians - Application, Fees and Canada Visa Types

Oh Canada! Canada is a breathtaking country with all 4 iconic seasons, right from pleasant springs, to sunny summers, cool falls, and snowy wonderland winters! The landscape is just as varied, with fabled snow capped peaks in Banff, to sunny beaches, idyllic lakes, and concrete jungles that include Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal. You'll find every activity from calm academic museum tours, to leisurely nature walks, to white-knuckle sports like rock climbing! 

If you're planning to travel to Canada to experience its beauty on vacation, while working, or studying, you will need to apply for a Canada Visa from India. Learn more about Canada’s tourist visa, how to apply for it, and more in this article, eh?

All About a Canada Visa from India

A Canada visa is a stamp on your passport that allows you to travel to Canada. Before you travel, you'll need to apply for a visa in India, and meet the Canadian visa eligibility criteria. In addition, you will need to submit documents that the Canadian government requires, so that they can process your application. You will also need to apply for a visa even if you are transiting in Canada!

As a visitor to Canada, you are a person who is not a Canadian citizen, nor a permanent resident of Canada. You are legally authorized to enter the county with an approved Canada Visa for Indians to:

• visit Canada on holiday  

• visit family

• conduct business

The Canadian government recognizes and approves VFS Global centers for processing visa applications in India. When your visa is approved, the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in India has decided that you are eligible to receive the Canada visa, and fulfill all the requirements to enter Canada.

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is also known as a visitor visa. This TRV or visitor's visa is an official document issued by a Canadian visa office that is placed in your passport. With this visa you demonstrate that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident. You may travel to Canada as a visitor, a student, or a worker and enjoy the beauty and hospitality that Canada offers! 

Applying for a Canada Visa from India

Want to know how to apply for a Canada Visa from India? You can apply for your Canada visit visa either online or offline with physical documentation. Once you submit your application, the visa processing center will check your application and identify whether you need an approval, or a renewal. In addition, your passport has to be submitted along with the visa application. Your passport will be returned when your visa has been processed with either a successful application, or in rare cases - a rejection. Visa fees vary according to how long you want to stay, whether you need a multiple entry or single entry visa, and more. You will have to send medical tests, police clearance documents, and attend a visa interview, and can expect your visa to be processed within 3 to 4 weeks.

You can apply at visa application centers known as VACs. As COVID-19 travel restrictions are relaxed or removed, many VACs have resumed operations with regular hours and services. Before applying for your Canada visa at the VAC, familiarize yourself with the VAC's:

• Operating hours 

• Health and safety measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 

• Knowing it you're eligible to enter Canada

• Any new changes or updates to the application process 

Applying for a Canada Visit Visa is straightforward and simple. With an approved Canadian visa, you can visit Canada for a period of up to 6 months. Single entry visas and multiple entry visas are the two types of Canada visas available in Canada. As an Indian, you can only enter Canada once with a single-entry visa. The Canada visit visa does not allow you to work, however. 

Applying Online 

You can apply for the Canada Visa online in a straightforward and simple process. To apply online, you must have:

• Access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents to upload

• A valid credit card to pay with

Applying on Paper 

If you're going to apply for your Canada visa on paper, manually, you will need to read Instruction Guide 5256 to go through all the details you need to know before you apply. This instruction guide helps you familiarize yourself with the information you need to apply for: 

• visitor visa

• transit visa

• super visa

Canada Visa Application Package

This application package has

• an instruction guide

• the forms you need to fill out

The instruction guide:

• Has information you must know before you submit your application

• Explains how to fill out the forms and gather your supporting documents

Read the instruction guide completely and then fill out each of the applicable forms. The forms are designed with questions that will help the processing of your application. Once you have read the instruction guide, you can prepare your Canada visa application package.

Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Visa

Ready to apply for your Canadian visa to travel to the friendliest country in the world? You'll need to see if you're eligible for the Canada Visa requirements for Indians before you can get a visitor's visa, but it is so worth the preparation! 

You must show the Canada visa officer that you meet the Canada Visa eligibility requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. Also, you have to show that you will be in Canada for a short stay, whether that's on vacation, for the duration of your study, or employment, depending on the type of visa you apply for.

In addition, to be eligible for the Canada visa, you must also:

• Satisfy an officer's requirement that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay.

• Show that you have enough money to maintain yourself, and your family members, in Canada and to return home.

• Not intend to work or study in Canada unless authorized to do so.

• Be law abiding and have no record of criminal activity.

• Not be a risk to the security of Canada.

• Provide any additional document requested by the officer to establish your admissibility.

• Be in good health (you may need to complete a medical examination, if required).

• Convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.

• Have enough money for your stay. The amount of money you will need depends on how long you will stay and if you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.

You may also need a medical exam and a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.

Documents Required for Canada Visa from India

Here are the documents for Canadian visa you'll need to submit when you apply for a Canada tourist visa:

• Original passports with 6 months validity from the date of arrival in Canada

  • You will need to submit old passports if you have any

• Visa application forms

• 3 color photograph:

  • 35mm x 45mm

  • White background

  • Matt finish

  • 80% face size

• Cover letter mentioning travel details of you and of the other travelers accompanying you

• Hotel bookings 

• Daily tour itinerary 

• Air tickets

• Original leave letter from your Employer/School/College

• If you're employed: 

  • Salary slips for the last 6 months

• If you're self-employed:

  • Shop Act/MOA/Deed

• Original personal bank statements for the last 6 months updated with sufficient balance

• Income tax returns/Form 16 for the last 3 years

• If you're a student:

  • School/College ID card copy

• If you're retired:

  • Retirement proof/pension passbook or slips

• Other financial documents such as FD, NSC, PPF, Shares, property papers 

You will need to prove that you can cover your expenses during your visit with funds of at least 2,000 CAD (INR 1,22,805) for 30 days per person.

Canada Visa Fees from India

Canadian Visa Processing Time for Indians

Most Canadian visa applications are processed  within a few weeks, or less. On average, the Canada visa processing time is around 30 days. However, your Canada visa processing time depends on your specific case, the visa application office you submit your application to, and the decision that the Canada visa application authority takes. Usually, most visa applications are approved quickly.

Processing times depend on individual visa offices, and if you need to complete further steps, or submit extra documents. The visa application services center will return your passport and other original documents to you after they process your application.

The processing time starts the day the embassy or consulate receives your application and ends when your visa is accepted or rejected. If you apply by mail, the time starts when your application arrives in the mailroom.

Canadian Visa Validity for Indians

As a tourist, you can stay in Canada for up to 6 months. Depending on the type of visa you've applied for, you can travel to Canada many times within the 6 month visa validity period. 

Canada Visa Types 

A multiple entry visitor visa allows you to travel to Canada as many times as you need, and is valid for up to 10 years or 1 month before your passport expires - whichever duration is shorter. With a single-entry visa, you can enter and exit Canada only once. After you exit Canada, your single-entry visa will expire. 

Once your visa has been approved and it's authorized by a Canada border patrol official, they may allow you to enter Canada and stay for more or less than 6 months!

5 Types of Canada Visas 

1. Visitor Visa

When you're visiting Canada for a short time, you can get the Canada Visitor Visa which is also the temporary resident visa. Apply for the visitor visa online or offline at the Canadian Embassy or Consulate. Even if you're transiting at a Canadian airport, you need a Canada visitor visa.

With a visitor visa, you can stay in Canada for up to six months. The visitor visa may be single entry or multiple entry, depending on your requirement.

2. Permanent Residence Visas

With a Canadian Permanent Residence Visa, you can live, work and settle in Canada. There are 4 permanent residence visa - or Immigrant Visa - types you can choose from, including Immigrant Investor Program, Startup Visa Program, Self-Employed Persons Visa, Family Sponsorship Program, and Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP). 

3. Express Entry Program Visas

An Express Entry visa uses a digital system to process applications from skilled workers who want to become Canadian permanent residents. After submitting your application to the Express Entry pool, your application is ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which uses a points-based system to assess and rank candidates. Points are calculated according to factors including age, education, work experience, and language skills. The Canadian government selects candidates with the highest score from the Express Entry pool and offers them an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

4. Provincial Nominee Program Visas

Canadian provinces and territories have the authority to nominate immigrants who want to settle in their province or territory. If you are selected, you can apply to the province to receive a nomination from the province or territory. 

5. Canada Student Visa

If you want to study in Canada, the Canada Study Permit offers you the opportunity to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLI). You can apply for a study permit, which allows you to study, but is not a visa. To enter Canada on a student visa, you will need to apply for a Canada Student Visa for courses that are longer than 6 months. If your course is less than 6 months, you can apply with a TRV.

Canada Visa Tracking

It's easy to track your Canada visa application on the VFS Global portal. You can use the 'Track Your Application' service on this website if you have already submitted a visa application or passport at the Canada Visa Application Centre. Track your visa once you have received an acknowledgement receipt, along with a tracking number.

Canada Visa Application Centers in India

In most cases, you will need to provide your fingerprints and biometric photo at the VAC after you apply for the Canada visa. You need to book an appointment to provide your biometrics.

These are the Canadian VACs approved by the Canadian government:

1. Ahmedabad

   • 1800 266 8858

   • VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Unit No 1 and 2, Bhikubhai Chambers, Near Bharat petroleum Ashram Road, Paldi Ahmedabad 380007

2. Bangalore

   • 022 6786 6002

   • VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd., 8th Floor, Sobha Pearl, Commissariat Road, Near Mayo Hall (next to Bangalore Central Mall, Ashok Nagar) Sivanchetti Gardens, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025

3. Chandigarh

   • 022 6786 6002

   • VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. C-313, B-3rd Floor, Elante, Industrial Area Phase 1, Chandigarh, 160002

4. Chennai

   • 022 6786 6035

   • VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. 5th Floor, Fagun Mansion, Ethiraj Salai, Egmore, Chennai - 600008

5. Hyderabad

   • 022 6786 6035

   • VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Zonah Crescent, 3rd Floor, Banjara Hills Road No 12, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034

6. Jalandhar

   • 022 6786 6035

   • Aman Plaza, 1st Floor, 310 Lajpat Nagar, Mahavir Marg, Nakodar Chowk (Opposite to Lovely Autos) Jalandhar-144001

7. Kolkata

   • 022 6786 6035

   • VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. 4th Floor, Rene Tower, Plot No. AA-I, 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, Kasba, (Near Gitanjali Stadium) Kolkata, 700107

8. Mumbai

   • 022 6786 6035

   • VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. 4th floor, Urmi Axis Building, (Behind Famous Studio, Opp. E Moses Road) Mahalaxmi (West), Mumbai – 400011

9. New Delhi

   • 022 6786 6035

   • VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Mezzanine Level, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place New Delhi-110001

10. Pune

    • 022 6786 6035

    • 93 Avenue (Mall Name), 4th Floor, Kalubai Chowk (Near Fatima Nagar Junction) Wanowarie, Pune - 411022

All of the Canadian VACs in India are open Monday to Friday, from 09:00 until 17:00.

Canada Visa and Travel Health Insurance

For an International Experience in Canada, you must have health insurance for the entire time you are in Canada.

The health insurance must cover

• medical care

• hospitalization

• repatriation

The Canada government website recommends that you buy this insurance only after you receive your port of entry (POE) letter. Although they can’t recommend specific insurance companies or plans, you can search online for something that meets your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

What is CVAC?

The Canada Visa Application Center is also known as the CVAC. They process visa applications, send out notifications, and provide visa-related services to aspirants. CVAC manages visa interview appointments. 

What is a POE Letter?

A port of entry (POE) letter is what you will receive from the IRCC, if your visa has been approved for 

• a study permit

• work permit or

• super visa

Can I apply for a Canada Visa online?

Yes! You can apply for a Canada Visa online. To do so, you must have:

• Access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents to upload, and

• A valid credit card to pay with

Is Canada giving visas on arrival for Indians?

Not at this time. Current travel rules do not allow you as an Indian to apply for a Visa on Arrival in Canada. You need to apply for the appropriate Canada visa before traveling to Canada.

How long does it take to get a Canadian visa from India?

You can expect the Canada visa process to take anywhere between 2 to 4 weeks. In some cases, your visa process may take longer, usually if you haven't submitted the necessary documentation. Your Canadian visa begins to process only after the Canadian authorities have received your complete application. If they need you to get them additional documents, the processing time will be longer.

Does Canada give a 10 year visa? 

Yes! You can get a super visa, which is a multi-entry visa. With this visa, you can enter the country multiple times over a 10 year period. 

• A super visa allows you to stay for up to 5 years at a time in Canada

• A 10-year multiple entry visa allows individual entries of 6 months at a time 

Will I get a refund if my Canada visa application gets rejected?

Yes! You'll get a full refund if the Canada visa authority returns your application. However, the biometrics fee is not refundable.

Reasons your Canada visa application may be rejected:

• it was incomplete

• It was received before the program re-opened

• the program was full

Refunds can take up to eight weeks to complete, but if you’ve been waiting for a longer time, you need to submit a refund request.

What do I do if my Canada Visa gets rejected?

If the Canadian authorities refuse your Canada visa application, you can apply again at any time, unless your decision letter says you can’t. You should only apply again if you can include information that you didn’t include before.

If you had legal status and lost it (for example, if your work permit expired and you did not renew it in time), you have a small amount of time to re-apply. Refer to your decision letter for further details.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned on this page is compiled from different websites and government sources. The information may be updated from time to time. Hence, please refer to the respective government websites and verify before making any visa-related decisions.

General Visa Guide

Visa on Arrival for Indians

Visa Free Countries for Indians

How to Apply for a Visa?

Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO)

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

Visa Interview Questions and Answers

Visa Renewal Process in India

Easiest Countries to get Work Visa from India

Check Visa Status with Passport Number