Getting a Canada visa from India is a requirement for Indian citizens who wish to visit or immigrate to Canada. The visa application process involves submitting the necessary documents and paying the relevant fees. The categories include visitor visa, study permit, work permit, and permanent residence.
A Canada visa is an official authorization for foreign nationals to enter the Canadian border. It is essential to note that even for transiting through the international transit areas of Canadian airports or land borders, individuals must cover the cost of the Canada transit visa.
The issuance of a Canada visa is carried out by the Embassy and Consulates situated in India. Additionally, VFS Global centers in India have been approved for processing applications related to Canadian visas.
Highlights of the Canada visa for Indians:
Categories |
Specification |
Canada Visa Price* |
Starting CAD 100 |
Canada Travel Insurance |
Not Mandatory |
Canada Visa Processing Time |
3-4 weeks |
Canada Visa on Arrival for Indians |
Not available |
Disclaimer: The values of visas will differ based on the applied visa category.
Canada offers various visa types to accommodate different purposes for visiting, studying, or working in the country. Here's an overview of the main five Canada visa types.
It allows foreign nationals to travel and stay in Canada for a short period, typically up to 6 months. Suitable for vacations, business trips, or visiting friends and family, and can be issued for single or multiple trips and is also applicable for pursuing short courses under 6 months.
It can issued alongside a Canada Visitor visa, enabling foreign nationals to study at educational institutions in Canada. Commonly referred to as a Canada Student visa or Canada Study visa.
Indian citizens can apply through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) for a Study Permit, usually processed within 20 days.
It allows non-Canadian citizens to work in Canadian organizations. Applied in conjunction with the Canada Visitor visa if the intention is to work. It has two types like Employer-specific and Open Work permits, the latter allowing work with any employer. Approval may involve getting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) letter through the Global Talent Stream, expediting the process under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
It is specifically designed for parents and grandparents visiting their children or grandchildren in Canada. An extension of the Canada Visitor visa, valid for up to 5 years with a maximum extension of 10 years. Applicants must have medical insurance with a minimum coverage of CAD 100,000, purchased from a Canadian insurance company.
For individuals transiting through international areas of Canadian airports within 48 hours. It is primarily valid for single or double entries, and those who require more than 48 hours for transit should get a Canada Visitor Visa instead.
The duration of different types of Canada visas can vary, with some visas lasting only a few months for temporary visitors, and other visas, such as study or work permits, lasting several years.
Type of Canada Visa |
Validity |
Canada Visitor Visa |
Six months |
Canada Work Permit |
The duration of your employment contract with an organization in Canada |
Canada Transit Visa |
48 hours |
Canada Permanent Visa |
1 year or 5 years as printed on your Permanent Resident Card (renewability is permitted) |
The Canada visa fee must be paid by all applicants to process their visa application. The fee will vary on the type of visa.
Type of Canada Visa |
Visa Fee |
Canada Visitor Visa |
$100 |
Canada Tourist Visa |
$100 |
Canada Work Permit |
$155 |
Canada Student Permit |
$150 |
Canada Transit Visa |
No fee |
Canada Permanent Visa |
CAN$50 |
The processing time for a Canada visa can vary depending on the type of visa, with some visas taking as little as a few weeks, while others may take several months to process.
Canada Visa Types |
Processing Time |
Canada Visitor Visa |
25 days |
Super Visa |
123 days |
Study Permit |
9 weeks |
Work Permit |
8 weeks |
Note: The processing time for Canada visas as shown in the table does not account for the duration required by the Visa Application Centre (VAC) to forward the application to the Embassy office. Additionally, it is important to factor in the time needed for providing your biometric information.
The process for applying for a Canada visa is easy, and you have the option to apply online or offline. Follow these steps to submit a Canada visa application online.
Step 1: Visit the official website of the “Government of Canada”, click on the menu and select 'Immigration and Citizenship', and choose the visa category based on your purpose—Visit, Work, or Study.
Step 2: Select the specific type of visa you wish to apply for and click on 'How to Apply.'
Step 3: Select whether you are applying from outside Canada and whether it's an online or offline application. Click on the apply button.
Step 4: Set up an account on the website and fill out the Canada visa application form with accurate information.
Step 5: Pay the required visa fees through the available payment methods.
Step 6: Schedule an appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) for further processing, and collect all the required documents.
Step 7: Attend the Visa Application Centre to submit the necessary biometric information.
Step 8: Attend the scheduled interview as part of the visa application process.
Step 9: Upon successful completion of the interview, you will get the Canada visa.
To check the status of your Canada visa application, simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the “Check Your Application Status” page, and select the type of application you have submitted.
Step 2: On the page, enter your application details such as your application number, your name, date of birth, and other information that you may have provided when you applied for your visa.
Step 3: After you have entered all the necessary details, you can click on the "submit" button.
Step 4: Finally, after submitting your application details, then you receive information about the status of your visa application.
The eligibility criteria for a Canada visa include meeting the age and education requirements, providing proof of financial stability, passing the medical examination, having a clear criminal record, and demonstrating a genuine intent to leave Canada after the visa expires.
• Valid Indian Passport: All Indian citizens must have a valid Indian passport as their travel document when applying for a Canada Visa.
• Health Requirements: Applicants must be in good overall health and should not have any health-related issues that may pose a risk to themselves or others during their stay in Canada
• Clean Criminal Record: A background check will be conducted, and applicants should not have any criminal history or immigration crime history that could potentially affect their eligibility for a Canada Visa.
• Intent to Return to India: It is essential to provide sufficient proof of your intention to return to India after you visit Canada. This can be demonstrated through documentation such as a letter of employment, business commitments, or family ties, showing strong reasons to return.
• Confirmed Return Plans: Applicants should have a clearly defined plan for their departure from Canada and provide evidence of their return to India at a predetermined date. This can be in the form of confirmed flight tickets or any other travel arrangements.
• Sufficient Funds: It is crucial to have financial resources to sustain your stay in Canada throughout your visa validity. This includes demonstrating sufficient funds to cover accommodation, transportation, meals, and other daily expenses.
• Medical Examination and Invitation Letter: Depending on the purpose of your visit, a medical examination may be required as part of the visa application process. Additionally, if you are visiting Canada on an invitation from a Canadian resident or organization, you must provide a letter of invitation as supporting documentation.
To apply for a Canada Visa, it is necessary to have certain important documents readily available. The following are the documents required for a Canada Visa application.
• An acceptable Indian passport
• An acceptable form of identification, such as a passport
• Recently taken passport-sized photos
• The option to have a representative (IMM 5476) submit the visa application on your behalf, if applicable
• Detailed information about your family (IMM 5645)
• Required documents for minors traveling to Canada, including custody papers, adoption papers, and travel permission (if applicable).
Canada is known as a top choice for adventurers and nature lovers, as well as a preferred destination for Indians seeking educational or business opportunities. However, being a big country with countless possibilities, both positive and negative, there are risks to consider.
From the potential health illness from climate change to the unfortunate event of misplacing your passport, these unforeseen incidents can lead to significant expenses. Buying travel insurance specifically for Canada will protect yourself and your financial well-being from these potential challenges.
In conclusion, getting a Canada visa from India can be a beneficial process for individuals seeking to explore new opportunities or settle in a foreign country. The visa application process may require gathering various documents and fulfilling specific requirements, but the opportunities that come with it are worth the effort. However, buying a travel insurance policy will help you in many situations. To buy a travel insurance plan, contact okbima expert.
Indian citizens must get a visa before they visit Canada. Depending on the purpose of their travel, they can apply for a Canada visitor visa (TRV), Canada work visa, Canada Study visa, Super visa, or Transit visa.
The processing time for a Canada visa does not include weekends and holidays. However, in case of emergencies, such as the unfortunate event of a family member's death, you have the option to reach out to the embassy. You can contact them on Saturdays between 10 AM and 11 AM, or as indicated by the center.
No, purchasing travel insurance for Canada is not mandatory. However, as Canada is a costly country and far from India, having travel insurance can protect against unforeseen emergencies or financial difficulties in the event of any trouble. Depending on the length and purpose of your trip, you can explore different options for trip insurance. If you are traveling to study in Canada, student travel insurance would be the most suitable choice for you.
To get a Multiple-entry visa for Canada or a 10-year Canada TRV, individuals must adhere to all the conditions outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Meeting the criteria necessitates possessing financial resources, the intention to depart Canada within the visa's validity period, being a law-abiding resident, and maintaining good health. It is essential to examine the comprehensive list of requirements provided on the official website of the Canadian government.
Proof of sufficient funds is required for individuals applying under Canadian Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trade Classes. Applicants with accompanying spouses or legal partners must demonstrate a minimum amount of CAD 13,310. However, as the number of family members increases, this required amount may vary.
VFS Global operates Canada Visa Application Centers (CVAC) to streamline the visa application process for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Individuals seeking a visa for Canada are welcome to apply at any CVAC location. Furthermore, Canadian permanent residents can take advantage of CVAC services to apply for their Permanent Resident (PR) Card.
The fee for a Canada visa is subject to change depending on factors such as the applicant's nationality, visa category, length of stay, and additional considerations.
Candidates have the option to initiate the application process either online or offline. If they choose the online method, they will need to fill out the application form and submit the necessary documents electronically. On the other hand, the offline method requires candidates to complete the application on paper. Regardless of the chosen method, applicants have a range of visa fee payment options available to them, depending on different factors.
Online applicants can use their tracking ID and verify it with their date of birth to immediately check the current status of their application. Additionally, they have the option to get in touch with the CVAC via telephone or email to receive an update.
For the passport to be eligible for travel, an approved visa must be stamped on it. The procedure entails applicants submitting their passports, which are then safely returned to them using a secure method.
After the application is either approved or rejected for any reason, the passport can be received in person or by a representative. Alternatively, applicants can opt to have their passport delivered via courier services, provided that such services are available and the relevant fees are paid.
Depending on their nationality and visa application category, the applicants may need to provide their biometric information. Additionally, attending a visa interview may also be required for the applicant.
If you are seeking permanent residence and biometrics are required, you will need to provide biometrics with every application. Similarly, if you wish to apply for a temporary residence visa, study permit, or work permit, and biometrics are essential, you will be required to provide biometrics once every ten years.
You may need to participate in an interview at the visa office. You will receive notification from either the visa application center or the visa office regarding this matter. You will also be provided with updates through the online application tracking system.
To get a Canada visa from India, you can apply to the nearest Canadian visa office or online through the official Government of Canada website.
The availability of an open visa for India from Canada is subject to the current immigration policies and agreements between the two countries.
The required bank balance for a Canada visitor visa varies depending on individual circumstances and the length of the planned stay.
Yes, 3 months of bank statements is generally sufficient for a Canada visitor visa application.
For a Canada tourist visa, usually three to six months bank statement is required.
While a bank statement is not a mandatory requirement for entry into Canada, it is recommended to carry one as it may be asked during the immigration process.
The cost of Canada PR from India can vary depending on various factors such as the type of application, visa fees, and immigration consultant fees.
Anyone who meets the criteria set by the Canadian government, such as having work experience, education qualifications, and language proficiency, is eligible to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
No, IELTS is not mandatory for Canada PR, but it is highly recommended to have a good score in the exam to enhance your chances of getting selected.
Golden Visa Canada is a program that allows foreign investors and their families to obtain permanent residency in Canada in exchange for making a significant financial investment in the country.
The process of obtaining a Canadian Permanent Residency can be challenging and requires meeting various eligibility criteria.
There is no specific age limit for obtaining permanent residency in Canada, as eligibility is assessed based on various factors such as education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Whether it is a good age to migrate to Canada or not depends on an individual's circumstances, goals, and personal preferences.
The Canada Visa Application Centre in Delhi is located at Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Mezzanine Level, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi- 110001.
The Canada Visa Application Centre in Bangalore is located at Sobha Pearl,8TH FLOOR, Ashok Nagar, Commissariat Rd, Sivanchetti Gardens, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025.
To apply for a Canada tourist visa, you must submit a completed application form along with supporting documents such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation, financial resources, and a letter of invitation if applicable.
The Canada Entry Express Requirements include having a valid job offer, submitting a completed application with all necessary documents, meeting language proficiency criteria, and obtaining a certain number of points based on factors like age, education, work experience, and adaptability.
The Canada Visa Application Visitor is the process by which individuals apply for a visa to enter Canada for temporary visits, such as tourism, business, or visiting family and friends.
The Canada Visa Application Centre is located at an address provided by the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country.
To apply for a Canada visa online, individuals need to complete the application form, upload the required documents, pay the visa fee, and submit the application through the official Canadian government website.