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Canada Visitor Visa for Indian citizens: Complete application guide for 2024
iVisa
11 min read
Updated on Jan 23, 2024

Are you planning a trip to Canada from India and feeling overwhelmed by the Canada tourist visa process? Fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Canada Visitor Visa for Indian citizens.

At iVisa, our mission is to simplify your visa journey. We provide you with a user-friendly application form, expert guidance, and a convenient mobile app designed to make getting your Canada visa a stress-free experience.

Let’s look at the details of the Canada tourist visa application process and save you the hassle, so you can focus on planning the ultimate Canadian adventure instead of worrying about the paperwork.

canada tourist red jacket

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Canada?

Yes, Indian citizens need a visa to travel to Canada. Depending on your visit's purpose, you might need a Canada Visit Visa, work permit, or study permit. We can provide you with all the detailed requirements and facilitate the application process to make it as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

It’s important to keep in mind that a visa allows you to travel to Canada but it does not guarantee entry. The Canadian immigration officials make the final decision at the point of entry.

Types of Canada visas available for Indian citizens

Here are the types of visas that Canada offers to Indian citizens, including the Canada Visitor Visa:

  1. Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV): The Canadian Visitor Visa is a short-term visa that allows you to stay in Canada for up to 180 days Per Entry and is commonly used for tourism, visiting family or friends, or conducting short business trips.

  2. Study Permit: This permit is required for those planning to undertake a course or program that lasts more than six months at a Canadian educational institution.

  3. Work Permit: If you've secured a job offer in Canada, you can apply for a work permit. There are two types: an open work permit and an employer-specific work permit.

  4. Super Visa: This multiple-entry visa enables parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for up to two years at a time.

  5. Business Visa: This visa is intended for individuals planning to do business in Canada. It could be related to an investment or starting or acquiring a business.

  6. Transit Visa: This visa is for passengers transiting through a Canadian airport to reach another country. It’s valid for 48 hours.

  7. Permanent Resident Visa: For those wishing to immigrate to Canada, this visa offers several pathways, such as the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Program, or family sponsorship.

What is the Canada Visitor Visa for Indians?

The Canada Visitor Visa, officially known as the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is a type of visa that allows Indian citizens to enter and stay in Canada for a short period.

The Visitor Visa is primarily meant for people who are visiting Canada for tourism, to see family or friends, or to conduct short business trips.

Benefits of the Canada Visitor Visa for Indian citizens

The Canada Visitor Visa, or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), offers numerous benefits for Indian citizens:

  • Tourism: With this visa, Indian citizens can explore Canada's vast and diverse landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains in Alberta to bustling multicultural cities like Toronto and Vancouver and the historical sites of Quebec and Nova Scotia.

  • Visiting family or friends: If you have family members or friends residing in Canada, a Visitor Visa lets you visit them and experience the Canadian way of life firsthand.

  • Business opportunities: The visa also allows individuals to explore business opportunities, attend meetings, conferences, or seminars, and gain first-hand exposure to the Canadian market.

  • Transit: If you are traveling to another country via Canada, this visa also allows you to do so. During the transit, you may have the chance to sightsee or visit relatives if time permits.

  • Multiple entries: Depending on the type of Visitor Visa issued, you can make multiple trips to Canada within the validity period of your visa without needing to reapply each time.

  • Education short courses: Visitor Visa holders can take up short-term courses that last up to six months. These could be language classes or professional development courses.

How long can Indian citizens stay in Canada?

The Canada Visitor Visa is a Multiple Entry visa that allows you to enter Canada as many times as you want. It is valid for 10 years after issued and allows stays of up to 180 days Per Entry.

Your Canadian tourist visa can expire one month before your passport does, so make sure to visit Canada before your passport expires and that it will stay valid during your trip. Otherwise, you'll need to apply for a new visa.

Canada Visitor Visa eligibility criteria for Indian citizens

Eligibility criteria for the Canada Visitor Visa or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for Indian citizens generally include:

  1. Valid passport: You should have a valid Indian passport with validity extending at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Canada.

  2. Good health: You may need a medical examination to prove your health.

  3. Criminal record: You should have no criminal record and may need to provide a police certificate as proof.

  4. Proof of funds: You should have enough money to support your stay in Canada. The amount may vary depending on the length of your stay, whether you will be staying with friends or relatives, and the overall cost of living in the area you will be visiting.

  5. Purpose of visit: You must have a clear and legitimate reason for your visit, such as tourism, business meetings, or visiting family or friends.

  6. Ties to home country: You need to show that you have strong ties — such as a job, home, financial assets, or family — that will take you back to your home country.

  7. Invitation letter: If you're being hosted by a friend or family member in Canada, you might need a letter of invitation from them.

  8. Travel history: Your travel history can influence your chances of getting a visa. If you have complied with the rules of other countries you've visited, it can increase your chances of approval.

  9. Travel insurance: Having travel insurance that can cover any medical expenses during your stay in Canada is advisable, though not always mandatory.

  10. Overstay: If you previously visited Canada and overstayed your welcome, it can affect your eligibility for a new visa.

Canada Visitor Visa required documents for citizens from India

To apply online for this Canadian visa via iVisa, we need your up-to-date information and certain documents:

Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months after you arrive in Canada.

Applicant photo: You must upload a digital passport-sized photo and bring one to your biometrics appointment. If you don't have a photo, use our passport photo service to get one that is 100% government-compliant.

Your IMM 5645 form: We will send you your form via email once you've applied online.

If you are applying for a minor, you may also need their birth certificate, passport, letter of authorization, and parents' contact details.

canada tourist selfie

How to apply for the Canada Visitor Visa in India?

We have made the application process quick and easy. Simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Start the application, fill out your information, and double-check it. Then pay the Canada tourist visa fees with a credit/debit card or PayPal.

We will then email you a detailed PDF guide to help you complete the application and gather the required documents.

Step 2: Fill out additional information with the help of the PDF guide we sent, ensuring the visa application form is correct to avoid issues down the line. All details need to match your supporting documents.

Step 3: Upload all supporting documents and submit your visa application form. Make sure that the scans are legible.

Step 4: We will carefully review your application so it is 100% government-compliant and to avoid rejection. You can now contact our team of iVisa Experts via email and WhatsApp and even schedule a call via Calendly with any questions you may have.

Step 5: Once we review your application, we will book an appointment for you at your local Visa Application Center so that they can take your biometric information.

Once all info is submitted to the government, you'll receive a receipt containing your visa's tracking number so that you can track your application process online. Once you get approval, you will receive your new Canada Visitor Visa and the receipt via email from us.

Appointment locations

Indian citizens can opt to attend appointments at the following locations:

  • Pune

  • Ahmedabad

  • Bengaluru

  • Chandigarh

  • Chennai

  • Hyderabad

  • Jalandhar

  • Kolkata

  • Mumbai

  • New Delhi

Canada Visitor Visa processing time in India

We offer a standard processing for Canada Visitor Visa applications, which typically takes 30 days.

Please note that this processing time does not include the duration the government may require to schedule your appointment, review your application, and issue the visa.

Cost of the Canada Tourist Visa in India

The total cost of a Canada Visitor Visa is USD $433.99. This is made up of two parts:

  1. Our standard visa processing fee of USD $294.99.

  2. Canadian Government Fee of USD $139.00.

During the application process on our site, you can add services such as an iVisa Plus subscription, Premium Concierge Service, Embassy Registration, or Premium Photo Services.

We also offer an iVisa Fee Protection, which allows us to process a new application for no additional processing fee if you're unable to make your trip. It also gives you the option to get a flight reservation or itinerary that is valid for two weeks and can be used to apply for a visa, as proof of return to show to immigration officers while traveling, for car rental purposes, etc.

All these additional services carry varying costs. Use our application form to check your application's total cost based on your circumstances and chosen services.

Tips for a successful Canada Visitor Visa application in India

Applying for a Canada Visitor Visa or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) as an Indian citizen can be a streamlined process. On top of having our guidance, we also advise you to consider these tips:

Understand the visa type: Ensure you apply for the correct visa type based on your purpose of visit, be it tourism, visiting family or friends, or business.

Pre-bookings: Showing pre-bookings of hotels and flights can demonstrate your genuine intent to travel to Canada and return to India. However, visa issuance is not guaranteed, so consider refundable bookings.

Express genuine enthusiasm: In your cover letter or potential interview, express your enthusiasm about visiting Canada. Real excitement about exploring the country can reinforce your actual intent as a visitor.

Evidence of past compliance: If you've previously visited Canada or other countries, provide evidence that you complied with their immigration laws, like exit stamps on your passport.

Display strong ties to home country: Evidence of strong ties to India, like a job, business, property, or family, can reassure officials that you'll return home after your visit.

Common reasons for Canada Visitor Visa refusals in India

While a variety of factors can influence the outcome of a Canada Visitor Visa application, here are some common reasons why applications from Indian citizens might be refused:

  1. Lack of travel history: If you have never traveled abroad or have a limited travel history, the visa officer might consider this a negative factor as it doesn't demonstrate a history of compliance with other countries' immigration rules.

  2. Unclear purpose of visit: If the purpose of your stay is unclear or seems inconsistent with the activities a visitor is expected to undertake, it could lead to a visa refusal.

  3. Inadequate employment situation: If you're unemployed or your employment situation seems unstable, the visa officer might question your economic ties to your home country. This could lead to concerns about your intention to return.

  4. Contradicting information: If the information provided during the visa interview contradicts the details in the application form, the visa could be refused.

  5. Lack of host's capability: If a host in Canada is sponsoring your trip, there may be doubts about their financial capability or willingness to support your visit, leading to a refusal.

  6. Negative public opinion: If it's believed that your presence in Canada could be detrimental to Canada's public opinion, this could be grounds for refusal.

  7. Change in circumstances: If circumstances change significantly between the application and decision-making time, such as job loss or sudden illness, it might affect the outcome.

Remember, these are general tips, and the visa decision depends on individual circumstances and the discretion of the visa officer. For detailed and personalized advice, consult with our team of experts.

canada tourism town

Canada Visitor Visa approval and denial for Indian citizens

If you apply for a Canada Visitor Visa as an Indian citizen, here's what to expect:

After you submit your application, it will be reviewed by a visa officer at the Canadian embassy or consulate. The processing time can vary depending on the specific embassy, consulate, or visa office, as well as the time of year, with some periods being busier than others.

If your application is approved, you will receive your visa, usually stamped in your passport. This visa will specify the duration of your stay in Canada.

If your visa application is denied, you will typically receive a letter from the Canadian embassy or consulate explaining the reasons for the denial. This can provide valuable information if you wish to apply again.

What to do if your application is denied?

  1. Understand the reasons: Review the refusal letter carefully to understand why your application was denied.

  2. Address the issues: Take steps to address the reasons for the refusal. For example, if your application was denied due to insufficient funds, you could work on improving your financial situation before reapplying.

  3. Reapply: Once you've addressed the reasons for the refusal, you can reapply for the visa. Make sure to include any new supporting documentation that speaks to the issues raised in your refusal letter.

  4. Consider professional help: Using our simplified process to reapply, you will have expert guidance at every step and improve your chances of a successful application.

Remember, it's essential to be honest and thorough in your application and to respect the visa officer's decision. Don't be discouraged if your initial application is denied. Many people are successful upon reapplication after addressing the reasons for the initial refusal.

What else do you need to enter Canada?

To enter Canada, you will need to fill out a customs declaration. We offer the Advance CBSA Declaration that enables you to complete the electronic customs declaration before departure, making your experience at the border much quicker.

The facility is currently available for all travelers arriving through the following international airports:

  • Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 1 & 3

  • Vancouver International Airport

  • Montreal-Trudeau International Airport

  • Winnipeg Richardson International Airport

You must submit the form within 72 hours before arrival. Be aware that this document does not replace a visa.

Need more information?

If you have more questions about the Canada Visitor Visa, CBSA Declaration, or other travel documents, let our expert customer service team know via online chat or email at [email protected].

Disclaimer
  • iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html

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