Canada Tourist and Visitor Visa Guide for Indians

Did you know that India ranks among the top countries from which most visitors and students apply for a visa for Canada? Also, once you give your biometrics for a Canada visa, it remains valid for 10 years and there is no need to resubmit for each new application.

If you are planning to visit Canada for your next trip and are unsure about the process of application, read this guide to understand everything about the requirements, documents, and application process. Also remember to purchase an international travel insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance to protect yourself and your family members against any unforeseen incidents.

What Are the Requirements for a Canada Tourist Visa?

To get a Canada tourist visa, you must follow these rules and ensure your documentation is complete.

• Basic Requirements

You must have an Indian passport which has a validity of at least six months from the date of your travel and the last two pages must be blank for stamping the visa.

• Health Conditions

Your health must be good but if you are staying for more than six months, you may need to undergo a medical test.

• Clean Record

You must not have any past criminal record or visa violations in any country previously.

• Financial Proof

You may need to present your bank statements, salary slips, fixed deposits, etc. to show you have enough funds to cover your stay in Canada and will be able to pay for food, travel, accommodation, etc.

• Home Country Ties

You should be able to prove that your visit is for a short duration and you will return to India. So, present your employment letter, business documents, property documents, etc.

• Travel Plan

You must provide your flight bookings, hotel reservation, and any letter of invitation from friends or family in Canada to the authorities to showcase a clear travel plan. Plan a detailed itinerary of all the places you will visit on your travel days.

Documents Required for Canada Tourist Visa

You need to provide the following documents for applying for a visa to Canada:

Original passport with six months validity and your completed visa application.

Your recent passport sized photographs

A cover letter with an explanation of why you wish to visit Canada along with the travel dates, your plan, and return journey tickets. Also include your hotel reservation documents and travel tickets.

Other documents include proof of funds to show you can pay for your stay and travel.

These documents showcase that you are a genuine visitor who is visiting Canada as a tourist and will return to India after your visit.

How to Apply for Canada Tourist Visa from India? Step-by-Step Process

Paper applications are no longer accepted and you need to apply for your visa through the official IRCC website. Follow these steps to apply for your Canada tourist visa and secure one with ease:

• Prepare all the required documents like your passport, photographs, bank statements, cover letter, and your flight tickets and reservations.
• You need to create an account on the official IRCC website which is the Canadian government site.
• The next step is filling out the visa application form and providing all details correctly and truthfully. Ensure there are no spelling mistakes when entering your details.
• Upload all the scanned copies of the documents that are mentioned on the portal.
• Pay the visa application fee online with your debit or credit card.
• The fees for a visitor visa for a single entry are around CAD 100, which is around₹6,000 to ₹6,300. For a family of 4-5 people, it is CAD 500 or ₹30,000 to ₹31,500.
• After the payment is successful, you need to book a biometrics appointment; visit the Visa Application Centre for your fingerprints and photograph.
• The biometrics fee per person is CAD 85, which is around ₹5,100 to ₹5,400, while for a family, the cost is about₹10,200 to ₹10,800.
• You can track the application online and if the authorities demand any additional documents, upload them.

The process to receive approval may take around 4-8 weeks. You will receive the approval by mail. Collect the passport with the visa stamp from the Visa Centre or you can wait for receiving it at your residence.

Canada Visitor Visa – Common Reasons for Rejection

Some common mistakes that lead to rejection of a Canada visitor visa are:

Weak Financial Proof: The authorities check your bank statements, source of funds, and income. If you cannot show that you have enough money to cover your stay and travel in Canada, or if there are some discrepancies in your account, the authorities may reject your visa.

Poor Home Country Ties: If people try to live illegally in Canada, it is a cause of concern for Canadian authorities. For this reason, you must prove you have strong reasons to return to India, or your visa may be refused. If you do not have a job, business, or family in India, it is a red flag for the authorities.

Incomplete or False Documents: Do not submit wrong, expired, or fake documents.

Unclear Travel Purpose: If your reason for visiting Canada is not clear, your visa may be denied. Saying only “tourism” is not enough. You should give a proper travel plan with dates, hotels, and places to visit.

Previous Visa Issues: If you have previous visa violations with other countries or you have overstayed in a few of them, it may hurt your current visa application status.

Host-Related Issues: If you are visiting your friends or family in Canada, and they do not have enough money or their documents are missing, it may affect your application.

Conclusion

If you are planning to visit Canada to explore the country, you will need to apply for a tourist visa by following the procedure mentioned in this guide. Your documentation must be complete and true, as incorrect documents and unclear travel purposes are the main reasons for rejection.

Als,o do not forget to purchase an international travel insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance to protect yourself from emergencies that may arrive without intimation.

FAQs

1. How early should I apply for my Canada visitor visa?

Apply for the Canada visa 8 to 10 weeks before your planned travel date.

2. Is travel insurance mandatory for a Canada tourist visa?

No, insurance is not mandatory when applying for a Canada tourist visa but we recommend you purchase an international travel insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance for peace of mind.

3. Can I work or study on a tourist visa in Canada?

No, you cannot work on a tourist visa, as a tourist visa is for short visits for leisure, tourism, or meeting family or friends.

4. How will I know if my Canada visa is approved?

If your visa is approved, you will receive an email notification from IRCC.

5. What happens if my visa is rejected?

If your Canada visa is rejected, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reason. Understand the reasons for rejection and you can apply again later.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.