Canada Visitor Visa for Indians: All You Need to Know

Is travelling to Canada on your bucket list? Then, the thought of exploring Niagara Falls, tasting its famous maple syrup and witnessing the fall foliage might make you restless. However, before planning your trip, the one thing you can not miss is a visa. In fact, Indians can easily get a tourist visa with proper information about the requirements and process.

Continue reading this blog to make your Canada visitor visa application from India smooth and stress-free.

Why is the Canada Visitor Visa Important for Indian Tourists?

In 2024, approximately 4.8 million Indian tourists visited Canada, emphasising its growing popularity among Indians. To join this wave, understanding the importance of a Canada visitor visa is crucial for you. Here are key points to remember:

1. You can not enter Canada legally without a visa.

2. A single-entry visa or multiple-entry visa will decide how long you can stay in Canada.

3. You may also need a visa while transiting through a Canadian airport.

Canada Visitor Visa Types

Officially referred to as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), a Canada tourist visa, and a visitor visa are basically the same. However, you need to understand its type to plan a hassle-free Canada trip.

Below, you can find out the main types of Canadian visas available for Indian travellers.

Single-entry Visa

This visa allows entry to Canada only once within 6 months, making it ideal for tourists. Even if the visa is valid for re-entering the country, you have to apply for a new visa.

Multiple-entry Visa

If you wish to visit Canada multiple times a year without the hassle of reapplication, consider this visa. It is valid for up to 10 years.

Super Visa

Super visa is applicable for parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. It is typically a multiple-entry visa lasting up to 10 years. In fact, at the time of initial entry, visitors are allowed to stay for 24 months.

Transit Visa

A transit visa is intended for travellers who are stopping in Canada’s airports en route to another destination. This is why it is valid for only 48 hours, helping travellers move freely in Canada during that time span.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

In case you do not have a valid work permit and are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) can help you enter the country by air. (The only exception is U.S. citizens).

Canada Tourist Visa Requirements for Indians

Indian citizens have to meet certain criteria to be eligible for a Canada visitor visa, which includes the following,

1. Have a valid passport with six months of validity remaining.

2. Proof of having sufficient funds (bank statements, income tax returns) to showcase that you can bear the expenses of the trip.

3. In most cases, if your visit is expected to last more than 6 months, a medical clearance will be needed.

4. Show your return or onward ticket to India to prove your departure from Canada within a specific period.

5. You should not have any criminal or immigration-related convictions.

6. Evidence of having strong ties to India, such as a job, home, financial assets or family, is required to prove your intention to return.

Documents Required for Canada Visitor Visa

The table below lists the required Canada tourist visa documents and the reasons you will need them.

Canada Tourist Visa Fees to Know Before Applying

Once you have an idea about the Canada tourist visa price, planning your travel itinerary will be smooth. The price might vary based on the type of visa.

Other Application Charges of a Canada Visitor Visa

The following section shows the additional application charges you have to pay to get a Canada Visitor Visa:

Note: The amounts are subject to change. Therefore, to confirm the fees, check the official website of Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or your Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Canada Tourist Visa Processing Time in India

The timeline for the Canada tourist visa process can vary depending on factors such as the number of visa applications or the verification of documents. However, get a general estimation from the table below,

Steps to Applying for a Canada Visitor Visa from India

If you are wondering how to apply for a Canada tourist visa from India, follow each of these carefully to ensure a smooth and legal entry into Canada.

Step 1: Prepare Documents

Gather all the required documents listed above to apply for a Canada Visitor Visa. In fact, during the interview with the visa officer, you may also need additional documents, so keep everything readily available.

Sep 2: Apply Online

Submit an online application directly to the IRCC website by filling out the visa application form and paying the application fee. Ensure to fill in every detail correctly, as a small mistake can delay your application.

Step 3: Schedule Appointment Biometrics

After filling out the application, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) from Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada IRCC. This letter will guide you to book an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and photograph.

Step 4: Visit the VAC

Visit the VAC to provide your biometrics, including fingerprints and photographs. Moreover, submit a hard copy of your application form. You can track the status of your application online on the official website of IRCC.

Step 5: Submit Your Passport

Once you get the approval, a passport request letter will be delivered to you for the submission of your passport at the VAC.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport and Visa

Pick up your passport and visa from the VAC after receiving the final decision on your application.

Why is Travel Insurance Necessary for Canada Visitor Visa Applicants? 

Along with important documents like a visitor visa, you should also get international travel insurance to ensure your trip to Canada is secure from unexpected obstacles. Irrespective of the purpose of your visit, here are the benefits travel insurance provides for an overseas trip.

Medical Assistance

With the International travel insurance plan from Bajaj General Insurance, you can save a significant amount of money if any medical emergency occurs on your trip to Canada.

Coverage for Delay or Lost Baggage

During a long overseas trip to Canada, loss or misplacement of baggage is a common issue. If you find yourself in this situation, our international travel insurance plan will provide compensation.

Protection from Trip Disruptions

In case you need to cancel your trip to Canada, cut the journey short, or require to extend your visit, our travel insurance will provide financial assistance and reimburse your prepaid and non-refundable costs.  

Passport Loss Coverage

Get international travel insurance from Bajaj General Insurance to receive full coverage for procuring a duplicate passport if it is lost during your overseas trip.

Security from Unpredictable Events

Unpredictable events such as accidents, theft, or third-party claims resulting from unintentional physical injury or property damage can be a matter of greatest concern in a foreign land. However, our travel insurance plan will provide you with financial support at this time.

Final Words

For first-time applicants, navigating this multitude of steps can feel overwhelming. This is why, follow this guide to stay calm and informed throughout the entire process of applying for a Canada visitor visa.

Also, do not forget to purchase travel insurance to ensure your journey to Canada is protected and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a police certificate required to apply for a Canada visitor visa?

No, a police certificate is not always required to apply for a Canada visitor visa during initial entry. But authorities can request it to check for criminal records.

Is travel insurance mandatory to get a Canada visitor visa?

No, travel insurance is not mandatory for a Canadian visitor visa. However, it is highly recommended to keep your trip covered with insurance for unpredictable obstacles such as a medical emergency.

How many times can a tourist visit Canada in a year?

With a multiple-entry visa, tourists can visit Canada as many times as they wish in a year. However, check the validity of the visa before applying.

How to write a cover letter for a Canadian tourist visa?

Write a Canadian tourist visa cover letter by addressing the visa officer and including your personal and passport details, as well as stating the purpose of your visit, with your travel itinerary.

Can I apply for a work permit in Canada with a visitor visa?

No, visitors are not eligible to apply for a work permit from inside Canada. If you need a work permit, apply for it separately, along with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and a job offer letter after returning to your homeland.

*Standard T&C apply.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For complete details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.