Canada Visa for Indian Citizens: Complete Guide for 2026
Canada attracts hundreds of thousands of Indian visitors every year — from tourists exploring the Rocky Mountains and Niagara Falls, to business travelers attending conferences in Toronto, to families visiting relatives settled across the country. As of 2026, Indian citizens are required to obtain a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) before traveling to Canada. This comprehensive guide covers every detail of the Canada visa for Indian citizens, including fees, documents, the online application process, biometrics, and tips for approval.
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- Visa required: Yes. Indian citizens need a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa).
- Visa fee: CAD 100 per person + CAD 85 biometrics fee.
- Maximum stay: Up to 6 months per visit (determined by the border officer).
- Application method: Online through IRCC portal or on paper.
- Biometrics: Required (fingerprints and photo) at a designated collection centre.
- Processing time: Varies by country of residence — typically 4-12 weeks for Indian applicants.
Canada Visitor Visa Overview for Indians
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa requirement | Visa required (Temporary Resident Visa) |
| Application fee | CAD 100 per person (CAD 500 family cap for 5+) |
| Biometrics fee | CAD 85 per person (CAD 170 family cap) |
| Maximum stay | Up to 6 months per visit |
| Entry type | Single or multiple entry |
| Application method | Online (IRCC) or paper |
| Biometrics required | Yes |
| Processing time | 4-12 weeks (varies) |
Types of Canadian Visas for Indian Citizens
While this guide focuses on the visitor visa, Indian citizens may also be interested in:
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — For tourism, visiting family, or business visits (up to 6 months)
- Super Visa — For parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs (up to 5 years per visit)
- Study Permit — For enrolled students at designated learning institutions
- Work Permit — For employment with a Canadian employer
- Transit Visa — For passing through Canada (free of charge)
Required Documents for Canada Visa — Indian Citizens
Prepare the following for your Canadian visitor visa application:
- Valid Indian passport — Must be valid for the duration of your intended stay. Recommended to have at least 6 months validity beyond your planned return date.
- Completed application form (IMM 5257) — Available through the IRCC online portal.
- Two passport-sized photographs — 35mm x 45mm, white background, meeting IRCC specifications.
- Proof of financial support — Bank statements for the last 4-6 months, fixed deposit certificates, salary slips, or sponsorship letter from a Canadian host.
- Purpose of travel document — Invitation letter from family/friends in Canada, conference invitation, or detailed travel itinerary.
- Employment proof — Employment letter, business registration, or enrollment certificate (students).
- Travel history — Copies of previous visas and travel stamps (US, UK, Schengen visas are particularly helpful).
- Ties to India — Property documents, family commitments, return obligations demonstrating you will leave Canada.
- Flight itinerary — Round-trip flight reservation (not necessarily confirmed tickets).
- Family information form (IMM 5645) — Required for all applicants.
Pro tip: If you have a valid or recently expired US visa, your Canada visa application is significantly strengthened. Some Indian citizens with valid US visas may even be eligible for a Canadian eTA instead of a full visa — check eligibility at Viza.
Step-by-Step Canada Visa Application for Indians
- Check your requirements on Viza — Visit Viza's India to Canada page to confirm your specific requirements and document checklist.
- Create an IRCC account — Register at ircc.canada.ca to access the online application portal.
- Complete the application forms — Fill out IMM 5257 (application), IMM 5645 (family information), and any additional forms required.
- Upload supporting documents — Scan and upload all documents in the required format (PDF, max sizes as specified).
- Pay the fees — CAD 100 application fee + CAD 85 biometrics fee = CAD 185 total per person. Payment by credit/debit card online.
- Give biometrics — After submitting your application, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter. Book an appointment at a VFS Global Application Centre in India (available in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Ahmedabad).
- Submit your passport — If requested, submit your physical passport to the VAC for visa stamping.
- Wait for processing — Processing times vary. Check current estimates on the IRCC website for your location.
- Receive your visa — Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker from the VAC or receive it by courier.
Canada Visa Fees for Indian Citizens (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa (per person) | CAD 100 | ~INR 6,200 |
| Family cap (5+ applicants) | CAD 500 | ~INR 31,000 |
| Biometrics (per person) | CAD 85 | ~INR 5,300 |
| Biometrics family cap | CAD 170 | ~INR 10,500 |
| Total per individual | CAD 185 | ~INR 11,500 |
| Transit visa | Free | Free |
Fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. VFS Global may charge an additional service fee (typically CAD 40-50) for processing at their centres.
Processing Times for Canada Visa from India
Canadian visa processing times for Indian citizens can vary considerably. As of early 2026:
| Application Type | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (online, from India) | 30-60 days |
| Visitor visa (paper, from India) | 45-90 days |
| Super visa | 60-120 days |
| Transit visa | 15-30 days |
| Viza Service Fee | $5 |
Always check the latest processing times on the IRCC website, as they fluctuate based on application volumes. Apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date.
Tips for a Successful Canada Visa Application
- Apply online: Online applications are generally processed faster than paper applications.
- Strong financial evidence: Show consistent income and sufficient savings. IRCC wants to see you can fund your trip without working illegally in Canada.
- Purpose clarity: Clearly explain why you are visiting and when you will leave. A detailed itinerary or a strong invitation letter from a Canadian host helps.
- Travel history: Previous travel to the US, UK, Schengen, or Australia significantly strengthens your application.
- US visa advantage: If you hold a valid US visa or have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, you may qualify for simplified processing.
- Ties to India: Demonstrate strong reasons to return — employment, property, family, business.
- Complete application: Missing documents or incomplete forms are a leading cause of delays and refusals.
- Use Viza: Viza provides a structured checklist and helps you track every document, reducing the chance of missing something critical.
Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents
The Canadian Super Visa is a special long-term visitor visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Key details:
- Stay: Up to 5 years per visit (extended from 2 years in 2022)
- Validity: Up to 10 years, multiple entry
- Requirements: Invitation from child/grandchild in Canada, proof of their income (meeting LICO threshold), Canadian medical insurance for 1 year minimum with at least CAD 100,000 coverage
- Fee: Same as regular visitor visa (CAD 100 + CAD 85 biometrics)
Official source: IRCC Canada
Frequently Asked Questions — Canada Visa for Indian Citizens
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Canada?
Yes. Indian passport holders must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) before traveling to Canada. There is no general visa-free entry or standard eTA option for Indian citizens.
How much does a Canada visa cost for Indians?
CAD 100 application fee plus CAD 85 biometrics fee, totaling CAD 185 per person (approximately INR 11,500). Family caps apply for groups of 5 or more.
How long can Indians stay in Canada?
Up to 6 months per visit, as determined by the border services officer at entry. You can apply for an extension from within Canada if needed.
How long does Canada visa processing take?
Typically 30-60 days for online applications from India. Paper applications may take longer. Check IRCC's website for current estimates.
Can Indian citizens get a Canadian eTA?
Only in specific cases — if you hold a valid US nonimmigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, you may be eligible for an eTA (CAD 7) when flying to Canada. Otherwise, a full visitor visa is required.
Are biometrics mandatory for Canadian visa?
Yes. All Indian citizens aged 14-79 must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a designated collection centre. Biometrics are valid for 10 years.
Begin Your Canada Visa Application
Canada offers Indian travelers an incredible range of experiences — from the multicultural vibrancy of Toronto and Vancouver to the natural splendor of Banff, Jasper, and the Maritimes. While the visa process requires documentation and patience, a well-prepared application has an excellent chance of approval.
Check your Canada visa requirements on Viza to get started with a personalized document checklist. Viza helps Indian travelers navigate the Canadian visa process with confidence, ensuring nothing is missed along the way.
