Visa Types
Important Links
(Ministry of External Affairs, India)
Tourist Place
Visit Canada
Find out what documents you need to travel, visit family
And friends, do business, or transit through Canada.
Visa Exemption For Canada
Citizens of over 50 countries, including the United Kingdom, most European Union countries, and many others, are exempt from needing a visa to visit Canada for up to 6 months. However, they still need an eTA to fly to Canada.
You can check the complete list of visa-exempt countries on the official Canadian government website: Click here
Key Points for Canada Visit Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel Canada?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel Canada
Canada visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online from the govt official website
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a Canada visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a Canada visa, but it may vary. Embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a visit visa?
On a visit visa, you can stay for up to 6 months.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Canada?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 01-12-2023)
Visitor Visa – Per Person Single or Multiple Entry Visa: CAD 100
Biometric Fee Per Person: CAD 85
Visitor Visa – Per family Single or Multiple Entry Visa: CAD 500
Biometric Fee Per family: CAD 170
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
Identify Visa Type:
- When applying for a visa to Canada, determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, work, study, or family reunion, to select the appropriate visa category.
- Consult the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to access comprehensive information on visa categories, requirements, and application procedures specific to your purpose of travel.
- Ensure you meet the specific eligibility criteria, provide the necessary documentation, and adhere to any financial requirements for the chosen visa type to increase the chances of a successful visa application for Canada.
Begin Your Application
Submit your online application directly to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You’ll have to complete supporting documents per the IRCC document checklist relevant to your visa category.
Book your Appointment:
After you have applied for your visa, you must schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This is referred to as “biometric information.”
You will receive an appointment confirmation email and the letter of appointment once you have booked your appointment.
If you are part of a family or group, you must schedule separate appointments for each member of the family or group.
You do not need to book an appointment to visit your local Canada Visa Application Centre if you are not required to submit your biometric information.
Pay your Fees:
Once you have completed your application, you’ll have to pay your visa application fee.
Pay and Apply Online
You’ll pay your fees directly within the online application (e-app) when you apply.
Make sure you have a credit or debit card ready.
This is the only way you can pay this fee when applying online.
Visit a Visa Application Centre:
Once you arrive at the Canada Visa Application Centre, your application and biometrics(if applicable) will be collected. This receipt will contain your unique tracking number, which will help you track the progress of your application online.
Track your Application:
You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you can’t access email easily or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone. Check whether the service is available at the Visa Application Centre you are visiting.
Passport Submission/Collection:
If your visa is approved, the next step is to submit your passport for visa stamping. You will receive a letter from the consulate or embassy notifying you of the approval and requesting you to submit your passport. The process of visa stamping typically involves the following steps:
After the Application review process, the embassy will notify the applicant of the outcome of their application. If the visa application is approved, the applicant will receive an approval letter stating that they need to submit their passport to the Visa Facilitation Service (VFS) through a web form.
The web form will provide the applicant with instructions on how to submit their passport, as well as any additional documents or fees that may be required.
Once the VFS receives the applicant’s passport, it will be processed and the visa will be affixed to a page in the passport.
The processing time for the visa application can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of visa applied for, the volume of applications being processed, and the complexity of the applicant’s case.
After the visa processing is complete, the applicant’s passport will be returned to them with the visa stamped on it. It is important to note that the visa approval does not guarantee entry into Canada, as border officers have the final say on admission into the country.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Here’s a comprehensive document checklist for applying for a Canada Visitor Visa from India, covering various categories including Tourist Visa, Visitor Visa, Business Visa, and Transit Visa:
1. Valid Passport:
- Valid passport with a validity of at least six months beyond your intended stay in Canada.
- Copies of the bio page and any pages with stamps or visas.
2. Completed Application Form:
- Fill out the Visitor Visa application form (IMM 5257) electronically or by hand.
- Ensure all sections are completed accurately and signed.
3. Family Information Form:
- Complete the Family Information Form (IMM 5707) for each family member accompanying you, regardless of their intention to travel to Canada.
- Provide accurate and complete information.
4. Digital Photographs:
- Provide two recent passport-sized photographs for each applicant.
- Follow the specifications provided by the Canadian authorities.
5. Proof of Identity:
- Copy of your national identity card (if applicable).
- Birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Divorce or separation certificate (if applicable).
- Adoption certificate (if applicable).
6. Travel Documents:
- Flight itinerary or confirmed round-trip tickets.
- Hotel reservations or accommodation details for your stay in Canada.
- Travel insurance coverage for the duration of your visit to Canada.
7. Financial Documents:
- Bank statements for the past six months to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your expenses in Canada.
- Proof of employment, such as employment letter, pay slips, or income tax returns.
- Business registration documents and financial statements (if self-employed).
- Sponsorship letter and supporting financial documents (if applicable).
8. Ties to India:
- Property ownership documents.
- Proof of employment or business ties in India.
- Family records or documents to demonstrate close family ties in India.
- Any other documents that prove your intention to return to India after your visit.
9. Additional Documents:
- Previous travel history, including copies of visas and entry/exit stamps.
- Marriage certificate or wedding photographs (if visiting for a wedding ceremony).
- Any other relevant supporting documents based on your specific circumstances..
Purpose of Visit:
- Tourist Visa
- Detailed travel itinerary outlining the places you plan to visit in Canada.
- Proof of hotel bookings or accommodation arrangements.
- Sightseeing or tour reservations (if applicable).
- Visitor Visa
- Letter of invitation from a Canadian host (if visiting friends or relatives).
- Detailed itinerary of your visit, including activities and events.
- Proof of family relationship or ties to the host (if applicable).
- Business Visa
- Letter of invitation from the Canadian company or organization you will be visiting.
- Proof of business activities, such as meeting agendas or conference invitations.
- Proof of your employment or business ties in India.
- Transit Visa
- Confirmed flight tickets for your onward travel.
- Valid visa for your final destination (if required).
- Proof of transit purpose, such as hotel reservations or connecting flight details.
Please note that the document requirements may vary based on the category of the visa and your specific circumstances. It’s important to consult the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or seek advice from authorized visa application centers for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the document checklist for a Canada Visitor Visa from India.
Canada has two online portals through which individuals can apply for a visa to enter Canada. These portals are the official websites of the Government of Canada:
PORTAL 1-
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html
PORTAL 2-
https://ircc.canada.ca/visit-visiter/en/get-account-ircc-portal
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To submit our visa application, we need to provide a list of forms as required.
These forms are what you will need in case you are applying for your visa through Portal 1. As in Portal 2, no forms are required.
IMM 5257- Application for a Temporary Resident Visa
IMM 5707 (2023-01)- Family Information Form – Visitors, Students and Workers
IMM 5645 (2021-01)- Family Information Form – Visitors, Students and Workers
IMM 5744- Consent for an Access to Information and Personal Information Request
IMM 5713- Family Representative Form
For more forms click here
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Please find below a step-by-step guide on the process of acquiring a visa.
- Determine the type of visa you need: There are several types of visas for Canada, including tourist visas, study permits, and work permits. Determine which visa is appropriate for your situation.
- Create an online account: Visit the official website of the Government of Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and create an online account.
- Fill out the application form: Fill out the online application form accurately and completely. You will need to provide personal information, employment history, education history, and travel plans.
- Pay the application fee: The visa application fee can be paid online through the IRCC website.
- Submit required documents: You will need to submit several documents such as passport, photographs, proof of financial support, and letter of invitation (if applicable).
- Biometrics: Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may be required to provide biometric information such as fingerprints and photograph.
- Wait for processing: Once you have submitted your application and required documents, wait for the processing time to receive a decision.
If your visa application is approved, you will receive an email from the IRCC asking for your passport. You submit your passport for visa stamping.
Canada has two online portals through which individuals can apply for a visa to enter Canada. These portals are the official websites of the Government of Canada:
PORTAL 1- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html
PORTAL 2- https://ircc.canada.ca/visit-visiter/en/get-account-ircc-portal
DESCRIPTION OF BOTH PORTALS.
Portal 1-
The first portal is the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, which is the primary platform for most visa applications. This portal allows individuals to apply for a variety of visa types, including study permits, work permits, visitor visas, and more.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html
When you are applying for a visa using an online portal or website, it is typically necessary to attach all the required documents along with the visa application form and any other application forms that are applicable to your situation.
The required documents can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your individual circumstances.
Portal 2-
You can also submit your application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) directly through their website (IRCC).
https://ircc.canada.ca/visit-visiter/en/get-account-ircc-portal
On this link you will fill form online and attach the required documents online at the same time,” it means that the online platform provides a streamlined process for submitting a visa application.
Instead of filling out a paper application and mailing it with physical copies of the required documents, you can complete and submit the application entirely online. The link referred to in the statement likely takes you to a website or online portal where you can access the online application form.
Once you begin filling out the online form, you will be prompted to upload digital copies of the required supporting documents. These documents may include a passport, proof of financial support, educational or work experience documents, and other required documentation depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
By completing and submitting your application online, you can save time and have greater control over the application process. You can easily track the status of your application and receive updates on any requests for additional information or documentation.
Note: It’s important to note that the requirements and application process may vary depending on the type of visa being applied for and the applicant’s individual circumstances. It’s recommended to carefully review the requirements and guidelines on the respective website before beginning the application process.