Canada Visitor Visa Requirements for Indians (2026)

Key facts

• Government visa fee: CAD 100 (approx. USD 71.59)
• Biometrics fee: CAD 85
• Standard processing time: 29–45 days
• Maximum visa validity: Up to 10 years
• Maximum stay per entry: Generally 6 months
• Application method: Online via IRCC account
• Biometrics required: Yes, for most applicants aged 14–79
• Visa type: Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

Overview

Indian passport holders need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada as a visitor. The government application fee is CAD 100 (approximately USD 71.59), plus a separate CAD 85 biometrics fee. Processing typically takes 29–45 days, and an approved visa can be valid for up to 10 years. Applications are submitted online through IRCC.

What is the Canada visitor visa and who needs one?

A Canada visitor visa, formally called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is a stamp or sticker placed in your passport that allows you to travel to a Canadian port of entry. Indian passport holders are not visa-exempt and must obtain a TRV before travelling, regardless of whether the visit is for tourism, family visits, or attending events.

The TRV is different from the electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which applies only to visa-exempt nationals. As an Indian passport holder, you will always apply for the full TRV.

For a broader overview of the Canadian immigration system, see our Canada visa guide.

What are the fees for a Canada visitor visa from India?

There are two mandatory government charges:

• Visitor visa (TRV) fee: CAD 100
• Biometrics fee: CAD 85 (required for most applicants aged 14–79)

These fees are set by IRCC's official fee schedule and are non-refundable once paid, even if your application is refused. You pay online through your IRCC account at the time of submission.

For full details on fees and how to apply, visit the Canada visitor visa page on Vistolane.

What documents do you need for a Canada visitor visa?

IRCC does not publish a single universal checklist, but the following documents are consistently required for Indian applicants:

Identity and travel documents - Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months' validity beyond your intended stay - Copies of all previously used passports - Two recent passport-sized photographs meeting IRCC specifications

Personal status documents - Birth certificate - Marriage certificate (if applicable) - If applicable, divorce or death certificate of a former spouse

Financial evidence - Bank statements for the last 3–6 months showing sufficient funds - Income tax returns (ITR) for the last 2–3 years - Salary slips or proof of business ownership - Property documents or other asset proof

Purpose of visit documents - Invitation letter from a host in Canada (for family visits) - Hotel bookings or accommodation confirmation - Travel itinerary - Proof of ties to India: employment letter, business registration, property ownership, or family responsibilities

Biometrics Most applicants aged 14–79 must give fingerprints and a photo at a designated biometrics collection centre in India. IRCC will instruct you to do this after you submit your application.

How do you apply for a Canada visitor visa from India?

• Create an IRCC account at the IRCC portal.
• Complete the online application form (IMM 5257) and the family information form (IMM 5645).
• Upload supporting documents in the formats specified by IRCC (PDF, JPEG; file size limits apply).
• Pay the fees — CAD 100 for the visa and CAD 85 for biometrics — using a credit or debit card.
• Receive your biometrics instruction letter and book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India.
• Give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at the VAC.
• Wait for a decision — the standard processing window is 29–45 days from the date biometrics are received.
• Submit your passport if requested by IRCC for visa stamping (some applicants are asked to send their physical passport to the VAC).

For a detailed walkthrough of every step, read the Canada visitor visa step-by-step guide for Indians.

How long does processing take and how long is the visa valid?

IRCC's published processing time for visitor visa applications from India is 29–45 days. This clock typically starts from the date IRCC receives your biometrics, not the date you submit the online application.

Processing times vary and IRCC updates them regularly. Check the current estimate on the IRCC processing times tool before you apply.

If approved, a TRV can be issued for up to 10 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Each stay inside Canada is generally limited to 6 months unless a border officer grants a different period. The visa itself does not guarantee entry — the border officer at the port of entry makes the final decision.

What are the key eligibility requirements?

IRCC assesses visitor visa applications against several criteria. Your application is stronger when you can demonstrate:

• You are in good health and will submit a medical examination if IRCC requests one
• You have no criminal record; a police clearance certificate from India is often expected
• You have strong ties to India — employment, property, family, or business — that make it likely you will return
• You have sufficient funds to cover your stay and return travel
• Your purpose of visit is genuine and temporary
• You have a history of complying with visa conditions in Canada or other countries

IRCC officers use these factors holistically. A prior visa refusal, unexplained gaps in employment, or thin financial documentation can each increase the risk of refusal.

If you are concerned about how a previous refusal might affect your application, our guide on visa refusals: reading the letter and rebuilding your file explains how to address this.

How does the Canada visitor visa compare to other popular destinations from India?

Canada's CAD 100 fee and 29–45 day processing window place it in a similar bracket to the UK Standard Visitor visa and Australia's Visitor visa (subclass 600) in terms of cost and effort. However, Canada's up-to-10-year validity makes it one of the most generous in duration among popular destinations for Indian travellers.

• The UK Standard Visitor visa for Indians typically grants up to 6 months per entry.
• The Australia Visitor visa (subclass 600) for Indians can also be granted for up to 12 months.
• The United States visa (B-1/B-2) may be issued for up to 10 years but requires an in-person interview.

If you are also considering other long-haul destinations, the Schengen Area visa guide covers the process for 27 European countries under a single application.

What are the most common reasons Canada visitor visas are refused for Indian applicants?

IRCC officers refuse applications when they are not satisfied that the applicant will leave Canada at the end of their authorised stay. The most frequent reasons include:

• Insufficient proof of financial means to fund the trip
• Weak ties to India (no stable employment, property, or family obligations)
• A vague or implausible travel purpose
• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
• A prior immigration violation in Canada or another country
• Failure to disclose a criminal history or previous refusal

Being honest and thorough in your application is the single most effective way to reduce refusal risk. If refused, IRCC will provide written reasons, which you should address directly before reapplying.

See also our guide on proving funds for student visas in the UK, Canada, Australia and Germany for detailed guidance on presenting financial evidence — the principles apply equally to visitor applications.

Questions, answered