Canada Tourist Visa For Indians - Definitive Guide

Canada Tourist visa is one of a kind of visa that is granted by the Government of Canada to those visitors who are entering the country for tourism purpose. However, the Canada visa is divided into two categories as, 

• • Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
  • Permanent Resident Visa (PRV)

• the Canada Tourist visa is a sub visa that comes under the category of Temporary Resident visa. 
  
  
• Before granting this visa to a visitor to Canada, the Border Patrol Officers (BPO) is responsible to grant or reject the visa to any applicant who fails to meet the eligibility outlined by the Government of Canada. 
  
  
• The Tourist visa of Canada is usually preferred for,
  
  
  • Tourism or Holidays
  • Visiting Friends, family or relatives.
    
    
• Nationals of a few countries exempted from carrying a visa, and are Travelling to Canada through the air, then they might need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation).
  
  
• However, the ETA is applicable for only a number of countries which have good relations with Canada. Indian Nationals need to have a visa. 

• Hold a Valid Indian Passport: With at least two blank pages and a validity of more than six months beyond your intended stay in Canada.
  
  
• Intend to Leave Canada: At the end of your visit.
  
  
• Have Sufficient Funds: For your stay and to return home.
  
  
• Not be Inadmissible: Under Canada’s immigration law.
  
  
• Meet Health Requirements: Depending on your length of stay and the purpose of your visit.

The Canada visa eligibility criteria for the Canada Tourist visa covers certain aspects such as nationality, age, health standards, and certain valid documents. However, the below points could help you understand the eligibility criteria for Canada.

• Those nationals who do not belong to the list of countries exempted from procuring a visa will have to apply for Canada visa. Indian nationals are eligible to apply for a tourist visa of Canada. 
  
  
• However, the Canada visa for Indian requires an applicant to hold a passport which must be necessarily valid for up to six months from the intended date of entering Canada.
  
  
• Children below 18 years of age are not eligible to apply for the visa, and also not allowed to enter the country until they are accompanied by their parents or guardians. 
  
  
• As per the health requirements, an applicant must have no chronic disease. However, it is recommended that an applicant with some disease has to inform the embassy about it. And hence, a medical examination is required.
  
  
• You must have enough funds to support yourself in Canada. The Bank balance must be maintained in reference to the mentioned amount in the application form. 
  
  
• If you have been invited by any of your friends, family or relatives then the Letter of Invitation has to be attached with the application form. 

The documents play an important role in deciding the time required for the procedure. In order to avoid any such instances which could possibly delay the application procedure, one must take care of producing the below-mentioned documents in due time. The Canada tourist visa application requirements are given below,

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel
• 3 photos as per Canada visa requirements
• Duly filled and signed application forms
• NOC from employer/leave sanction from school/college
• Travel itinerary - confirmed air tickets, proof of accommodation
• Proof of financial means
• Proof that you will return to your home country once the Canadian visa expires
• Identity and Civil Status Documents
• Police clearances to show no criminal records (if asked)
• Medical certificate proving you have no chronic diseases (if asked)
• Covering letter stating your purpose, motive, and duration of the travel
• Letter of support/invitation from Canada

The photo specifications for Canada Tourist Visa are as follows -

• Size: 33mm width and 48mm length.
  
  
• Colour: Must be submitted in colour showing true skin tones.
  
  
• Head size and position: The head must be between 15mm and 22mm wide. Length is 28mm to 33mm.
  
  
• Recency: Photo must be from the past 6 months. Older photos will be rejected.
  
  
• Background: Solid, plain white or light blue only.
  
  
• Smile: Neutral expression. No smiling
  
  
• Eyes: Wide open. Must be visible
  
  
  • Make sure your ears are both visible.
    
    
  • The photo should not be blurry.
    
    
• Glasses: Thin rimmed eyewear for medical purpose only.
  
  
• Headgear: None unless for religious purposes.
  
  
• Dimensions and size (pixels): None specified.
  
  
• Attire, clothing, dress code: Be sure what you are wearing does not match the background. This could cause rejection and retake.
  
  
• Beard: Optional.
  
  
• Quantity needed in application: 2

4.1 Gather All Documents

• Objective: Collect all necessary documents to support your tourist visa application.
  
  

• Required Documents (as listed earlier):

• Valid Indian Passport

• Completed Application (IMM 5257)

• Recent Photographs (2)

• Proof of Funds

• Travel Plans (Flight Itinerary/Booking, Travel Insurance)

• Accommodation (Hotel Booking or Invitation Letter with Host's Status in Canada)
  
  

• Additional Documents (if applicable):

• Employment Letter

• Student ID or School Letter

• Business Registration and License

• Tax Returns

• Police Certificate (if required)

• Medical Certificate (if required)
  
  

• Tips:

• Ensure all documents are original unless specified that photocopies are acceptable.

• Translate documents not in English or French by a certified translator.

• Verify the documents required, as these can change.
  
  

4.2 Submit Your Application

Online Application:

• Platform: IRCC’s Official Website
  
  

• Steps:

• Create an Account: If you don’t already have one.

• Fill Out the Application: IMM 5257 and IMM 5645 (Family Information) online.

• Upload Documents: Ensure they meet the file size and format requirements.

• Pay Fees: Online (see Section 4.3 for fee details).

• Submit Application: Review and confirm your application before submission.
  
  

• Tips:

• Save Your Progress: If you can’t complete the application in one session.

• Use a Secure Connection: For your safety.
  
  

Paper Application through a VAC in India:

• Find Your Nearest VAC: On the Official Government of Canada website
  
  

• Steps:

• Download and Fill Out the Application: IMM 5257 and ensure it's duly signed.

• Gather and Attach All Required Documents.

• Visit the VAC: With your application and documents. Ensure to check the VAC’s accepted payment methods for fees.

• Submit Your Application: To the VAC staff.
  
  

• Tips:

• Check VAC Hours: Before visiting.

• Ensure All Documents Are in Order: To avoid rejection or delays.
  

4.3 Pay the Fees

• Types of Fees:

• Application Fee: Currently CAD 100

• Biometrics Fee: Currently CAD 85 (per person, with a maximum of CAD 170 for families)

• VAC Service Fees: Vary by centre (for paper applications)
  
  

• Payment Methods:

• Online Applications: Credit cards (verified by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB)

• Paper Applications through VAC: Check with your VAC for accepted payment methods (e.g., cash, credit/debit cards, bank drafts)

• Tips:

• Keep Your Receipt: As proof of payment.

• Check for Any Additional Fees: Especially with VAC service fees.
  

4.4 Provide Biometrics

• Who Needs to Give Biometrics:

• Most applicants (check the IRCC website for exemptions)
  
  

• Steps:

• Receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter: After submitting your application, if biometrics are required.

• Find a Biometrics Collection Service Point: Listed in your letter or on the IRCC website.

• Schedule an Appointment: If required by the service point.

• Attend Your Appointment: Bring the biometrics instruction letter, passport, and any other required documents.
  
  

• Tips:

• Schedule Early: To avoid delays in your application processing.

• Ensure You Have All Required Documents: To complete the biometrics process.
  

4.5 Wait for the Decision

• Checking Your Application Status:

• Online Applicants: Through your IRCC online account.

• Paper Applicants: By contacting the VAC where you submitted your application.
  
  

• Decision Outcomes:

• Approved: Your passport will be returned with the visa.

• Rejected: You’ll receive a letter explaining why.

• Additional Documentation Required: You’ll be contacted to provide more information.
  
  

• Tips:

• Regularly Check Your Status: For updates.

• Ensure Your Contact Information Is Up-to-Date: So you can be reached if needed.

• Application Fee: CAD 100
  
  
• Biometrics Fee: CAD 85 (per person, with a maximum of CAD 170 for families)
  
  
• VAC Service Fees: Vary by centre (for paper applications)

1. After the documents are submitted, one might have to wait for the embassy verification. Soon after the embassy verification is over, you will be called for a biometric round. 
   
   
2. The bank balance mentioned in the application form has to be maintained until you obtain the visa. Mostly, not doing any transaction from the mentioned bank account is recommended.

• Who Needs to Give Biometrics:
  
  

• Most applicants (check the IRCC website for exemptions)
  
  
  

• How to Provide Biometrics:
  
  

• After submitting your application, if required, you’ll be directed to a biometrics collection service point.
• Ensure to schedule an appointment in advance.

• Check Processing Times: On IRCC’s website
  
  
• Application Status:
  
• Online Applicants: Through your online account.
• Paper Applicants: By contacting the VAC where you submitted your application.

• Check Processing Times: On IRCC’s website
  
  
• Application Status:
  
  
• Online Applicants: Through your online account.
• Paper Applicants: By contacting the VAC where you submitted your application.

• Why Interviews are Conducted:
  
  

• To verify information
• To ensure you’re admissible to Canada
  
  

• Preparation:
  
  

• Review your application and supporting documents.
• Be ready to answer questions about your visit.

• If Approved:

• Your passport will be stamped with the visa.
• Ensure all information on the visa is correct.

• Collecting Your Passport:

• Online Applicants: As per the instructions provided after approval.
• Paper Applicants: From the VAC where you submitted your application.

• Required Documents:

• Passport with the visa
• Proof of funds
• Travel documents (e.g., flight itinerary)
• Health insurance

• Border Crossings:

• Be prepared to answer questions from border officials.
• Ensure you comply with the terms of your visa.

• Eligibility:

  • If you want to stay longer than initially approved.
    
    

• How to Apply:

  • Online or Paper Application: For a Visitor Record (IMM 5718), before your current status expires.
  • Fees Apply: Currently CAD 100.

• Common Reasons for Rejection:
  
  

• Insufficient funds
• Unclear intentions to leave Canada
• Incomplete application
  
  
  

• Tips for Success:
  
  

• Ensure all documents are complete and accurate.
• Clearly demonstrate your intention to return home.
• Apply well in advance of your trip.

Need more clarity on the Canada visa? Check out helpful resources below

Canada Visa Requirement

Canada Tourist Visa Requirement

Canada Business Visa Requirement

Canada Visit Visa Requirement

Canada Work Visa Requirement

Canada Embassies and Consulates

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection