Canada Visa for Indians 2026: Fees, Process & Types

Visitor Visa / Tourist Visa (TRV) — Most Common

The Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is the standard visa for Indian travelers visiting Canada for tourism, sightseeing, or family visits. Canada offers diverse tourism — from Niagara Falls and the Rocky Mountains to Toronto's CN Tower and Vancouver's Stanley Park. For tourism-specific requirements, see our Canada tourist visa guide.

Duration: Up to 6 months per entry (CBSA officer determines exact duration at port of entry)

Validity: Up to 10 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first

Entry Type: Single or multiple — at the visa officer's discretion

Processing: Approximately 27 days online from India (IRCC estimate, April 2026)

Business Visitor Visa

Canada's business visitor visa allows Indian professionals to attend meetings, conferences, trade shows, and negotiations in Canada without entering the Canadian labour market. This is distinct from a work permit — you cannot accept employment or receive payment from Canadian sources on a business visitor visa. For complete details, see our Canada business visa guide.

Key distinction: A business visitor visa is for short-term business activities. If your work involves hands-on services or providing services to Canadian clients, you need a work permit instead.

Processing: Similar to tourist visa — 8-16 weeks from India

Business Invitation Letter Requirements

The invitation letter from the Canadian company is the most important document for a business visa. Your invitation letter must contain:

Pro tip: If you have attended the same Canadian trade fair before, mention the previous fair dates in the invitation letter. IRCC values repeat business relationships — it demonstrates genuine intent.

Multiple-Entry Strategy for Business Travelers

If you attend Canadian conferences or trade fairs regularly, request a multiple-entry visa in your cover letter. Include:

• A letter from your employer explaining the need for multiple entries (e.g., "Our company attends the Toronto Tech Summit annually and requires the applicant to visit Vancouver for quarterly client reviews")
• Your previous Canadian visa copies (visa stamps are strong evidence)
• A 12-month travel plan showing expected visits

The consulate typically grants 1-year multiple-entry to business travelers with 2+ prior Canadian visas. With 5+ prior visas, you may qualify for 5-year multiple-entry.

Study Permit

Canada is the most popular destination globally for Indian students, with over 400,000 Indian students enrolled as of 2025. Programs are offered in English and French. The study permit allows part-time work (up to 20 hours per week during academic year, full-time during scheduled breaks). For detailed requirements, see our Canada student visa guide.

Key 2026 changes:

• Student Direct Stream (SDS) permanently closed as of November 8, 2024 — all study permits now processed through regular stream
• Study permit cap reduced to 408,000 issuances in 2026 (down from 437,000 in 2025)
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) required for most applicants
• PGWP language requirements now mandatory (CLB 7 for university, CLB 5 for college)

Work Permit

Canada offers two main work permit streams: employer-specific LMIA-based permits requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment, and LMIA-exempt streams under International Mobility Programs including intra-company transfers. The LMIA stream is the dominant route for fresh Indian applicants.

Processing: 10-20 weeks from India

Super Visa (Parents & Grandparents)

The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay for up to 5 years per entry, compared to 6 months on a standard visitor visa. The visa is valid for up to 10 years.

Key requirements:

• Host child/grandchild must meet LICO+30% income threshold (minimum CAD 27,514 for a 2-person household)
• Mandatory medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company worth minimum CAD 100,000
• Medical examination from an IRCC-approved panel physician

Processing: Approximately 112 days from India

Express Entry (Permanent Residence)

Express Entry is Canada's primary pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residence. It manages applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Candidates are ranked on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and the highest-ranking candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITA).

Processing: 6-8 months after ITA

Fee: CAD 1,590 per adult (includes right of permanent residence fee, effective April 30, 2026)

Official IRCC Fees

Currency note: INR figures are approximate and based on prevailing exchange rates. Confirm the exact CAD-to-INR rate at the time of payment. IRCC fees are charged in CAD — verify the current amount before applying.

VFS Global Service Charges (India)

Total Estimated Costs Per Applicant

Note: All visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. Fees are payable online via credit card or debit card through the IRCC portal.

Core Documents (Mandatory for All Visa Types)

•  Valid Passport — Minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay, minimum 2 blank pages
•  Application Form IMM 5257 — Completed online via IRCC portal, printed and signed
•  Family Information Form IMM 5645 — For each applicant including minors
•  Digital Passport Photo — Per IRCC specifications (35mm x 45mm, white background, 80% face coverage, taken within last 90 days)
•  Proof of Financial Support — Bank statements (last 6 months), salary slips (last 3 months), IT returns (last 3 years)
•  Travel Itinerary — Flight reservations, hotel bookings, day-by-day plan
•  Cover Letter — Explaining purpose of visit, detailed itinerary, and ties to India
•  Employment/Education Proof — Employment letter on company letterhead, leave approval, or enrollment certificate
• Proof of Ties to India — Property documents, family ties, employment contract

Canada-Specific Documents

Documents for Study Permit Applicants

• Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) — required since January 22, 2024
• Proof of tuition payment (first year)
• GIC certificate from a Canadian bank (minimum CAD 10,000)
• Proof of funds: CAD 22,895 (approx ₹13.7 lakh) for living expenses + tuition
• Study Plan / Statement of Purpose
• Language test results (IELTS/TOEFL)

Indian Banking Nuances

Your bank statement format matters. Here is what works with Indian banks:

Key banking rules:

• Get statements printed within 7 days of your appointment — older statements may be rejected
• Highlight salary credits with a yellow marker so the case officer can spot them instantly
• Submit statements from all accounts you maintain — multiple accounts show complete financial picture
• Fixed deposit receipts work as proof of assets but do not replace liquid funds in savings account
• For self-employed applicants: submit current account business statements alongside savings account
• IRCC specifically looks for 6 months of consistent balance — not a sudden lump sum deposited before applying

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Identify whether you need a visitor visa (TRV) for stays under 6 months, a study permit for academic programs, a work permit for employment, or a super visa for parents/grandparents. Indian citizens cannot get an eTA — you must apply for a TRV.

Step 2: Create IRCC Online Account

1. Visit the IRCC secure portal: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application.html
2. Create a GCKey account or sign in with existing credentials
3. Complete the eligibility questionnaire to determine your specific document checklist
4. The portal will generate a personalized document checklist for your situation

Step 3: Complete Application and Upload Documents

1. Fill the online application form (IMM 5257 for visitor visa, IMM 1294 for study permit)
2. Complete IMM 5645 (Family Information Form) for each applicant
3. Upload all supporting documents in PDF, JPG, or DOC format (under 4 MB per file)
4. Ensure all dates, names, and details match across every document — inconsistencies are a top refusal reason

Tip: Write a specific "Purpose of Visit" — vague answers like "tourism" are a top reason for refusal in 2026. Be detailed (e.g., "Visiting Niagara Falls and Toronto for 10 days, attending my cousin's wedding on [date] in Brampton").

Step 4: Pay Fees and Submit

1. Pay the visa fee (CAD 100) and biometrics fee (CAD 85) online via credit card or debit card
2. Total: CAD 185 per person
3. Save the payment receipt — VFS centres require it for the biometrics appointment
4. Submit the application

Step 5: Receive Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL)

After submitting, IRCC will send a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) within 24-48 hours. This letter authorizes you to give your biometrics at a VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India. You must wait for this letter before booking your biometric appointment.

Step 6: Book and Attend Biometrics

1. Visit the VFS Global Canada website: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/can/
2. Select your nearest VAC from the 10 cities in India
3. Book a biometric appointment (free of charge — do not pay anyone for booking slots)
4. Attend the appointment with your passport, BIL letter, and appointment confirmation
5. Provide fingerprints (10 prints) and digital photograph
6. Collect the biometric receipt (valid for 10 years for future Canada applications)

Important: IRCC counts processing time from the day it receives your biometrics, not the day you submit online. Book your biometrics appointment as soon as you receive the BIL to avoid delays.

Step 7: Wait for Processing

IRCC processes your application at a visa office (typically New Delhi or the Singapore regional processing centre for Indian applications). Check status through your IRCC online account. Do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is approved.

Step 8: Receive Decision and Submit Passport

If approved, IRCC will send a "Passport Request Letter" to your IRCC account. Submit your physical passport to VFS Global for visa stamping within 30 days. You can use the two-way courier service.

If refused: You will receive a refusal letter stating the reason (typically referencing IRPR 179(b)). You can reapply immediately with stronger documentation — there is no mandatory waiting period. See the Success Tips section for reapplication strategy.

Step 9: Collect Your Passport

Once stamped, collect your passport from the VFS centre or receive it via courier. Verify the visa sticker details — dates, number of entries, validity period, and any conditions — before leaving the centre.

Note: Biometrics are collected at VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centres (VACs), not at the Canadian High Commission or Consulates. The High Commission of Canada is in New Delhi, with consulates in Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bangalore.

Peak season note: April through August sees the highest application volume. Processing can stretch during this window. Apply 4-6 months before travel during peak season.

Compare visa guides: USA | UK | Schengen | Australia

Canada's challenge: Canada's visitor visa approval rate has dropped significantly — from 56% in 2023 to 49% nationally in 2025 (based on IRCC data). Indian applications fell 46% between 2023 and 2025. IRCC does not publish official per-country visitor visa approval rates, so any exact India-specific percentage you see is an estimate, not a government number. The tightened screening is part of IRCC's "Visa Integrity" initiative launched in summer 2024.

Canada's advantage: Dual intent is explicitly recognized — you can apply for a visitor visa even if you have a pending permanent residence application. This is unique to Canada among major destinations. The CAN+ program also offers expedited processing for low-risk Indian applicants with strong travel history.

The IRCC officer needs clear evidence that you can financially cover your stay without working illegally or becoming a burden on Canadian social services.

Minimum Financial Threshold

Accepted Financial Documents

Common Rejection Reasons for Canada Visa

Canada's visitor visa refusal rate has risen sharply — the national approval rate dropped to 49% in 2025 (based on IRCC data). For Indian applicants, the challenge is even greater. Here are the most common refusal reasons:

The IRPR 179(b) Refusal Standard

This is Canada's version of the US 214(b) standard. The refusal letter will typically say: "I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay as required by paragraph 179(b)..."

The officer isn't saying you lied — they're saying they don't believe you'll come home. The entire burden is on you to prove you will. Every aspect of your application is evaluated through this lens.

If you receive this refusal: Order your GCMS notes (see below), identify the specific concern, fix it with new evidence, and reapply. Do not reapply with the same documents.

GCMS Notes — Your Refusal Diagnosis Tool

The refusal letter is deliberately generic. The officer's actual reasoning lives in the GCMS (Global Case Management System) notes — line-by-line internal commentary on your funds, ties, credibility, and any system flags.

How to get GCMS notes:

1. File an ATIP (Access to Information and Privacy) request to IRCC
2. Cost: CAD $5 through the Government of Canada ATIP Online Request portal
3. Must be filed by a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or someone physically in Canada — using consent form IMM 5744, your passport copy, and your application number
4. A relative in Canada, a licensed representative, or a paid ATIP service can file for you
5. Notes arrive as a PDF, typically in 30-90 days

Why this matters: Reapplying without GCMS notes is like rewriting an exam without knowing which questions you failed. The notes tell you exactly what the officer doubted.

Best Time to Apply

Sample Cover Letter — Tourist Visa

Use this as a starting template. Customize it with your actual details.

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

To,

The Visa Officer,

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Subject: Application for Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa) — [Your Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa to visit Canada from [Start Date] to [End Date] ([X] days).

PURPOSE OF VISIT:

I plan to visit [specific cities] for [specific reason — tourism/family visit/business]. [If visiting family: "I am visiting my [relation] [Name] who is a Canadian citizen/PR residing in [City]."]

ITINERARY:

• Day 1-2: [City] — [Specific activities]
• Day 3-4: [City] — [Specific activities]
• Day 5-7: [City] — [Specific activities]

ACCOMMODATION:

• [Hotel Name / Host's Address], [City] — [Dates]

FINANCIAL MEANS:

I am self-funding this trip. My bank statements for the last 6 months show a consistent balance of ₹[X] lakhs. I am currently employed as [Designation] at [Company Name] with a monthly salary of ₹[X].

TIES TO INDIA:

I have strong ties to India including:

• Permanent employment at [Company Name] (NOC and employment letter attached)
• Family residing in [City] (spouse/children/parents)
• Property owned at [Address] (if applicable)

PREVIOUS TRAVEL HISTORY:

[If applicable: I have previously traveled to [Countries] on [visa type] and returned on time each occasion.]

I assure you that I will return to India before the expiry of my authorized stay. All documents supporting this application are enclosed herewith.

Thank you for considering my application.

Yours faithfully,

Sample Cover Letter — Business Visa

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

To,

The Visa Officer,

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Subject: Application for Business Visitor Visa (TRV) — [Your Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for a Business Visitor Visa to visit Canada from [Start Date] to [End Date] ([X] days).

PURPOSE OF VISIT:

I am traveling to attend [specific event/meeting — e.g., "the Toronto Tech Summit" / "a board meeting with our Canadian partner company XYZ Inc." / "client review meetings in Vancouver"]. The invitation from [Company Name] is attached.

ITINERARY:

• Day 1: Arrival Toronto — meeting with [Company Name]
• Day 2: [Event/Meeting details]
• Day 3: [Event/Meeting details]
• Day 4: Departure

INVITING COMPANY:

Incorporated in Canada under Corporation Number: [XXXX]

Contact person: [Name, Designation]

Phone: [Number] | Email: [Email]

COST BEARER:

[Company Name / Self] will bear all travel, accommodation, and living expenses during my stay.

TIES TO INDIA:

I am employed as [Designation] at [Company Name] since [Year]. My employer has granted leave for this trip (NOC attached). I have previously visited [Country] on [visa type] and returned on time.

I confirm that I will not engage in any paid employment or enter the Canadian labour market during my visit. I will return to India before the expiry of my authorized stay.

Yours faithfully,

Based on our work with Indian applicants for Canada visas, here are patterns we observe:

Common Rejection Patterns:

• Applicants with family in Canada but weak India-side ties — the officer sees Canada ties as stronger than return anchors
• Bank statements showing sudden large deposits without income trail — reads as "borrowed for the application"
• Vague cover letters that don't explain why Canada specifically or why now
• First-time travelers with no international compliance record applying for long stays

Processing Trends:

• Online applications are processed faster than paper applications — always apply online
• Delhi and Mumbai VACs process biometrics faster due to higher volume
• Applications with complete documentation upfront avoid the "additional documents request" delay
• CAN+ eligible applicants (strong travel history to US/UK/Schengen) see faster processing

Seasonal Demand Patterns:

• Peak applications March-June for summer travel (June-August)
• September-October spike for year-end travel and student intake
• January-February is the quietest period — fastest processing

Frequently Missing Documents:

• IMM 5645 (Family Information Form) — often forgotten by first-time applicants
• Employer NOC with specific leave dates — generic "no objection" letters are weak
• Proof of host's Canadian status (PR card or citizenship certificate copy)
• Day-by-day itinerary — "tourism" without a plan is a refusal trigger

At Canadian Immigration (Port of Entry)

Present your passport with the TRV counterfoil at the Canadian port of entry. A CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) officer will review your documents and ask about your purpose of visit, duration of stay, and accommodation. The officer stamps your passport with an authorized stay — typically 6 months from the date of entry. Ensure you leave Canada before this date or apply for an extension.

What to have ready: Passport with TRV, return flight ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, and a printed copy of your travel itinerary.

Key Practical Information

• Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD). 1 CAD ≈ ₹60 (confirm current rate)
• Emergency contact: High Commission of Canada in New Delhi: +91 11 4178 2000
• Healthcare: Canada's public healthcare does not cover visitors — ensure your travel insurance is active
• SIM card: Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport from providers like Rogers, Bell, or Telus

Need help with your Canada visa? Talk to an expert and get your application approved faster.

Call us: Pune: +91 020 49027000 | Dadar: +91 022 45830600 | Thane: +91 022 69814000

Email: inquiry@btwvisas.com