Canada visa for Indian travellers

Canada Visa for Indians: Requirements, Fees & Entry Rules

💻

Canada Visa for Indians

Visa Status

e-Visa

Maximum Stay

Up to 6 months per entry (determined by CBSA officer)

Application

Online via official visa portal

Last Verified

2026-08-01

Quick Answer

Indian passport holders need a Visitor Visa for Canada. The fee is CAD 100 plus CAD 85 biometrics (total CAD 185, approx. ₹11,300). Apply online through the IRCC portal and provide biometrics at VFS Global. Processing takes 15–30 working days.

Canada is a popular destination for Indian travellers, known for the Niagara Falls, the Canadian Rockies, vibrant cities like Toronto and Vancouver, and diverse wildlife. Indian passport holders need a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) to enter Canada for tourism. The application is completed online, with biometrics collected at a VFS Global centre. The visa is typically valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries. This guide covers the visa process, fees, required documents, and key requirements for Indian travellers.

Do Indians Need a Visa for Canada?

Yes, Indian passport holders require a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) to enter Canada for tourism. The Canadian eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is not available for Indian passport holders, as India is not a visa-exempt country. A full visitor visa must be obtained.

How Long Indians Can Stay in Canada

The Canada visitor visa allows stays of up to 6 months per entry, as determined by the CBSA officer at the port of entry. The visa is typically valid for up to 10 years (or until passport expiry) with multiple entries, but each individual stay is limited to 6 months unless otherwise specified.

Canada Tourist Visa

The Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) is the standard visa for Indian leisure travellers visiting Canada. It is applied for online through the IRCC portal. The visa is typically granted as a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years or until passport expiry.

Canada e-Visa

The Canada Visitor Visa application is submitted online through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) portal. You create an online account, complete the application form, upload documents, and pay the fee. After submission, you receive a biometrics instruction letter and must visit a VFS Global centre to provide fingerprints and a photograph. The visa is linked to your passport electronically.

Canada Entry Requirements

To enter Canada, Indian passport holders need: a passport valid for at least 6 months, a valid Canada Visitor Visa (or visa counterfoil in the passport), a return or onward flight ticket, and proof of accommodation. The CBSA officer at the port of entry determines the length of authorised stay. You may also be asked for proof of sufficient funds and ties to India.

Passport validity

Minimum 6 months from date of entry

Visa type

Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Biometrics

Fingerprints and photograph required at VFS Global

eTA

eTA is not sufficient for Indian passport holders; a full visa is required

Documents Required

Documents required for the Canada Visitor Visa application include: a passport valid for at least 6 months, the completed online application form, a recent passport-size photograph, bank statements for the last 6 months, income tax returns for the last 2–3 years, a detailed itinerary, hotel bookings or a sponsor letter, and a letter of invitation if visiting family or friends. Additional documents may be requested.

Canada Visa Fees

The Canada Visitor Visa costs CAD 100 (approx. ₹6,100). The biometrics fee is CAD 85 (approx. ₹5,200). The total fee is CAD 185 (approx. ₹11,300). The fee is paid online by credit or debit card at the time of application. VFS Global may charge an additional service fee for biometrics collection. The fee is non-refundable.

Canada Visa Application Process

The Canada Visitor Visa is applied for online through the IRCC portal. You create an account, complete the application form, upload documents, and pay the fee online. After submission, you receive a biometrics instruction letter and must visit a VFS Global centre to provide biometrics. The visa is then processed and linked to your passport.

1

Create an online account on the IRCC portal and complete the Visitor Visa application form.

2

Upload all required documents: passport, photograph, bank statements, ITR, itinerary.

3

Pay the CAD 185 total fee (CAD 100 visa + CAD 85 biometrics) online.

4

Receive the biometrics instruction letter and visit a VFS Global centre to provide fingerprints and photograph.

5

Wait 15–30 working days for processing after biometrics submission.

6

Receive the visa approval and passport request. Submit your passport for visa counterfoil stamping.

Canada Visa Processing Time

Processing typically takes 15 to 30 working days after biometrics are submitted. Processing times vary by season and the volume of applications. It is recommended to apply at least 2 months before your intended travel date. Peak seasons may see longer processing times.

Canada Visa Extension

The visitor visa stay can be extended by applying online through the IRCC portal before the authorised stay expires, using Form IMM 5710. A fee applies and approval is not guaranteed. Overstaying is a serious violation and can result in deportation and future visa denials.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common mistakes include: not submitting biometrics after receiving the instruction letter (the application cannot proceed without it), not providing sufficient financial documentation, not demonstrating ties to India, applying too close to the travel date, and confusing the eTA with a visa (Indian passport holders need a full visa, not an eTA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indians need a visa for Canada?
Yes. Indian passport holders require a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) to enter Canada for tourism. The visa is applied for online through the IRCC portal, with biometrics collected at a VFS Global centre.
How much does a Canada tourist visa cost for Indians?
The Canada Visitor Visa costs CAD 100 (approx. ₹6,100). A biometrics fee of CAD 85 (approx. ₹5,200) is also required. The total is CAD 185 (approx. ₹11,300). The fee is paid online at the time of application.
How long does Canada visa processing take?
Processing typically takes 15 to 30 working days after biometrics are submitted. Processing times vary by season and volume of applications. Apply at least 2 months before your intended travel date.
Can Indians use eTA instead of a visa for Canada?
No. The Canadian eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is only available for visa-exempt nationalities. Indian passport holders need a full Visitor Visa, not an eTA.
How long can Indians stay in Canada on a visitor visa?
The Canada visitor visa typically allows stays of up to 6 months per entry, as determined by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the port of entry. The visa is usually valid for up to 10 years or until passport expiry, with multiple entries.

Official Canada Visa Resources

Canada visa information is published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The official visa application portal is canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship. Biometrics are collected at VFS Global centres in India.

Last verified: 2026-08-01. Visa rules can change. Always confirm with official sources before travel.

Related Canada Travel Guides

Planning a trip to Canada?

Explore Canada travel guides, holiday ideas and packages on VacationTrips. Our travel experts can help you plan a personalised itinerary tailored to your budget and interests.

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements change frequently. The information on this page was last verified on 2026-08-01. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy website or your travel agent before applying. VacationTrips does not guarantee that this information is current at the time of your travel.