How Indian passport holders get a visa for Canada: visa type, government fee, processing time, maximum stay, the documents required and where to apply. Government-sourced — always verify on the official site before you travel.
Quick facts
- Visa type: Visitor visa (TRV) — apply online + VFS biometrics
- Government fee: CAD 100 (~₹6,300) visitor visa fee + CAD 85 (~₹5,400) biometrics. Total ~₹11,700.
- Processing time: From India: about 70–90 days after biometrics (IRCC posted ~71–88 days in early-to-mid 2026). IRCC targeting 60 days global by Q4 2026.
- Maximum stay: Up to 6 months per entry; multi-entry visa typically valid up to 10 years or until passport expiry
- Interview: Not required
- Ease for Indian travellers: 45/100
Documents you'll need
- Passport 6+ months valid
- Digital photograph (per IRCC specs)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, ITRs)
- Employer NOC / business proof
- Travel itinerary and hotel bookings
- Family/ties-to-India evidence
- Purpose-of-visit letter
- Previous travel history (visas, stamps)
How & where to apply
Apply online on the IRCC portal, then submit biometrics at any VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Pune, Jalandhar). IRCC — Apply for a visitor visa (official)
Transit & connections
Indians need a Transit Visa or visitor visa even for airside transit through Canadian airports (no general airside exemption for India). The Canada Transit Without Visa programme is limited to specific cities/airlines and does not include India.
Good to know
Indians are NOT eligible for the eTA Canada — the expanded eTA programme (launched June 2023) is limited to 13 specific countries; India was never included. However, US Permanent Residents (Green Card) of any nationality — including Indians — are eTA-eligible since April 2022 (CAD 7, instant approval typically). Visa rules change often — confirm on the official government source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/apply-visitor-visa.html
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Canada?
Visitor visa (TRV) — apply online + VFS biometrics. Indians are NOT eligible for the eTA Canada — the expanded eTA programme (launched June 2023) is limited to 13 specific countries; India was never included. However, US Permanent Residents (Green Card) of any nationality — including Indians — are eTA-eligible since April 2022 (CAD 7, instant approval typically).
What documents do Indians need for a Canada visa?
Passport 6+ months valid; Digital photograph (per IRCC specs); Proof of funds (bank statements, ITRs); Employer NOC / business proof; Travel itinerary and hotel bookings; Family/ties-to-India evidence; Purpose-of-visit letter; Previous travel history (visas, stamps)
How long does a Canada visa take and what does it cost?
Processing: From India: about 70–90 days after biometrics (IRCC posted ~71–88 days in early-to-mid 2026). IRCC targeting 60 days global by Q4 2026.. Government fee: CAD 100 (~₹6,300) visitor visa fee + CAD 85 (~₹5,400) biometrics. Total ~₹11,700.. Maximum stay: Up to 6 months per entry; multi-entry visa typically valid up to 10 years or until passport expiry.
How do Indians apply for a Canada visa?
Apply online on the IRCC portal, then submit biometrics at any VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Pune, Jalandhar). Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/apply-visitor-visa.html