Canada Visitor Visa: Requirements, Eligibility, Process & Documents for Indians
Everything you need to know about the Canada Visitor Visa (TRV). Tourist visa, Super Visa for parents, Transit Visa, eligibility, fees, and step-by-step application process.
25 days (from India, online)
CAD 100 + CAD 85 biometrics
Up to 10 years
Canada Visitor Visa, officially called the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is a document issued by IRCC that authorises foreign nationals to enter Canada for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. It is required for citizens of visa-required countries, including India, travelling to Canada by air, land, or sea.
Applicants must demonstrate ties to their home country, proof of funds, and a genuine intent to leave Canada before the visa expires. The application fee is CAD 100, plus CAD 85 for biometrics. Processing from India takes approximately 25 days online. A TRV permits stays of up to 6 months per entry and may be valid for up to 10 years.
Eligibility
Who can apply for Canada Visitor Visa?
- Indian nationals and citizens of other visa-required countries visiting Canada for tourism or leisure
- Foreign nationals visiting family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs eligible for the Super Visa with stays of up to 5 years per entry
- Business visitors attending meetings, conferences, or training in Canada without entering the Canadian labour market
- Patients travelling to Canada for medical treatment at a Canadian healthcare facility
- Travellers transiting through Canadian airports who require an Airport Transit Visa
- Journalists, cultural performers, and short-term coaches attending events in Canada
- Foreign nationals who were refused an eTA and must apply for a TRV instead
Eligibility criteria vary by visa type and individual circumstances. Visit individual visa pages for exact requirements, insurance minimums, and income thresholds.
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Requirements
What are the requirements and key details of Canada Visitor Visa?
- Visa Category: Temporary Residence
- Official Visa Name: Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
- Visa Type: Visitor Visa
- Application Fee: CAD 100 per person (family of 5+ applying together: CAD 500 maximum)
- Biometrics Fee: CAD 85 per person; CAD 170 for a family of 2 or more
- Processing Time (India, online): 25 days (as of April 2026 IRCC live data)
- Max Stay Per Entry: 6 months (default; CBSA officer has discretion)
- Max Visa Validity: Up to 10 years (or until passport / biometrics expire)
- Entry Type: Single or multiple — at the visa officer's discretion
- Proof of Funds: Required — sufficient funds to cover the stay in Canada
- Ties to Home Country: Required — employment, property, family, or financial ties
- Application Mode: Online (IRCC secure portal) or paper (Visa Application Centre)
- Extension Allowed: Yes — apply for a Visitor Record before authorisation expires
Documents
What are the documents required for Canada Visitor Visa?
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay in Canada
- Digital passport-style photograph meeting IRCC specifications
- Proof of financial support — bank statements, salary slips, or income tax returns for the last 3-6 months
- Travel itinerary including flight bookings and accommodation details
- Evidence of ties to home country — employment letter, property documents, or family ties demonstrating intent to return
- Invitation letter from a host in Canada if visiting family or friends, with proof of their status (citizenship or PR card copy)
- Travel history documents — copies of previous visas from Canada, USA, UK, Schengen area, or Australia
- Leave approval from employer or proof of self-employment confirming authorised absence
- Biometrics — fingerprints and photograph collected at a designated Visa Application Centre
- Police clearance certificates (where required by IRCC based on travel history)
- Medical examination results from an IRCC-approved panel physician (where required)
- Additional documents may be requested by the visa officer based on individual application circumstances
Application Process
How to Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa: Step-by-Step Process
Check Whether You Need a TRV
Use the IRCC official tool to confirm whether your nationality requires a Temporary Resident Visa or an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). Citizens of visa-required countries, including India, need a TRV for all travel to Canada.
Gather Required Documents
Collect your passport, financial proof (bank statements and salary slips for the last 3-6 months), travel history documents, ties to home country evidence, and an invitation letter if visiting family. Ensure all documents are current and translated into English or French if needed.
Give Biometrics at a Visa Application Centre
Book and complete your biometrics appointment at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC). Pay the CAD 85 biometrics fee. Biometrics are valid for 10 years — if you gave biometrics within the last 10 years for Canada, you do not need to give them again.
Apply Online or by Paper
Submit your application through the IRCC secure online account or at a VAC. Pay the CAD 100 application fee. Online applications are faster and allow real-time status tracking. Ensure your application form, photos, and all documents meet IRCC specifications before submitting.
Wait for Processing
Online applications from India take approximately 25 days as of April 2026. Processing times vary and are not guaranteed. Do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is approved. Monitor status through your IRCC online account.
Receive Your TRV
If approved, a TRV counterfoil is stamped into your passport, showing the visa type, number of entries, and validity dates. Review these carefully. The TRV validity is the period during which you can enter Canada — it is not the same as how long you can stay.
Travel to Canada and Receive Entry
Present your passport with the TRV counterfoil at the Canadian port of entry. A CBSA officer reviews your documents and stamps your passport with an authorised stay — typically 6 months from the date of entry. Ensure you leave Canada before this date or apply for an extension.
Understanding the Canada Visitor Visa process is essential to prepare a strong application and avoid delays or refusals. Each applicant's circumstances are different — the visa officer assesses ties to home country, financial stability, travel history, and purpose of visit.
Review all requirements carefully before applying. A well-prepared application with clear documentation significantly improves approval chances. For parents and grandparents, explore the Super Visa for a longer-stay option. For Canadian airport stopovers, check the Transit Visa requirements.
For detailed insights on eligibility, document checklist, visa validity, and common refusal reasons, explore Visitor Visa FAQs guide to know the answers of all your questions.
Related Resources
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