Canada Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens need a visitor visa, called a temporary resident visa, to travel to Canada for tourism, family visits or business. India is not on the list of visa-required countries whose citizens can use the electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead, so there is no eTA route for Indian passport holders. You apply online, pay a fee, and give biometrics. This guide covers the fees, documents, timing and the reasons applications are refused.

The visitor visa

A Canadian visitor visa lets you enter for a temporary stay, normally up to six months per visit; the border officer sets the length of each stay. Canada often issues visas that allow multiple entries and stay valid for up to ten years or until your passport expires, though each case is decided individually. If you already hold a valid Canadian visa, you do not need to apply again until it expires.

Why the eTA does not apply to you

IRCC lets citizens of some visa-required countries apply for an eTA instead of a visa for air travel, if they have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past ten years or currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa. The countries on that list are named on the IRCC eligibility page, and India is not among them. Indian citizens need a visitor visa even if they hold a US visa.

Fees

• Visitor visa: CAD 100 per person.
• Biometrics: CAD 85 per person, or up to CAD 170 for a family applying together. Biometrics are generally valid for ten years.
• A visa application centre in India charges a separate service fee.

Fees are non-refundable and can change, so confirm them on the IRCC website before you pay.

How to apply

• Create an IRCC online account and complete the visitor visa form (IMM 5257) and the family information form (IMM 5645).
• Upload your documents and pay the visa and biometrics fees.
• Give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre.
• Wait for the decision, which is shown in your IRCC account.

Documents you will usually need

• A valid passport and, if you have them, copies of previous visas.
• A recent photo that meets the IRCC specifications.
• Proof of funds, such as bank statements, and income tax returns.
• Proof of employment or business, and of other ties to India such as family or property.
• Your travel plan and accommodation, and an invitation letter if you are visiting family or friends.

How long it takes

Processing times change often. IRCC reduced the time for visitor visas filed from India to about 83 days in early 2026, according to Business Standard, and a later report said IRCC’s tool showed 29 days for India on 26 October 2026. Use IRCC’s own processing-times tool on the day you apply, and apply well before your travel date.

How officers decide

The officer must be satisfied that you will visit temporarily, that you have enough money for the stay, and that you have reasons to leave Canada when your stay ends. Employment, a home, financial assets and family ties can all help show this.

Common reasons for refusal

• Funds that are too low or unexplained for the trip.
• A purpose of visit or itinerary that is unclear.
• Weak ties to India.
• Incomplete or inconsistent forms and documents.

A refusal letter gives only short reasons. If you reapply, fix those points first and be honest about the earlier refusal on the form.

Last verified: 5 November 2026 against the sources linked below. Visa rules change often, so confirm the details on the official link before you book or apply.

Official sources

• IRCC: Visit Canada
• IRCC: eTA for citizens of some visa-required countries
• IRCC: Check processing times

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