🇨🇦 Canada Visa for Indians: Complete 2026 Guide
Indian nationals require a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also known as a Visitor Visa, to enter Canada in 2026. Canada is a top destination for Indian tourists, students visiting family, and business travelers, and also a major immigration destination -- making visitor visa approvals subject to careful assessment of non-immigrant intent.
At a Glance: Canada Visitor Visa for Indians
| Visa Required? | Yes — TRV Required |
| Fee | CAD 100 per person (single or multiple entry) |
| Biometrics | CAD 85 per person (required for first-time applicants) |
| Processing Time | 2–8 weeks (online applications typically faster) |
| Max Stay | Up to 6 months per visit |
| Apply | Online via IRCC portal (ircc.canada.ca) |
Quick Answers
Do Indians need a visa for Canada?
Yes. Indian passport holders require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for Canada. There is no visa on arrival or eTA for Indian nationals -- you need a full TRV processed before travel. Apply online through the IRCC portal at ircc.canada.ca.
How much is the Canada visa fee for Indians?
The TRV application fee is CAD 100. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) cost an additional CAD 85 for first-time applicants. Total minimum cost: CAD 185. Fees are non-refundable.
How long does Canada visa take for Indians?
Online TRV applications for Indian nationals typically process in 2-8 weeks. Processing times fluctuate -- check the current IRCC processing time tool at ircc.canada.ca before applying. Biometrics can be done at a VAC (Visa Application Centre) in India or at a Canada Immigration IRCC-approved centre.
Can Indians apply for Canada eTA instead of a full visa?
No. The eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is available only to citizens of visa-exempt countries. India is not visa-exempt. Indians require a full TRV regardless of how they are traveling (air, land, or sea).
What are common reasons Canada TRV is refused for Indians?
The most common reason is insufficient proof of ties to India -- IRCC must be convinced you will return. Other reasons: weak financial evidence, unclear purpose of visit, prior immigration violations, or incomplete application. Indian applicants with pending Canadian immigration applications (PR, sponsorship) face near-certain TRV refusal.
Canada TRV Application Steps for Indian Nationals
- Create an IRCC account at ircc.canada.ca and start the online application. Identify yourself as applying for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) as a visitor.
- Complete the application form. The form asks for personal background, employment, travel history, family in Canada, and purpose of visit. Answer all questions honestly -- misrepresentation results in a 5-year ban.
- Pay the fees: CAD 100 TRV fee + CAD 85 biometrics. Total: CAD 185.
- Book biometrics at a VAC (Visa Application Centre) in India. VFS Global operates Canadian VACs in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Pune, Kochi, and Jaipur. Book an appointment after paying -- biometrics must be completed for your application to advance.
- Upload supporting documents through the IRCC online portal.
- Track processing through your IRCC account. Current estimated processing times are shown at ircc.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
- Receive decision. If approved, the visa is stamped in your passport or issued as a digital record.
Required Documents
- Passport (valid for the duration of your stay; new and all old passports)
- Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications
- Financial evidence: 6 months bank statements showing consistent income and balance; bank letters confirming account history; Fixed Deposit certificates; property ownership documents
- Employment evidence: employer letter stating position, salary, leave approval; last 3 months payslips; ITR for last 2 years
- For self-employed: GST registration, business documents, 6 months business bank statements
- Ties to India: property documents, family in India (marriage certificate, children's birth certificates), business interests
- Purpose of visit: itinerary, hotel/accommodation bookings in Canada (provisional), invitation letter if visiting Canadian residents/citizens
- If visiting family in Canada: copy of their Canadian status (PR card, citizenship certificate, Canadian passport, or work/study permit)
Canada TRV Fees (2026)
| Fee Component | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| TRV Application Fee (single or multiple entry) | CAD 100 |
| Biometrics (first-time) | CAD 85 |
| Family (max 5 biometrics) | CAD 170 |
How Non-Immigrant Intent Works for Indians
Canada's immigration desirability to Indian nationals (large Indian diaspora, active immigration pathways) means IRCC officers are particularly alert to TRV applications from Indians with immigration intent. If you or a close family member has a pending immigration application to Canada (PR application, spousal sponsorship), a TRV will almost certainly be refused. Do not apply for both simultaneously. If you are on an active Express Entry profile, TRV applications are assessed very carefully -- be prepared to demonstrate that your visitor trip is genuinely temporary and that you have strong India-based reasons to return regardless of any future immigration plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can an Indian enter Canada on a multiple-entry TRV?
A multiple-entry TRV (same fee as single-entry -- CAD 100) allows unlimited entries during the visa validity period (typically 5-10 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first). Each stay is limited to 6 months. A multiple-entry TRV is the standard visa issued for Indian applicants with clean records.
Can an Indian extend their stay in Canada as a visitor?
Yes. You can apply to extend your visitor status from inside Canada before it expires. The fee is CAD 100 and must be filed online with IRCC while your current status is valid. Approval is not guaranteed -- you must show why you need to stay longer and that you will depart when the extension period ends.
Is the Canada TRV single or multiple entry?
IRCC issues multiple-entry TRVs as the standard for most applicants with clean records. If IRCC determines a single-entry is more appropriate (e.g., unclear ties), they may issue a single-entry. There is no fee difference -- CAD 100 covers both. Request multiple-entry in your application but the final decision is IRCC's.
⚠ Always verify. Visa fees and rules change. Check the official government immigration portal before submitting any application or booking non-refundable travel.
Last reviewed: February 2026 · About · Report inaccuracy