For many Indian travellers, Canada is more than just a holiday destination—it’s a chance to reconnect with family, explore world-famous landscapes, and experience one of the most welcoming countries in the world. Whether you’re planning to visit relatives, attend a graduation ceremony, or enjoy a short vacation, the Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV) is the primary pathway for entry.
In 2026, the application process remains digital, structured, and security-focused, but easier to navigate if you understand the requirements clearly. This guide simplifies everything Indian applicants need to know—from latest policy updates to eligibility, documents, fees, processing time, and a step-by-step process—so you can apply confidently and avoid unnecessary delays.
Canada continues to refine its entry system to ensure smoother and more transparent processing for visitors, especially Indian applicants, who make up one of the largest traveller groups.
Here are the most important updates for 2026:
All applications for the Canada TRV for Indian citizens must be submitted online through the IRCC portal. Paper submissions are phased out except for special cases.
Biometrics remain compulsory for almost all Indian applicants. This includes fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
More applicants now receive biometric validity reuse, reducing the need for repeated trips to VFS if biometrics were provided recently.
IRCC has introduced clearer communication on background checks, especially for travelers with extended family ties in Canada.
Most Indian applicants are now issued Canada multiple-entry visitor visas, often valid up to passport expiry.
Processing speed varies, but new automated triage tools aim to reduce delays while still maintaining strict security checks.
To meet the Canada visitor visa requirements, Indian applicants must show that:
Whether visiting family or taking a vacation, your purpose must be short-term and genuine.
Bank statements, salary slips, business documents, or savings must prove you can cover travel, stay, meals, and emergencies.
This could include:
🔹A stable job or business
🔹Property ownership
🔹Dependent family members
🔹Ongoing studies
These ties assure the officer that you will return home.
A clean immigration, criminal, and travel history improves approval chances.
Incomplete or inconsistent documents are the most common reasons for refusal.
Indian applicants typically need the following documents:
🔹Valid passport (6 months minimum validity)
🔹Two photographs (as per IRCC specifications)
🔹Bank statements (6 months)
🔹Income proof (salary slips, business documents, ITR)
🔹Travel itinerary
🔹Flight or hotel reservations (optional but helpful)
🔹Property documents or financial assets (optional)
🔹Invitation letter (for family visits)
🔹Old passports and visa history
🔹Biometrics confirmation letter
🔹Statement of purpose explaining why you want to visit
For a family visit visa for Indians, an invitation letter from a Canadian PR or citizen strengthens the application.
🔹Visa Fee: CAD $100
🔹Biometrics Fee: CAD $85
🔹Total per applicant: CAD $185
(Fees may vary with currency conversion.)
The Canada visitor visa processing time is generally:
🔹It may vary depending on how many applications we get or if your application is complex.
🔹Faster for applicants with a clean history and complete documents
🔹Longer during peak travel seasons (summer & winter breaks)
Here is a clear and simple walkthrough for Indian applicants:
Step 1: Create Your Secure IRCC Account. Go to the official IRCC website (Canada.ca) and register for a GCKey or IRCC Portal account. This is your digital dashboard where you will start your application and receive all future updates.
🔹Pro Tip: Use an email you check daily. In 2026, IRCC is fully digital—missing an email notification could mean missing a deadline.
Step 2: Select “Apply for a Visitor Visa (TRV)” Once logged in, choose the “Visitor Visa” option. You will be asked a series of eligibility questions to determine if you need a visa (TRV) or eTA.
🔹Note for Indians: Indian citizens typically need a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa), not an eTA, unless they hold a valid US Green Card.
Step 3: Fill in Personal & Travel Details. Complete the digital forms with 100% accuracy. You’ll need to provide details on your travel dates, employment history (last 10 years), and family information.
🔹Crucial: Ensure your “Purpose of Visit” is specific. Vague answers like “tourism” are a top reason for rejection in 2026. Be detailed (e.g., “Visiting Niagara Falls and cousins in Toronto for 10 days”).
Step 4: Upload All Required Documents. Upload clear, high-quality scans of your passport, photos, and proof of funds.
🔹The “Ties to Home” Rule: This is where most Indian applicants fail. You must upload proof that you will return to India (e.g., property papers, a leave letter from your employer, or proof of family assets).
Step 5: Pay Visa and Biometrics Fees. Pay the non-refundable fees directly on the portal. As of now, the visitor visa fee is $100 CAD (~₹6,500 INR), and the biometrics fee is $85 CAD (~₹5,500 INR).
🔹Heads Up: Keep the receipt screenshot! You might need to show it later at the VFS centre.
Step 6: Receive Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). After submitting, wait for the Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) to appear in your account. You cannot book an appointment without this document.
🔹Timeline: This usually involves paying the biometric fee at the same time as your application, which can speed up the issuance of the BIL.
Step 7: Book & Attend Biometrics at VFS Global. Book an appointment at your nearest VFS Global centre in India (Delhi, Mumbai, etc.). Arrive 15 minutes early to submit your fingerprints and photo.
🔹VFS Alert: Scammers are active. Only book appointments through the official VFS website or links provided in your BIL.
Step 8: Application Review & Background Check IRCC officers will review your profile. They check for financial stability (do you have enough funds?) and security admissibility.
🔹2026 Reality: Scrutiny is higher. Ensure your bank statements show a consistent history, not just a sudden large deposit, before applying.
Step 9: Passport Request (The “Golden Email”). If approved, you will get a “Passport Request Letter” in your IRCC account. You must submit your physical passport to VFS Global for stamping.
🔹Action: Submit it quickly, usually within 30 days, using the VFS two-way courier service to avoid traveling to the center again.
Step 10: Receive a Passport with a Visa. Your passport will be returned with the counterfoil (visa sticker) affixed. You are now ready to fly!
🔹Success: Most TRVs for Indian citizens are issued as multiple-entry visas valid until your passport expires or for a maximum of 10 years.
The Canada Visitor Visa for Indians in 2026 is a well-structured, online-driven process that becomes easier when you understand the rules and prepare accurate documents. Whether you’re visiting friends, family, or simply exploring Canada’s beautiful geographies, presenting yourself as a genuine traveler is the key to approval.
By staying updated with the latest policies, arranging a strong set of supporting documents, and following the application steps carefully, you can significantly improve your chances of a smooth approval journey.
Yes, applications are open year-round, fully online, and processed via IRCC.
There is no fixed amount, but generally, ₹2–4 lakhs per traveler for a short trip is considered reasonable, depending on the trip duration.
Yes. Canada biometrics for Indian applicants remain mandatory unless biometrics were given recently.
Most approved TRVs issued to Indians are multiple-entry, based on passport validity.
Usually up to 6 months per visit, unless the officer specifies otherwise.
Not compulsory but strongly recommended for safety.
No. A TRV does not allow employment or long-term activities.
Oriens is your one-stop solution for resolving all immigration-related queries and getting assistance with the procedure. Our consultants work towards ensuring that your journey of settling abroad does not involve any sort of hustle-bustle. Providing a host of solutions, we aim to take responsibility for all errands and requirements of your visa application process.
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