Planning to visit, study, or work in Canada from India? Then securing the right visa is the first crucial step. Every year, thousands of Indians apply for Canadian visas for a variety of reasons—tourism, education, work, or immigration. However, without a clear understanding of the visa requirements, application process, and timelines, your journey could face unexpected delays.
In this guide, we break down the essential Canada visa for Indians, covering the documents you need, applicable fees, and expected processing times.
Overview: Canada Visa for Indians
A Canada visa for Indians is an official permit issued by the Canadian government that allows Indian passport holders to enter Canada for a specific purpose and duration. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a long-term move, the visa type and required documentation will vary.
The most common categories include:
- Visitor Visa (Tourism & Business)
- Student Visa (Study Permit)
- Work Visa (Work Permit)
- Permanent Residence (Express Entry, PNP)
1. Required Documents for Indian Applicants
While exact requirements may differ by visa type, most applications involve the following core documents:
✅ General Documents
- Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Completed application form (online via IRCC portal)
- Two passport-sized photos (as per Canada photo specs)
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Travel history and previous visa stamps (if any)
- Cover letter explaining your travel intent
🧳 Visitor Visa
- Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, IT returns)
- Letter of invitation (if visiting friends/family)
- Employment proof or leave approval from employer
🎓 Student Visa
- Letter of acceptance from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Proof of tuition payment or scholarship
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Financial documents (bank funds or GIC)
- Academic transcripts and IELTS scores
👔 Work Visa
- Job offer letter from Canadian employer
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if applicable
- Educational and professional qualification proof
- Resume/CV and reference letters
2. Visa Fees for Indian Citizens
The visa application fee depends on the type of visa being applied for. Below are the standard costs as of 2025:
| Visa Type | Fee (CAD) | Approx. INR |
| Visitor Visa | 100 | ₹6,200 |
| Student Visa | 150 | ₹9,300 |
| Work Permit | 155 | ₹9,600 |
| Biometrics (per person) | 85 | ₹5,200 |
| PR (Express Entry) | 1,365 | ₹84,000 |
These fees are payable online through the official IRCC platform. Be sure to keep your receipts as proof of payment.
3. Processing Time: How Long Does It Take?
Processing times can vary depending on the visa type, volume of applications, and your location in India. Below is a general estimate for each visa category:
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
| Visitor Visa | 3–4 weeks |
| Student Visa | 2–4 weeks (under SDS) |
| Work Permit | 6–8 weeks |
| Express Entry PR | 6–8 months (after ITA) |
It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your travel or intake date. Also, booking biometric appointments early can save additional time.
4. Where to Apply from India
Indian applicants can apply for a Canada visa online through the official IRCC website. After completing the application, you’ll need to:
- Pay the visa and biometric fees
- Schedule a biometric appointment at your nearest VFS Global Visa Application Centre
- Submit your passport when requested
Major VFS centres are available in cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Chennai.
5. Tips to Avoid Delays or Rejection
To improve your chances of getting your Canada visa approved, follow these simple tips:
- Ensure your documents are accurate, up-to-date, and complete
- Show strong financial and personal ties to India (especially for visitor and student visas)
- Do not submit fake documents or misrepresent information
- Be clear and confident if called for an interview
Conclusion
Getting a Canada visa for Indians is not as complicated as it seems—provided you understand the requirements and follow the correct process. With the right documents, timely fee payment, and early application, your chances of approval are significantly improved.
Whether you’re looking to travel for leisure, pursue a degree, start a job, or settle permanently in Canada, this guide should serve as your starting point.
