Processing time
Use the IRCC processing-times tool for visitor visas from India — times change and do not include the wait to give biometrics. After you pay biometrics: wait for the biometric instruction letter (BIL), then book a VAC appointment as soon as possible. You have 30 days from the date on the BIL to give biometrics.
Stay period
Most visitors may stay up to 6 months. A border services officer decides the length on arrival and may stamp a leave-by date or issue a visitor record. No stamp: usually 6 months from entry, or until passport or biometrics expire — whichever comes first. To stay longer: apply for a visitor record before status ends.
Validity
Single or multiple entry, as the visa officer decides. Generally up to 10 years, or until passport or biometrics expire — whichever comes first. An officer may set a shorter validity.
Visa Fees and Charges
Single entry
Visitor visa (including super visa) — per person. IRCC decides single vs multiple from the same fee
Visitor visa — family of 5 or more applying together at the same time and place (maximum family fee)
Biometrics — per individual (fingerprints and photo)
Biometrics — family of 2 or more eligible people applying together (maximum)
| Entry | Label | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry | Visitor visa (including super visa) — per person. IRCC decides single vs multiple from the same fee | C$100 |
| — | Visitor visa — family of 5 or more applying together at the same time and place (maximum family fee) | C$500 |
| — | Biometrics — per individual (fingerprints and photo) | C$85 |
| — | Biometrics — family of 2 or more eligible people applying together (maximum) | C$170 |
About This Visa
Indian ordinary-passport holders need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) to visit or transit through Canada. India is on IRCC’s visa-required list. India is not on the expanded eTA list for select visa-required countries — so a prior Canadian visa or a US nonimmigrant visa does not switch an Indian passport to an eTA path. Usual staff path: apply online in the IRCC Portal, pay the visitor-visa and biometrics fees, then give fingerprints and a photo at a Canada Visa Application Centre in India after the BIL.
Tourism, family visits and other temporary visits are covered when the officer is satisfied they will leave Canada. No paid work on a visitor visa.
Documents Required
Visitor visa
- Valid passport or travel document (digital copy for the online file). Renew first if needed — IRCC asks for validity of at least 6 months from the planned travel date
- Clear colour copy of the passport / travel document you will use to travel
- Proof of funds for the stay (amount depends on length of stay and hotel vs family/friends)
- Proof of ties to India (job, home, assets, family) showing they will leave Canada
- Purpose of trip papers as the personalized IRCC checklist asks (itinerary, invitation if visiting someone, etc.)
- Letter of invitation and/or medical exam only if IRCC or the visa office asks
- Biometrics after the BIL at a VAC (unless exempt)
Follow the personalized document checklist in the IRCC Portal for applications from India. Extra local visa-office papers may apply.
