Canada Visa from India (2026)

Indian passport holders are among the largest groups of Canada visa applicants globally. Whether you are planning to visit family, explore Canada as a tourist, study at a Canadian university, or work on a temporary permit — this guide covers everything specific to the India application process: VFS locations, fees in rupees, processing times, and document requirements.

Last updated: June 2026

Do Indians Need a Visa for Canada?

Yes. Indian passport holders require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — commonly called a Canada visitor visa — to enter Canada. There is no visa on arrival for Indian citizens. You must apply online through the IRCC portal before travelling.

Types of Canada Visa for Indians

Visa / Permit Type	Purpose
Visitor Visa (TRV)	Tourism, visiting family, business trips up to 6 months
Student Permit	Study at a Canadian DLI (Designated Learning Institution)
Work Permit	Employment with a Canadian employer
Super Visa	Parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or PR holders — up to 5 years per entry
Transit Visa	Passing through a Canadian airport en route to another country

Canada Visa Fees from India (2026)

Fee Component	Amount (CAD)	Approx. (INR)
IRCC application fee (visitor visa)	CAD $185	₹11,500–₹12,000
Biometrics fee (first-time or expired)	CAD $85	₹5,300–₹5,500
VFS service charge	—	₹2,800–₹3,500
Passport courier (optional)	—	₹600–₹1,200
Total (approx.)	—	₹20,000–₹22,000

All IRCC fees are non-refundable. INR amounts are approximate and subject to exchange rate changes.

VFS Global VAC Locations in India

VFS Global manages Canada Visa Application Centres (VACs) across India. You submit your biometrics and passport at a VAC after completing the online application. Current VAC cities:

New Delhi
Mumbai
Bengaluru
Chennai
Hyderabad
Kolkata
Ahmedabad
Chandigarh
Jalandhar
Kochi

Check current operating hours, appointment availability, and addresses on the VFS Global Canada India website.

Processing Time from India (2026)

Online applications from India typically take 2–8 weeks from the date IRCC receives your complete application (including biometrics). During peak periods (April–August, November–December), processing can extend to 10–12 weeks.

Apply at least 10–12 weeks before your intended travel date to give yourself a buffer. Use the IRCC processing times tool for current weekly estimates.

Documents Required from India

Core Documents (all applicants)

Valid Indian passport — at least one blank page for the visa counterfoil
All previous Indian passports (if any)
Digital photograph — white background, 35×45mm, recent
IMM 5257 application form (completed online)

Financial Documents

Bank statements — last 6 months from all savings, current, and FD accounts
Income Tax Returns (ITR) — last 2–3 years
Form 16 or salary slips — last 3 months (salaried employees)
Business registration and audited financial statements (self-employed)
Property ownership or investment documents
Fixed deposit receipts (if applicable)

Employment / Ties to India

Employment letter from Indian employer — must state designation, salary, leave approval dates, and that your job will be held
Company ID card (if employed)
Students — enrolment letter from Indian college/university
Property documents in India (house, land, commercial)
Family ties — marriage certificate, children's birth certificates

Trip Documents

Flight booking (confirmed or tentative itinerary)
Hotel / accommodation confirmation
Invitation letter (if visiting relatives or friends in Canada)
Status of host in Canada — Canadian PR card, citizenship certificate, or Canadian address proof
Travel insurance (recommended)

How to Apply — Step by Step (India)

Create an IRCC account at canada.ca — click "Create an account" under My Account
Complete the online application — fill IMM 5257, answer eligibility questions, upload all documents as PDF
Pay fees online — application fee (CAD $185) + biometrics (CAD $85) via credit/debit card in CAD
Receive Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) — sent to your email within 24 hours of payment
Book VFS appointment — log into the VFS Global website and schedule your biometrics at the nearest VAC in India
Attend VAC appointment — bring original passport, VAC fee, and BIL printout
Track application on IRCC My Account — check status regularly
Receive decision — if approved, your passport is returned with a visa counterfoil (for TRV) or you receive a Port of Entry letter

Canada Visa from India — Approval Rate

India is one of Canada's highest-volume applicant countries with a competitive approval rate. In recent years, approval rates for Indian visitor visa applicants have ranged from 55–70%. Key factors that strengthen approval:

Strong financial position — stable bank balance over 6+ months
Stable employment with approved leave
Previous travel history to Canada, US, UK, or Schengen countries
Property ownership or significant assets in India
Clear, specific purpose of visit
No prior visa refusals (or addressed refusals with stronger documents)

Super Visa for Indian Parents

If your child is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may qualify for a Super Visa — a special multiple-entry visitor visa that allows stays of up to 5 years per entry (valid for 10 years total). Requirements include:

Invitation letter from the Canadian child/grandchild
Proof of child's Canadian status (citizenship or PR)
Canadian medical insurance — minimum CAD $100,000 coverage for at least 1 year
Financial support letter from child
Standard biometrics and passport requirements

Official References

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Canada visa cost from India in 2026?

The total cost from India is approximately ₹20,000–₹22,000. This includes the IRCC application fee (CAD $185 ≈ ₹11,500–₹12,000), biometrics (CAD $85 ≈ ₹5,300–₹5,500), and VFS service charge (₹2,800–₹3,500). All IRCC fees are non-refundable.

How long does Canada visa take from India?

Online applications from India typically take 2–8 weeks. During peak travel seasons, processing can extend to 10–12 weeks. Always check the IRCC processing times tool and apply at least 10–12 weeks before your travel date.

Can I apply for Canada visa without an agent from India?

Yes. The entire process can be completed independently on the IRCC online portal. You do not need an agent. IRCC processes agent-submitted and self-submitted applications identically — there is no advantage to using a paid agent for a standard visitor visa application.

What is the Canada visa approval rate for Indians?

Approval rates for Indian visitor visa applicants typically range from 55–70%, depending on the applicant's financial profile, travel history, employment strength, and ties to India. A well-documented application with stable finances significantly improves approval chances.

How long is Canada visa valid for Indians?

A Canada visitor visa for Indian applicants is typically issued for up to 10 years or one month before your passport expires — whichever is earlier. Each entry allows a stay of up to 6 months. The actual validity issued may be shorter depending on your profile.