Applies via: Embassy/official portalSources checked on
Indian citizens apply for a Canada visa directly with the embassy or its official visa portal. The published fee for Visitor visa - per person (single or multiple entry) is CAN$100.00. Processing time (Visitor visa (applications from India)): 29 days (IRCC processing-times data for India, last updated October 14, 2026). IRCC told a parliamentary committee in April 2026 that posted times are backward-looking and do not reflect actual processing times. Applications needing more information take longer. Application locations listed include Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai and Hyderabad (5 more listed below). Sources checked on October 15, 2026.
Canadian visitor visas (temporary resident visas) must be applied for online through the IRCC Portal (paper only if you cannot apply online, e.g. for disability reasons, or travel on a refugee/stateless/non-citizen travel document); you receive a personalized document checklist in the portal. After applying, wait for the biometrics instruction letter and book a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC); IRCC lists ten VACs in India with the India VAC website on vfsglobal.ca. Applications from India are handled by the visa office in New Delhi. VFS Global is the Government of Canada's exclusive service provider for the Visa Application Centres in India.
Not available: India is on IRCC's list of visa-required countries, so Indian citizens need a valid visitor visa and passport before travelling to or transiting through Canada.
eVisa / online visa
Not available: Indians apply online through the IRCC Portal, but the visitor visa is not electronic. If approved, you submit your passport to IRCC (it can be sent through a VAC) and can't travel until IRCC places the visa in it.
Visa-free entry
Not available: India is on IRCC's visa-required list (no eTA option is noted for Indian citizens), so a visitor visa is needed even for transit. Exception: Indians who are US lawful permanent residents can fly to Canada with their valid passport and valid US green card (they have been exempt from the eTA since April 26, 2022).
How to apply from India — step by step
1
Complete the application form
Fill in the Canada visa application form linked from the official pages below.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather the documents listed in the "Documents required" section — the common list plus the checklist for your visa category.
3
Book an appointment
Book an appointment as described on the embassy's official page.
4
Submit your application
Submit at a listed location: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar and others listed below.
5
Give biometrics
Attend in person for biometrics where the official pages require it.
6
Pay the fees
Pay the visa fee shown in the "Visa fees" section, plus the service fee.
Steps follow the official pages in the Sources section; always follow the latest instructions there.
How much is the Canada visa fee for Indian citizens?
Visitor visa - per person (single or multiple entry)
CAN$100.00
Same fee for both types; IRCC decides which visa to issue and how long it is valid: generally up to a maximum of 10 years, or until your passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first. Most visitors can stay up to 6 months per entry (the border officer may set a different date). The super visa uses the same fee
Visitor visa - per family (5 or more people)
CAN$500.00
Maximum fee; family members must apply at the same time and place
Study permit (including extensions) - per person
CAN$150.00
Work permit (including extensions) - per person
CAN$155.00
Open work permit holder
CAN$100.00
Biometrics - per individual
CAN$85.00
Covers collecting fingerprints and digital photo and moving documents between visa office and VAC
Biometrics - per family of 2 or more
CAN$170.00
Maximum fee for family applying at the same time
Service fee: No separate VAC fee for giving biometrics: the IRCC biometrics fee (CAN$85, paid online) covers fingerprints and photo at the VAC and moving your documents/passport between IRCC and that VAC (one package transmission). Optional VFS India VAC charges effective 1 May 2026 (incl. taxes, paid at the VAC in INR by cash or UPI, non-refundable): package transmission INR 604 (CAD 10.13) per package, needed e.g. if you give biometrics at one VAC and submit documents at another; Assisted Service - paper application INR 529 (CAD 8.87); one-way courier for passport return INR 858 (CAD 14.40); two-way courier INR 1,716 (CAD 28.80); Premium Lounge INR 4,767 (CAD 79.99); SMS INR 179 (CAD 3.00). VFS says new service charges take effect on 1 November 2026 (new amounts not published as of 15 October 2026). Booking a biometrics appointment is free; passport submission at a VAC needs a prior appointment, and decision envelopes can be collected at the VAC (walk-in, Monday to Friday 9:00-17:00) or returned by courier for a fee.
Checklist
What documents are required for a Canada visa from India?
All applicants
8 items
Digital copy of valid passport or travel document, valid at least 6 months from the date you plan to travel
Letter authorizing a minor child to travel, if applicable
Recommended: travel history
Recommended: itinerary
Recommended: bank statements (to show enough money to support yourself during your stay)
Recommended: employer letter (to confirm a stable job you will return to)
Recommended: letter of invitation
Personalized document checklist generated in the IRCC Portal; check if the local visa office requires additional documents
Business visitor
1 item
Show you plan to stay less than 6 months and that your main place of business is outside Canada
Marine crew
1 item
Seaman's Book
Study permit
4 items
Letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI), uploaded to the online application
Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) in most cases, submitted with the application (Quebec: attestation of issuance of a CAQ instead)
Proof of financial support for tuition, living expenses and return transportation, e.g. receipt for paid first-year tuition/housing, education loan, scholarship, guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution, Canadian bank account in your name, bank statements for the past 6 months showing the source of funds, letter and proof from a sponsor
Police certificate and medical exam if required
Employer-specific work permit
3 items
Job offer from an employer not on IRCC's list of non-compliant employers
LMIA letter and Annex A from the employer's positive LMIA (if the job is not LMIA-exempt)
Proof of funds to support yourself and your family during the stay and to return home
Photo
What are the Canada visa photo specifications?
Not published by VFS Global or the embassy — check the official links below.
Insurance
Is travel medical insurance required for a Canada visa?
IRCC's visitor visa pages do not list travel insurance as a requirement for a regular visitor visa. Super visa applicants must show private health insurance from a Canadian insurer (or an OSFI-authorized foreign insurer) valid for at least 1 year from entry, covering health care, hospitalization and repatriation with at least CAN$100,000 emergency coverage, paid in full or by instalments (quotes not accepted).
Processing
How long does Canada visa processing take?
Visitor visa (applications from India)
29 days (IRCC processing-times data for India, last updated October 14, 2026). IRCC told a parliamentary committee in April 2026 that posted times are backward-looking and do not reflect actual processing times. Applications needing more information take longer.
Super visa (parents and grandparents, applications from India)
77 days (IRCC data, last updated October 14, 2026)
Study permit (outside Canada, applications from India)
7 weeks (IRCC data, last updated October 14, 2026)
Work permit (outside Canada, applications from India)
11 weeks (IRCC data, last updated October 14, 2026)
Visa types
Which Canada visa types can Indian citizens apply for?
Temporary residence (IRCC fee schedule)
Visitor visa (single or multiple entry temporary resident visa, including super visa)
Business visitor (visitor visa)
Study permit
Work permit
Open work permit
Study and work (long stay)
Study permit (letter of acceptance + PAL/TAL in most cases)
Employer-specific work permit (job offer; LMIA or LMIA-exempt)
Open work permit (eligible applicants only)
Family visits and permanent residence
Super visa (parents and grandparents, up to 5 years per stay)
Express Entry permanent residence (Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades)
Long stay
Canada study and work visas for Indians
Study permit
Study
For Indians accepted by a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI). Apply online to IRCC, then give biometrics at a VFS-run Visa Application Centre in India when IRCC sends the instruction letter.
Enrolment at a DLI, shown by a letter of acceptance
Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) in most cases: issued by the province/territory through your DLI, usually after you accept the offer and pay part or all of the tuition; one is needed for each applicant and must be submitted with the application (Quebec requires a CAQ instead)
PAL/TAL exemptions include preschool, primary and secondary school, exchange students who pay no tuition to the DLI, Global Affairs Canada scholarship holders and, from January 1, 2026, master's or doctoral degree-granting programs at a public DLI
A PAL/TAL must be valid when you apply (2026 cap-year letters are valid until December 31, 2026 unless they show an earlier date); you need a new one after an approval or refusal and, since January 22, 2025, when changing schools
Proof of funds for first-year tuition, return transportation and living costs. Living-cost minimum outside Quebec for applications on or after September 1, 2026: CAN$23,448 for 1 person, CAN$29,192 for 2, CAN$35,888 for 3, CAN$43,572 for 4, CAN$49,419 for 5, CAN$55,736 for 6, CAN$62,054 for 7, plus CAN$6,318 per extra family member (CAN$22,895 for 1 person for applications from January 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026)
A guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution is one accepted proof of funds, alongside a Canadian bank account in your name, 6 months of bank statements showing the source of funds, an education loan, a scholarship or paid tuition/housing receipts; for programs over a year you must also explain how you will pay for the full duration
No criminal record (police certificate if required), good health (medical exam if required), and satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada when the permit expires
For Indians with a job offer from a Canadian employer; most applicants get this closed permit tied to one employer. Apply online to IRCC from India and give biometrics at a VAC.
Job offer from an employer who is not on IRCC's list of non-compliant employers
Most jobs need a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA); the employer must give you the LMIA letter and Annex A, unless the job is LMIA-exempt
Enough money to support yourself and your family during the stay and to return home (IRCC points to low income cut-offs as a general reference)
Show you will leave Canada before the work permit expires and include all required documents
Open work permits (no job offer needed) are only for applicants who qualify under specific programs
For Indian parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents or registered Indians. It allows multiple entries, stays of up to 5 years at a time and is valid for up to 10 years. Apply online from outside Canada; the visa is printed by a visa office outside Canada.
Host is your child or grandchild, aged 18 or over, living in Canada, and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian
Signed letter of invitation from the host with proof they meet or exceed the minimum necessary income and the list of people counted in their family size (a spouse or common-law partner may co-sign)
Private health insurance valid for at least 1 year from entry, from a Canadian or OSFI-authorized insurer, covering health care, hospitalization and repatriation with at least CAN$100,000 emergency coverage, paid in full or by instalments
Immigration medical exam with an approved panel physician
Proof of relationship (e.g. host's birth certificate naming you) and proof of the host's status
Same fee as a visitor visa (CAN$100) plus biometrics (CAN$85)
IRCC's online system for three permanent-residence programs for skilled workers: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Provincial Nominee Program candidates can also apply through it; a nomination gives extra points.
Canadian Experience Class: 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience (TEER 0-3) in the last 3 years; CLB 7 (TEER 0/1) or CLB 5 (TEER 2/3); no job offer or education requirement
Federal Skilled Worker Program: 1 year of continuous skilled work experience (TEER 0-3) within the last 10 years; CLB 7; secondary education required; job offer not required but earns points
Federal Skilled Trades Program: 2 years of experience in an eligible skilled trade within the last 5 years; CLB 5 speaking/listening and CLB 4 reading/writing; a 1-year full-time job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification
Eligibility is checked through the Come to Canada tool or the IRCC secure account before creating a profile
Fees and processing times for these routes are listed in the Visa fees and Processing sections above.
Where to apply
Where do Indian citizens apply for a Canada visa?
Ahmedabad
Bengaluru
Chandigarh
Chennai
Hyderabad
Jalandhar
Kolkata
Mumbai
New Delhi
Pune
Which office covers your state
High Commission of Canada, New Delhi (7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021)
Services to Canadians (consular, passport) in: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Pondicherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand (as listed by Global Affairs Canada). Visa applications go online to IRCC, with biometrics at a VFS-run VAC.
Consulates General of Canada in Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai
General enquiries only; in-person operations temporarily suspended, with in-person consular services available at the High Commission in New Delhi (Global Affairs Canada).
Refusal rate for new study permit applications, all nationalities (IRCC does not publish an India-only figure on this page) · January-December 2025 (52% in 2024)
Approval rate for work permit applications, all nationalities · Calendar year 2026 to February 28, 2026 (visitor visas 54%, study permits 38% in the same period)
VFS India moved biometrics booking to its Appointment Management System (from 21 February 2026); appointments from 24 February 2026 require uploading the IRCC Biometric Instruction Letter.
Canada visa for Indians — frequently asked questions
Answers built only from the VFS Global and embassy pages listed in the Sources section.
How much is the Canada visa fee for Indian citizens?
Visitor visa - per person (single or multiple entry): CAN$100.00; Visitor visa - per family (5 or more people): CAN$500.00; Study permit (including extensions) - per person: CAN$150.00. 4 more fee rows are listed on this page. Service fee: No separate VAC fee for giving biometrics: the IRCC biometrics fee (CAN$85, paid online) covers fingerprints and photo at the VAC and moving your documents/passport between IRCC and that VAC (one package transmission). Optional VFS India VAC charges effective 1 May 2026 (incl. taxes, paid at the VAC in INR by cash or UPI, non-refundable): package transmission INR 604 (CAD 10.13) per package, needed e.g. if you give biometrics at one VAC and submit documents at another; Assisted Service - paper application INR 529 (CAD 8.87); one-way courier for passport return INR 858 (CAD 14.40); two-way courier INR 1,716 (CAD 28.80); Premium Lounge INR 4,767 (CAD 79.99); SMS INR 179 (CAD 3.00). VFS says new service charges take effect on 1 November 2026 (new amounts not published as of 15 October 2026). Booking a biometrics appointment is free; passport submission at a VAC needs a prior appointment, and decision envelopes can be collected at the VAC (walk-in, Monday to Friday 9:00-17:00) or returned by courier for a fee..
What documents are required for a Canada visa from India?
Digital copy of valid passport or travel document, valid at least 6 months from the date you plan to travel; Letter authorizing a minor child to travel, if applicable; Recommended: travel history; Recommended: itinerary; Recommended: bank statements (to show enough money to support yourself during your stay); Recommended: employer letter (to confirm a stable job you will return to). Plus 2 more items listed on this page. Category-specific checklists are listed for 4 visa categories.
How long does Canada visa processing take for Indians?
Visitor visa (applications from India): 29 days (IRCC processing-times data for India, last updated October 14, 2026). IRCC told a parliamentary committee in April 2026 that posted times are backward-looking and do not reflect actual processing times. Applications needing more information take longer.; Super visa (parents and grandparents, applications from India): 77 days (IRCC data, last updated October 14, 2026); Study permit (outside Canada, applications from India): 7 weeks (IRCC data, last updated October 14, 2026).
Where do Indian citizens apply for a Canada visa?
Applications go via Embassy/official portal. Locations listed: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune. Jurisdiction by state: High Commission of Canada, New Delhi (7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021) — Services to Canadians (consular, passport) in: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Pondicherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand (as listed by Global Affairs Canada). Visa applications go online to IRCC, with biometrics at a VFS-run VAC.; Consulates General of Canada in Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai — General enquiries only; in-person operations temporarily suspended, with in-person consular services available at the High Commission in New Delhi (Global Affairs Canada)..
Can Indians get a Canada visa on arrival or an eVisa?
Visa on arrival — Not available: India is on IRCC's list of visa-required countries, so Indian citizens need a valid visitor visa and passport before travelling to or transiting through Canada. eVisa — Not available: Indians apply online through the IRCC Portal, but the visitor visa is not electronic. If approved, you submit your passport to IRCC (it can be sent through a VAC) and can't travel until IRCC places the visa in it. Visa-free entry — Not available: India is on IRCC's visa-required list (no eTA option is noted for Indian citizens), so a visitor visa is needed even for transit. Exception: Indians who are US lawful permanent residents can fly to Canada with their valid passport and valid US green card (they have been exempt from the eTA since April 26, 2022).
Is travel medical insurance required for a Canada visa?
IRCC's visitor visa pages do not list travel insurance as a requirement for a regular visitor visa. Super visa applicants must show private health insurance from a Canadian insurer (or an OSFI-authorized foreign insurer) valid for at least 1 year from entry, covering health care, hospitalization and repatriation with at least CAN$100,000 emergency coverage, paid in full or by instalments (quotes not accepted).
Which Canada visa types can Indian citizens apply for?
Temporary residence (IRCC fee schedule), Study and work (long stay) and Family visits and permanent residence. 10 visa types are listed on this page.
Sources
Sources
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IRCC - Apply for a visitor visaEmbassy / official government site · Checked on · https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/apply-visitor-visa.html
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IRCC - Fee listEmbassy / official government site · Checked on · https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp
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IRCC - Find a visa application centreEmbassy / official government site · Checked on · https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/contact-ircc/offices/find-visa-application-centre
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IRCC - Visa offices outside CanadaEmbassy / official government site · Checked on · https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/contact-ircc/offices/international-visa-offices.html
IRCC - After you apply for a visitor visaEmbassy / official government site · Checked on · https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/after-apply-next-steps.html
IRCC - Study permit: Who can applyEmbassy / official government site · Checked on · https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/eligibility.html
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IRCC - Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL)Embassy / official government site · Checked on · https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents/provincial-attestation-letter.html
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IRCC - Study permit: Proof of financial supportEmbassy / official government site · Checked on · https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents/financial-support.html
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IRCC - Work permit from outside Canada: eligibilityEmbassy / official government site · Checked on · https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit-outside/eligibility.html
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IRCC - Employer-specific work permitsEmbassy / official government site · Checked on · https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/employer-specific.html
IRCC - Express Entry: Who can applyEmbassy / official government site · Checked on · https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply.html
