Canada Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Created: Jun 23, 2023 | Updated: Sep 7, 2023

In this article, we explored the Canada visa requirements for Indian citizens. Indian citizens visiting Canada typically need a Temporary Resident Visa, while those intending to work or study require specific permits. Applying for a Canadian visa is simple and can be done online via the official Government of Canada website. 

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Are you an Indian citizen planning a trip to Canada? Understanding the Canadian visa requirements for Indian citizens can be overwhelming at first. However, it is crucial information for a seamless journey. This comprehensive guide aims to clarify the process, including the type of visa required, how to apply, the necessary documentation, the cost, and the role of certified translation in the process.

Unlike some nations, India is among the countries whose citizens are visa-required by Canada before entry.

What Type of Visa Do Indian Citizens Need to Visit Canada?

Indian citizens intending to travel to Canada for tourism, business, or study purposes require a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). The TRV is issued for various short durations based on the nature of the visit. It is important to remember that having a visa doesn't guarantee entry into Canada; it merely allows you to travel to a port of entry where an immigration officer will decide your eligibility to enter Canada or not.

If you're planning on staying in Canada for longer durations, you may need to look towards applying for Canadian work permits or permanent resident visas. Before applying for a visa, you should always check for the specific requirements for your purpose of visit on the official Canadian government page before applying. If you want to visit Canada for a short period, here are some reasons they may issue a visa or a permit for:
 

1. Visit to see a family member or friend.
    
2. Visit Canada on business.
    
3. Visit Canada for employment.
    
4. Visit Canada to study.
    
5. Visit Canada to pass through to another destination (Transit).
    
6. Visit the Canadian border to gather immigration information.
    
7. Visit Canada to receive medical care.

This list is not exhaustive, if you want to find out more about all the instances you can visit Canada as an Indian, head to the Canadian government website.
 

How Do I Apply for a Canadian Visitor Visa as an Indian Citizen?

If you would like to visit Canada, you should know the visa application process involves a series of steps, they are:

1. Determine your eligibility: Visit the Government of Canada's official website and answer a few questions to identify the right visa for your travel purpose.
    
2. Create an account on the website: If you need to apply for a visa at the end of the questions, you need to create an account and submit an application. To do this; 
   
   a. Click ‘visit’ at the top of the web page where the answer to the questions you were asked was provided.
   
   b. After that, click ‘Apply for a visitor visa’.
   
   c. Next, click option No 5. which says “Apply”, read through the content on the page and then select an option where you are asked, “Why are you applying for a visitor visa?”
   
   d. Select “Get instructions” and click the affirmative repeat question of the reason you picked on the next page that shows up
   
   e. A prompting will show up asking you to apply through the IRCC portal, follow that prompting and create an account on the portal.  
    
3. Apply for the visa: Fill out the application form with accurate information, submit all the necessary supporting documents and pay the necessary fees of about INR 8196.91 (100 CAD). You can make your visa payment with your Visa card, Mastercard, American Express card, UnionPay or JCB. Once the application and payment are complete, submit the form online. And if you are already in Canada, make sure you submit your application before your TRV status expires.
    

What are the Required Documents for a Canadian Visa Application as an Indian Citizen?

The following supporting documents are required for a Canadian visa application:

1. Valid passport: You need a valid Indian passport with at least one blank page other than the last page. It must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in Canada. 
    
2. Two recent photographs: You also need two recent coloured passport photographs according to the specifications of the photographs given by the Canadian authority.
    
3. Proof that supports the purpose of your visit: depending on your purpose for visiting Canada, you need to be able to show proof of your employment with a Canadian employer, an invitation to a conference, proof of medical visit, proof of family ties, in the case of a family visit or proof of your admission at a Canadian University or College.
    
4. Travel itinerary: If you have already made travel arrangements, this entails submitting documents that clearly show how long you will be in Canada and what you plan to do during your stay. You can show this through documents like hotel reservations, car rental receipts, flight tickets, and workshop/event registration.
    
5. Identity documents: This includes your passport, national identity card, driver's license or any other document that you use in identifying yourself. All passports can be accepted for this purpose, except passports issued by the Somali government, non-machine readable passports issued by the Czech Republic, temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa and provisional passports issued by Venezuela. These will not be accepted.
    
6. Letter of invitation: If you're visiting family or friends. You must include a letter of invitation from that family or friend who is a permanent resident or a citizen of Canada.
    
7. Financial proof: This includes recent bank statements showing that you have enough funds for your stay in Canada i.e. bank name & contact. However, if you are applying as a skilled worker who already has a valid job offer, you do not need to show proof of funds.

These are some of the documents you will be required to submit with your visa application. Head over to the official Canadian government site to get the full list of documents required. Also note that documents that are not in English or French must be translated by a certified translator, or they will be rejected.

 

How Much Does a Canadian Visa Cost for Indian Citizens?

As of the last update, the application fee for a Canadian TRV for Indian citizens is CAD $100. That is about INR 8196.91. There may also be additional costs related to biometrics (CAD 85) and document processing. These fees are subject to change by the Canadian government, be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your application.

 

How to get a Certified Translation for Canadian Visa Process as an Indian

If your documents are in a language other than English or French, you need to get them translated by a certified translator. A certified translation of your documents ensures that your documents are eligible for approval when submitted to the authorities and they may be accepted by official bodies.

Translayte offers certified translation services that are accepted by Canadian immigration authorities. We have a team of professional translators skilled in various languages, including Indian languages like Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, and more. They ensure your documents are translated accurately and delivered quickly, maintaining their original intent and context.

 

Canadian Visa Renewal for Indian Citizens

Just like the original visa application, renewing your Canadian visa as an Indian citizen requires careful attention and preparation. The process is essentially similar to the initial application and can also be completed online through the official Government of Canada website. The document you get when you renew your visa is called a visitor record. A visitor record is different from a visitor visa. A visitor record is a document (it is not attached to your passport) that the border service of Canada or the IRCC may issue to you in order to restrict or extend your stay in Canada.    

The necessary documents for your visa renewal include:

• Your current visa
   
• Proof of your continued eligibility for the visa and
   
• Visitor record form (Online) 
   
• Other documents similar to those needed for the original visa application.

Make sure that you still meet the requirements for the visa and have maintained your status while in Canada.

Keep an eye on the expiry date of your current visa. It is advised to start the renewal process at least 30 days before your current visa expires to allow ample time for processing. Remember, having an expired visa can lead to complications like being ineligible for visa renewals in the future.

Another essential point to note in the visa renewal process is the need for certified translations for all documents that are not in English or French. Professional translation services can be invaluable in this regard, ensuring that your renewal application is accurate and complete.

Overall, while the process may seem daunting, with careful preparation and attention to detail, renewing your Canadian visa as an Indian citizen can be a streamlined process.

 

Conclusion

While the process of applying for a Canadian visa as an Indian citizen might seem complex, careful preparation and understanding of the requirements can make the process smooth. Paying attention to details, like providing certified translations, can greatly increase your chances of success. Embrace the process, prepare adequately, and soon you may be on your way to experiencing the beauty and diversity of Canada!