If you are planning to visit, study, or work in Canada, the first thing you need to know is how to apply for a Canada visa for India. Every year, thousands of Indians apply for Canadian visas, making India one of the top source countries for immigration, tourism, and study in Canada.
Whether you are a student, professional, or traveler, understanding the visa process, eligibility, required documents, and fees is essential to increase your chances of approval.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Canada visa requirements for Indian citizens in 2025 — from application steps to processing times, costs, and FAQs.
Types of Canada Visas for Indian Citizens
Different visa types are available depending on your purpose of travel. Here’s a breakdown:
1 Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa)
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For tourism, family visits, or business meetings.
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Valid for up to 6 months.
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Can be single-entry or multiple-entry.
2 Study Permit
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Required for Indian students who want to study in Canada for more than 6 months.
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Must have a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
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Often includes a work permit for part-time jobs.
3 Work Permit
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For Indians with a job offer from a Canadian employer.
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Two types:
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Employer-specific work permit (restricted to one employer).
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Open work permit (work for any employer).
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4 Permanent Residency (PR)
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Pathways through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and Family Sponsorship.
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Allows Indians to live and work permanently in Canada.
5 Business & Investor Visas
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For entrepreneurs and investors.
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Options like Start-up Visa Program or Self-employed Program.
Canada Visa Requirements for Indians
To apply for a Canada visa from India, applicants must meet basic eligibility criteria.
General requirements:
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Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity).
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Recent passport-size photographs.
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Completed visa application form.
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Visa application fee receipt.
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Proof of financial support (bank statements, salary slips, ITR).
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Travel itinerary (flight bookings, accommodation).
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Proof of purpose (LOA for students, job offer for workers, etc.).
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Medical exam and biometrics (depending on visa type).
Canada Visa Application Process for Indians
Follow these steps to apply for a Canada visa in India:
Step 1: Determine Visa Type
Choose the correct visa based on your purpose (tourist, study, work, PR).
Step 2: Create an IRCC Account
Register online at the IRCC portal (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada).
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
Complete the form accurately with personal, travel, and financial details.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Scan and upload all necessary documents in PDF/JPEG formats.
Step 5: Pay Visa Fees
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Visitor Visa: CAD 100 (~₹6,200)
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Work Permit: CAD 155 (~₹9,500)
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Study Permit: CAD 150 (~₹9,000)
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PR (Express Entry): CAD 1,365 (~₹83,000)
Step 6: Submit Biometrics
Visit the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India for fingerprints and a photo.
Step 7: Wait for Processing
Processing times vary from 2 weeks to 6 months depending on visa type.
Step 8: Receive Decision
If approved, your passport will get a visa stamp or electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Canada Visa Fees for Indian Applicants (2025)
| Visa Type | Fee (CAD) | Approx. in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | 100 | ₹6,200 |
| Study Permit | 150 | ₹9,000 |
| Work Permit | 155 | ₹9,500 |
| PR (Express Entry) | 1,365 | ₹83,000 |
| Biometrics Fee | 85 | ₹5,200 |
💡 Note: Fees may vary depending on exchange rates and additional services.
Canada Visa Processing Time from India
| Visa Type | Average Processing Time (2025) |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | 20–40 days |
| Study Permit | 4–12 weeks |
| Work Permit | 8–20 weeks |
| PR Application | 6–12 months |
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
Many Indians face visa refusals due to:
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Insufficient proof of funds.
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Lack of strong ties to India (risk of overstaying).
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Incomplete documents.
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Misrepresentation or errors in the application.
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Weak Statement of Purpose (for study permits).
✅ Tip: Always submit genuine documents and provide clear financial proof.
9. FAQs about Canada Visa for India
Q1. How long does it take to get a Canada visa from India?
Processing times vary, but on average, a visitor visa takes 20–40 days, while study and work permits may take 2–5 months.
Q2. What is the success rate of Canada visas for Indians?
Approval rates depend on visa type. Study permits have around a 60–65% approval rate, while visitor visas depend heavily on travel history and financial proof.
Q3. Can I apply for a Canada visa online from India?
Yes, most Canada visa applications are submitted online through the IRCC website. You only need to visit a Visa Application Centre for biometrics.
Q4. How much bank balance is required for a Canada student visa?
Students must show CAD 10,000 per year (~₹6.2 lakh) for living expenses, plus tuition fees.
Conclusion
Applying for a Canada visa for India may seem overwhelming, but with the right preparation, accurate documentation, and clear financial proof, your chances of success are high.
Whether your goal is to study, work, or settle in Canada, understanding the requirements and following the application process step by step is the key.
🌍 Ready to take the next step? Explore our detailed guides on Canada PR, study visas, and Express Entry programs to build your pathway to Canada.