The shimmering lakes, vast coastline, beautiful scenery, and rugged mountains make Canada one of the world’s top travel destinations. Many Indians travel to Canada every year to experience the nightlife, enjoy culture, meet welcoming Canadians, indulge in food, take a helicopter tour of Niagara Falls and indulge in a multitude of experiences.
If you are planning to visit the Great White North, and wondering “how to apply for a Canada tourist visa from India?”, this article has a step-by-step guide to applying for the visa. It is mandatory for Indians to get a tourist visa to enter Canada. There is no Visa on Arrival service for Indians arriving in Canada for tourism purposes and must obtain a valid visa before entering.
Which Canada Tourist Visa should you apply for?
The Government of Canada issues tourist visas to individuals who wish to enter the country for holidays, tourism purposes, or to meet friends and family. Now, there are two types of tourist visas in Canada, and you must apply for one as per your requirement.
- Single Entry Visa: By the name you can tell that this Canada tourist visa allows you to enter only once. You can stay in Canada for up to six months after which you have to return to your home country.
- Multiple Entry Visa: Likewise, you can enter Canada with a multiple entry Canada tourist visa multiple times - as long as your visa is valid. The visa can be valid for up to 10 years, but the exact duration will be decided by the visa officer issuing it.
Apply for a Canada Tourist Visa from India: Steps to Follow
Indians need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Canada for a shorter duration. This can be due to tourism purposes, seeing the country before your Canada immigration as a permanent resident, or meeting loved ones. Whatever your reason may be, follow the steps given below to apply for a Canada tourist visa from India:
Step 1: Check eligibility
First, check if you meet the eligibility requirements to enter Canada as a visitor. For that, you must:
- Have enough money to spend on yourself and your family members while you are in Canada.
- Not search for jobs in the country.
- Have no criminal history and are willing to follow Canadian laws.
- Get a letter of invitation from your sponsor if you plan to stay with friends or relatives.
- Get a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) if you plan to stay with your family.
Step 2: Complete the visa form
Next, go ahead and fill out the application for the tourist visa online and submit it with supporting documents. There is no mail delivery time and no courier fees in online applications and are processed instantly. You can check updates on your application on your account. Also, pay the following fees along with biometrics (whichever applies to your condition):
- Visitor visa (including super visa) - per person: CAD 100
- Visitor visa – per family (1 fee per family of 5 or more people): CAD 500
- Extend your stay as a visitor – per person: CAD 100
- Restore your status as a visitor (Visa fee not needed): CAD 229
Step 3: Provide Biometrics
Once you submit your application for a tourist visa, you will receive a letter with a request for biometrics. You will be given 30 days to submit them.
Step 4: Get a Medical Examination
Now, you must wait for your application processing. You may also have to give an interview with officials in India. Meanwhile, you must get a medical exam done to show the Canadian government you are not a threat to Canadians. If approved, your passport and original documents will be returned to you. If any document is incomplete or missing, your application will be returned.
What’s next?
Acquiring a valid Tourist Visa for Canada is not enough to enter, you also need to pass the post-visit visa process. When you land in Canada from India, the border officer will check your fingerprints to ensure you are the same person you got the visa. If passed, your passport will be stamped and you will be informed about the duration of your stay in Canada - which is up to 6 months.
Canada Tourist Visa Processing Time
The Canada tourist visa from India processing takes 8 weeks max. The time may vary depending on the completeness of your application, the center’s location, and personal circumstances.
No matter what your purpose of visiting Canada is, you must seek professional advice from the best Canada immigration consultants in Delhi for a smoother process. The team of experienced immigration experts will assist you throughout your Canada tourist visa application process.
Good Luck!
