While Canada remains a sought-after destination among Indians for migration, it offers more than just a fresh start. Its cities, outdoor activities and natural beauty shine on the global tourism map. And even though the Great White North always keeps its doors open for everyone, applying for a Canada visa can sometimes become a long and time-consuming process. No need to worry though. We have simplified the process so that you can soon marvel at Niagara Falls and savour the maple syrup’s sweetness.
Types of Canadian visa
When it comes to visiting Canada for a brief period, the country offers Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), commonly known as visitor visas. This immigration document, issued as a sticker pasted on the passport page, allows the traveller to explore all that Canada has to offer. In addition to TRVs, Canada also issues permits and authorisations, such as work and study permits and electronic travel authorisation (eTAs); however, eTAs are not available to Indian citizens.
Since Indian travellers need a visitor visa, let’s delve into the specifics of this type of visa.
There are two types of visitor visas one can apply for — single entry and multiple entry.
Single-entry visa: A traveller on a single-entry visa cannot re-enter Canada once they leave the country.
Multiple-entry visa: This visa allows a traveller to enter and exit Canada multiple times during the visa’s validity period without having to apply for a new one each time.
It should be noted that all applicants are automatically considered for a multiple-entry visa, which “is valid for up to 10 years or one month before your passport expires, whichever is shorter”, according to the Government of Canada website. However, the visitor can only stay for up to six months per visit.
The decision to grant a multiple-entry visa depends on a candidate meeting certain criteria and the discretion of an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officer; otherwise, the applicant is issued a single-entry visa.
Visitor visa for Canada: Eligibility criteria
To be eligible to apply for a visitor visa, the applicant must meet the following basic requirements:
- The applicant should have a valid passport or a travel document.
- The applicant must be in good health.
- The applicant should not have had any criminal or immigration-related convictions in the past.
- The applicant should be able to show ties (job, financial assets or family) to the home country and prove their intention to return before the visa expiration.
- The applicant must show proof of enough money in bank accounts to sustain themselves for the duration of their stay in the country.
- In some cases, a medical exam and a letter of invitation from someone staying in Canada are required.
For more information, visit here.
Documents required for Canada visitor visa application
Below is a list of forms and documents that a visitor visa seeker must complete and have ready for the application process. To access the forms, one should have Acrobat Reader 10 or higher.
- IMM 5257 – Application form for the temporary resident visa
- IMM 5476 – applicable only if someone is applying on the applicant’s behalf
- IMM 5707 – family information
- Valid passport or a travel document with at least one free page
- A photocopy of the bio-data page in the passport or travel document
- Two photos according to specifications mentioned on the IRCC portal.
- Bank statements for the previous six months. It should have enough funds to cover all reasonable expenses while in Canada.
- A detailed itinerary sharing the duration of the stay, round-trip flight bookings, hotel reservations and registration for an event.
- Proof of previous travel
- TRV document checklist
- Translations for all documents if they aren’t in English or French.
This is not an exhaustive list. The set of forms and documents could vary depending on the visa seeker’s circumstances (marital status, employment, someone else sponsoring the trip, etc.) and purpose (business, family or compassionate reason). It is advisable to refer to one more checklist available here, which must be used in conjunction with the checklists mentioned above.
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How to Apply for a Canada Visa
A Canada visa application can either be sent online or applied offline through a travel agent (who will also file it online on the applicant’s behalf). Earlier applications were accepted by the visa application centre, VFS; however, the entire process is online.
According to a VFS spokesperson, “Post pandemic, the Canadian authorities have chosen to accept all applications only via online mode, where an applicant needs to log onto their portal and complete uploading of all relevant documents.”
To apply online, the first step is to create an account on the IRCC portal. After registering, log in to the portal. Under start an application, click on ‘apply for a visitor visa, transit visa or a study permit’. Make sure to keep the documents handy to scan and create electronic copies of the same. The applicant also needs to keep a credit or debit card ready to be able to make the payment.
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Follow the steps listed on the page to complete the application. The questions in the application will be based on the purpose of the visit, travel dates and the applicant’s situation. One thing to note here is that once the online application process is initiated, the visa seeker will have only 60 days to complete the same. If not done in this period, the system will automatically delete the information.
In the option of Unique Client Identifier (UCI), one has to add the number that was given during any previous applications to Canada (even if it was rejected) and the previous visa. The UCI is valid for 10 years. If the visa candidate is applying for the first time, then the applicant can type N/A in the space provided against UCI or leave it blank and save the application to move to the next step.
Depending on how the questions are answered in the application, the portal will list the documents needed to complete the application.
Here are the details around which the applicant will be answering questions in the application:
- Personal details
- Travel document details
- Finances
- Education History
- Criminality and security
- Medical background
- Family information
After filling in the details in the form and scanning the required documents (including passport copy), the portal will direct the applicant to pay the visa fee and the fee for biometrics (finger and photo scans). Biometrics will not be required if you have done the process in the last 10 years, even if your visa was rejected. Once the application is reviewed by the embassy and is in favour of the applicant, only then the applicant is required to visit the visa application centre for biometrics. For more information on biometrics, click here. The embassy mentions 14 to 30 business days as the processing period for the application.
If one wishes to apply through a travel agent, then the applicant must provide the required documents to the agent and only appear for the biometrics at the visa application centre.
How to Pay Canada Visa Fees
The visa fee can be paid only at the time of submitting the application. For a tourist visa, one has to pay CAD 100 (USD 73) and CAD 85 (USD 62) for biometrics if the candidate is applying for the first time.
Canadian visa rejection
In case the visa application gets rejected, then the applicant can reapply, unless the decision letter states otherwise.
(All CAD conversions were done at the time of writing)
(Hero and feature image: Shutterstock)
Related: International Destinations Indians Can Visit With A US Tourist Visa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What if I need to take an emergency visa interview appointment?
Emergency visa appointments can only be scheduled during the time of emergency situations, such as the death of a family member residing in Canada or if a family member is critically ill. To schedule an emergency biometric appointment, the applicant needs to either call or visit the visa application centre.
– What if I missed my visa interview appointment for a Canada visa?
You can book your appointment again after 24 hours from the original appointment date.
– How to renew my Canada visa?
The applicant can apply again for the visa but should remember to do so 30 days before the visa expires.
– What is a work visa? How do I get a work visa for Canada?
– With a work visa, the applicant can legally work in Canada. The process of applying for a work visa is different from a visitor visa. You will find all the information on the immigration pages of the Canadian government’s website.
Written By
Ayushi Anand
A post-graduate in journalism and mass communication, Ayushi is a digital writer who has worked with several Indian media organisations, including Times Internet Limited and Zee Media Corporation Limited, in the news, lifestyle and entertainment space. When she's not on her desk, she can be found dancing, trying new restaurants or packing her bags to ..Read More
