Canada Visitor Visa: Frequently Asked Questions

🇨🇦 Canada Visitor Visa Guide: Eligibility · Documents Required · Processing Time · Application Process · FAQs

Canada Visitor Visa (TRV) FAQs for Indian Nationals

Do Indian nationals need a visa to visit Canada?

Yes. Indian passport holders require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. Unlike US or UK visas, Canada's TRV is usually issued as a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years (or 1 month before passport expiry, whichever is earlier).

How much bank balance is required for a Canada visitor visa?

IRCC does not specify a fixed minimum. You need to show you have enough money to cover your stay, return travel, and expenses without working in Canada. For a 2-week trip, showing ₹1.5–3 lakh in consistently maintained savings is typically considered reasonable. Sudden large deposits are scrutinised.

How long does Canada visitor visa processing take?

Online applications for a Canada TRV take approximately 4–6 weeks on average, but processing times fluctuate significantly with IRCC's workload. Check the IRCC website for current processing time estimates. Apply at least 2–3 months before your planned travel date.

What are the most common reasons for Canada visitor visa refusal?

Common refusal reasons are: insufficient financial proof, weak ties to India, unclear travel purpose, incomplete documents, and prior immigration violations. Each refusal letter specifies the grounds — always address these specifically when reapplying.

Can I apply for a Canada visitor visa if I've been refused a US or UK visa?

Yes. A refusal from the US or UK does not automatically affect your Canada TRV application. However, you must disclose previous refusals on the Canadian application form — hiding them is treated as misrepresentation.

What is the Canada visitor visa fee?

The Canada TRV fee is CAD $100 (approximately ₹6,200). Biometrics fees are separate: CAD $85 for an individual or CAD $170 for a family. Fees are non-refundable.

Is there a Canada Super Visa for parents?

Yes. The Canada Super Visa is a multi-entry visa specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, allowing stays of up to 5 years per visit. See our Canada Super Visa eligibility guide for details.

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More Questions About Canada Visitor Visa

Can I work in Canada on a visitor visa?

No. A Canada visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa — TRV) does not authorise any form of employment, whether paid or unpaid. Working without a valid work permit is a violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and can result in visa cancellation, deportation, and a ban from Canada. If you wish to work in Canada, you must apply for a work permit through the appropriate stream before undertaking any employment activities.

How long can I stay in Canada on a visitor visa?

A Canada visitor visa can be issued for up to 10 years (or until passport expiry, whichever is earlier) and may allow single or multiple entries. However, the actual duration of each stay is determined by the border officer at the port of entry — they stamp your passport with an authorised stay period, typically up to 6 months. Your visa may be valid for 10 years but you are only permitted to stay for the period granted each time you enter. Always check your entry stamp carefully.

Can I extend my stay in Canada on a visitor visa?

Yes — you can apply to extend your authorised stay from inside Canada by applying online through the IRCC portal. You must submit the extension request at least 30 days before your current stay expires. If you apply on time, you can continue to stay while your extension is being processed (this is known as "maintained status"). You will need to provide a valid reason for the extension, proof of sufficient funds, and demonstrate genuine intent to depart Canada once your extended stay ends.

Do I need biometrics for a Canada visitor visa?

Yes — most Indian passport holders are required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) as part of the Canada visitor visa application. After paying the biometrics fee (CAD 85 per person, or CAD 170 for a family), you visit a IRCC-approved biometrics collection service point (VFS Global in India). Once enrolled, your biometrics remain valid for 10 years and cover all subsequent Canadian immigration applications within that period. You do not need to re-enrol for each application unless your biometrics have expired.

What is the processing time for Canada visitor visa from India?

Processing times from India vary depending on the volume of applications IRCC is handling. The official IRCC processing time tool provides current estimates. Processing typically takes several weeks for most applicants, but peak periods (summer and festival seasons) can see longer waits. Processing times do not include the time needed for biometrics collection or document courier transit. Always apply at least 8–10 weeks before your intended travel date to allow adequate buffer.

🇨🇦 Canada Visitor Visa Guide: Eligibility · Documents Required · Processing Time · Application Process · FAQs

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