Canada Visa for Indians and How to Apply in 2026

Yes, Indians must have a visa to visit Canada.

No, as per the current rules, Indians do not have the facility of a Visa on Arrival in Canada. Therefore, Indians must have a valid visa before arriving in Canada.

No, travel insurance isn’t mandatory for Indians travelling to Canada yet. However, according to trends, many immigration officers in Canada have been asking visitors for travel or health insurance, especially one that covers any unforeseen medical expenses.

Eligibility for a Canada visa varies based on the type of visa you are applying for. However, to qualify for a Canada visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Valid Passport -

You need an Indian passport that is valid for at least six months after you plan to leave Canada.

Good Health -

You might need a medical check-up to show you are healthy.

No Criminal Record -

You should not have any criminal or immigration-related convictions.

Proof of Ties to India -

You must show reasons to return to India, such as a job, home, money, or family.

Sufficient Funds -

You must prove you have enough money to support yourself in Canada. The amount depends on how long you stay and where you stay.

Intent to Leave Canada -

You need to assure the immigration officer that you will return to your home country after you visit Canada.

Depending on your situation, you may also need a letter of invitation from someone in Canada and a medical exam.

Applying for a tourist visa to Canada from India involves several steps. Here's a general guide to help you through the process:

Determine the Type of Canada Visa You Require

Figure out which visa you need and check if you're eligible. Look up the required documents, processing time, and fees on the Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Make sure to follow the specific guidelines for your visa type. Don't forget to submit a signed VFS Global Consent Form with your application.

Fill out the Application Form for Canada Visa for Indians

Download and fill out the visa form electronically, then print it on high-quality paper using a laser printer. Hand-written forms aren't accepted. Complete all supporting documents as per the IRCC checklist. If any documents are missing, attach a waiver form. Include a signed consent form or your application will be returned.

Schedule an Appointment for a Canada Visa

After submitting your application, schedule an appointment at a visa application center to provide your fingerprints and photo. You'll get a confirmation email and letter. Each family or group member needs an appointment. If you don't need to give biometrics, go to the center with your documents and fees.

Pay Canada Visa Fee

Submit the visa application fee and the Government of Canada fee. For more information, refer to the instructions provided on the IRCC website.

Visit the Canada Visa Application Centre

Bring your complete visa application form to your appointment. If biometrics aren't required, visit during business hours. Your application and biometrics (if needed) will be collected. Pay the service charges and get a receipt with a tracking number to monitor your application status online.

Track Your Application for a Canada Visa

You'll get an email when your visa decision is sent back to the visa application center. You might also be able to receive SMS updates. Check if this service is available at your Centre.

Collect Your Canada Visa

After your visa decision, collect your documents at the Visa Application Centre or have them delivered by courier for a fee. Bring a copy of your passport's biographic page, the original receipt or E-ICR printout, and a government ID to collect in person. If someone else collects it for you, they need a signed consent form, a copy of your passport's biographic page, the original receipt or E-ICR printout, and their government ID. Check your visa details immediately upon receipt.

The processing time for a Canada Tourist Visa (also known as a Visitor Visa) for Indian citizens is generally 102 days. However, this timeframe can change depending on individual circumstances and the volume of applications.

• Be careful of fake visa agents. Only use authorized representatives and always provide accurate information.

• Visa processing times can vary, so apply well before your travel date.

• You might need to go for an interview and give your fingerprints and photo.

• Make sure you have health insurance and know about any health advisories for Canada.

If your Canada visa application is rejected, don’t be discouraged. First, carefully review the refusal letter to understand why your application was denied. You can then decide to re-apply with new information or corrections or appeal the decision if possible.

Ensure all forms are filled out correctly and altogether to avoid Canada visa rejection. Provide detailed financial statements for at least six months, and include sponsor documents if applicable. Show strong ties to your home country with evidence like employment letters and property documents. Submit all required documents, ensuring they are clear, certified, and translated if needed. Be honest about any previous visa refusals. Consider professional help to review your application.

If you’re in Canada and want to extend your stay as a visitor, you need to apply for a visitor record. Applying at least 30 days before your current status expires is essential. A visitor record differs from a visitor visa; it allows you to stay longer in Canada but doesn’t let you re-enter if you leave. You can apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Be sure to check all the requirements and have your documents ready before you apply.

It’s highly recommended that you buy travel insurance before visiting Canada. This can significantly reduce medical expenses if you need treatment or hospitalization abroad. Additionally, travel insurance offers various other benefits, such as:

Loss of Passport, Driving License, and Temporary Permit

If you lose your passport, visa, driving license, or temporary permit while abroad, it stops you from continuing your trip. Then, we'll cover costs incurred in issuing an emergency certificate or duplicate passport so that you can return to enjoying your trip.

Trip Cancellation

If your trip is cancelled before your insurance period starts, we'll reimburse you for the money spent on non-refundable expenses for the peril mentioned in the policy. You will be covered if you lose your passport due to burglary or theft or if the government advises against travel.

Medical treatment and evacuation exigencies

This policy covers unexpected emergencies requiring hospitalization due to illness or acute pain. We will pay reasonable charges as per your policy.

Delay of Checked-in Baggage

If your checked-in baggage is temporarily lost during the trip by your airline or other transport provider or doesn’t arrive on time, you will receive compensation.

Missed Connection

If you miss a connection due to a delay in your previous connection for the reasons specified in your policy, we'll cover your extra travel and accommodation expenses.

Trip Extension

If your trip is extended due to unavoidable circumstances mentioned in your policy documents and you must stay longer than expected, you will be reimbursed for the costs.

Loss of Baggage and Personal Belongings

If you lose your stuff during your trip due to theft, robbery, etc., we will compensate you after deducting depreciation.

Accidental Treatment and Evacuation Exigencies

If you meet with an accident during your trip, resulting in hospitalization, the cost of treatment will be covered. We will pay reasonable and customary charges as mentioned in the policy.

There are quite a few reasons that make Digit a prime choice as a Canada travel insurance provider.

High Cover Amount at Low Premium

Digit offers a high sum insured of $50,000 under its Canada travel insurance, with premiums beginning at ₹595 (excl. 18% GST) for a 4-day trip for 1 adult.

Flight Delay Compensation

Digit takes wastage of time and the ensuing harassment due to flight delay very seriously, offering reimbursement immediately.

Trip Cancellation

If any emergency circumstance necessitates you to cancel your trip and get back home, Digit also offers compensation for it.

Fast Paperless Claim

Digit offers a smartphone-enabled process that makes filing a claim easy and fast. Additionally, Digit also offers the option for a 24x7 missed call facility for claim settlement.