Planning a holiday in Canada? Or want to visit family and friends in the beautiful maple-leaf country? The Canada tourist visa from India is your gateway to exploring one of the world’s most scenic and welcoming nations.
With changing global travel norms and evolving immigration policies, it’s important to stay updated about eligibility, documentation, fees, processing timelines, common mistakes, and strategic preparation for your application. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know in simple, engaging, and practical language.

Whether you want to enjoy Niagara Falls, celebrate winter in Quebec, or simply visit your loved ones, understanding the ins and outs of the Canada tourist visa from India will prepare you for a smooth travel experience.

The Canada tourist visa from India (also known as a Visitor Visa or Temporary Resident Visa) allows Indian passport holders to enter Canada temporarily for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business events, or short visits. This visa usually permits stays of up to six months per visit, although the final duration is determined by the Canadian border officer at entry.

It is essential to remember that with a visitor visa, you are not allowed to work or study in Canada unless you obtain specific permits for those purposes.

Applying for the Canada tourist visa from India requires you to meet a few basic eligibility conditions. The key criteria include:

• A valid Indian passport with at least six months' validity beyond your intended stay.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support your visit.
• Strong ties to India (like a job, family, property, or business) that show you will return after your trip
• A clear travel purpose and itinerary
• Good health and a clean immigration record.
• Meeting these points improves the chances of your application being approved. Always prepare your documents well in advance to avoid delays or rejections.

Below is a list of commonly required documents when applying for the Canada tourist visa from India:

• Valid passport with multiple blank pages
• Completed application form (IMM 5257, etc.)
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Bank statements and proof of sufficient funds
• Travel itinerary and confirmed hotel bookings
• Proof of ties to India (employment letter, property papers, etc.)
• Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)
• Travel insurance covering the stay period
• Missing or incorrect documents are among the most common reasons for visa delays or refusal. That is why carefully preparing your file is crucial.

Successfully applying for your Canada tourist visa from India requires a methodical approach:

• Create an IRCC Account: Register on the official Government of Canada immigration site.
• Fill the Online Application: Complete all sections accurately with correct personal and travel information.
• Pay Fees: Pay the visa fee (approximately CAD 100) and biometric fee (CAD 85).
• Submit Documents: Upload all required documents online.
• Schedule Biometrics: Visit a VFS Visa Application Centre for biometric data.
• Track and Wait: After submission, wait for processing (typically 28–52 days).
• Visa Decision: If approved, your passport will be stamped with the visitor visa.
• Starting your application at least 60–90 days before your travel date is always advisable. Early preparation reduces stress and improves results.

For most Indian applicants, the expenses and timeline are roughly:

While discussing the Canada tourist visa from India, it’s useful to understand how it differs from an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA):

• Tourist Visa (TRV): Required for Indian passport holders to enter Canada as visitors. You receive a physical visa stamp.
• eTA: Valid for citizens of visa-exempt countries (NOT Indian passport holders). It is digital and linked to the passport.
• Since India is not on Canada’s visa-exempt list, Indians must apply for a Visitor Visa rather than an eTA for tourism or short visits.

Applying for the Canada tourist visa from India requires attention to detail. Avoiding the following mistakes can significantly improve your approval chances:

• Missing or incomplete documents
• Weak proof of funds
• No clear travel plan or itinerary
• Incorrect employment or ties to the home country
• Applying too late before travel dates
• Even small errors can lead to processing delays or refusal. Preparing your file carefully or seeking expert help adds a layer of assurance.

Navigating the Canada tourist visa from India process alone can feel overwhelming, especially with evolving requirements. That’s where expert support makes a difference.

Globesway, a top provider among Immigration consultants in Delhi NCR, assists you at every step of your visitor visa journey:

• Detailed eligibility assessment
• Personalized document checklist
• Application review and preparation
• Biometric scheduling support
• Timely updates and tracking assistance
• Professional guidance to reduce refusal risk
• Working with experienced consultants ensures your application is accurate, complete, and compliant with IRCC requirements.

Here are some practical tips to make your Canada tourist visa from India application stronger:

• Show clear travel intent and itinerary
• Provide strong proof of ties to India (job, property, family)
• Maintain updated bank statements with a good balance
• Include travel insurance for the full visit duration
• Prepare a cover letter explaining your travel reason
• These small but meaningful additions can reassure visa officers about your intentions and improve approval chances.

Once your Canada tourist visa from India is approved:

• You will receive your passport with the visa sticker.
• Plan your travel and ensure all bookings are confirmed.
• At the Canadian port of entry, carry your passport, travel itinerary, and invitation or hotel details.
• Remember, approval of a visa does not guarantee entry; the border officer will make the final decision based on your documents and the purpose of your visit. But strong preparation increases your confidence and clarity upon arrival.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended (and often expected) for visitors. It should cover:

• Medical emergencies
• Trip cancellations
• Loss of luggage
• Unexpected costs due to unforeseen events
• Having comprehensive travel insurance not only protects you financially but also strengthens your visa profile.

If your Canada tourist visa from India gets refused, common reasons include:

• Incomplete documentation
• Insufficient financial proof
• Lack of convincing travel intent
• Weak ties to India
• If refused, analyze the refusal letter carefully and reapply after correcting the issues. Expert guidance from Immigration consultants in Delhi NCR, like Globesway, can help you avoid repeating errors.

Planning your visit during the ideal Canadian seasons boosts your experience:

• Summer (June–August): Pleasant weather and festivals
• Autumn (Sept–Nov): Beautiful fall colors
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Snow activities and tourism
• Spring (Mar–May): Blooming landscapes
• Choosing the right travel period enhances your holiday and aligns with popular visitor periods when processing might take longer.