Apply for a Canadian Visa from India: Full Guide
Since 2013, the number of Indians moving to Canada has almost quadrupled. This is mainly due to the availability of superb higher-education educational opportunities and a developing technological sector. Also, from the scenic Rockies to the bustling streets of Toronto, there are a plethora of tourist attractions, making this country a preferred vacation spot.
Planning to visit Canada? Then knowing the correct procedure to apply for a Canada visa for Indians is crucial. Keep reading!
Overview of the Various Types of Canadian Visas
Some of the most common types of Canada visa from India are:
Canada Tourist Visa from India
Also referred to as a Canada visitor visa, it grants a temporary resident permit for Indians who wish to travel to Canada. It is a mandatory permit for those exploring the country, visiting their family or friends, or transiting via Canada to their final destination.
Furthermore, you may apply for a single-entry visa or multiple-entry Canada visa under this category. The first one will allow one-time entry into Canada, while the latter enables you to make several entries and exits within the visa’s validity period.
With a Canada tourist visa for Indian, one can stay for a maximum of six months in most cases.
Canada Work Visa from India
If you want to come to Canada to work in a certain company, then you must apply for a work visa or work permit. Unlike the six-month validity period of a Canada tourist visa for Indians, work permits are usually granted for 1-2 years.
To obtain this type of visa, your application must be submitted in association with your employer. Temporary workers, businesspersons, and foreign employees usually apply for a Canadian work visa.
Canada Student Visa from India
Canadian universities accept students from all over the world, including India. However, a valid visa is required before you can begin studying at a prestigious institution in this country.
A Canada visa for an Indian student is sometimes accepted equivalently as a work permit because it allows the students to work or complete internships off campus for 20 hours per week.
How do you apply for a Canadian Visa from India?
Except for Indian nationals with diplomatic privileges or those specifically exempt from visa requirements, anyone wishing to visit Canada must obtain a valid visa. If you are someone unsure about how to obtain a Canada visa from India, these are the steps you need to follow:
- Step 1: Verify the type of Canadian visa you will be requiring for your upcoming visit.
- Step 2: Check whether you are eligible for the particular visa type.
- Step 3: Ensure that you can produce all the essential documents for moving to Canada. The list of documents must align with the latest guidelines published by the Canadian Government after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Step 4: Apply for a visa for Canada from India online. To do this, you need to create a profile on the official Canada Immigration Services portal.
- Step 5: Next, upload the required documents to start the application.
- Step 6: Fill out the Canada visa application online form and pay the requisite fee.
- Step 7: Book an appointment in one of the nearest Canada visa application centres to complete your visa interview. Also, the officers here will collect your biometrics.
- Step 8: Wait for the visa approval. Typically a Canada visa for Indians is processed within a period of 47 days.
Sometimes, completing the approval stage can get delayed because of different security and medical screenings involved. If that happens to you, visit your local IRCC office or call customer support to determine the cause of the delay and resolve the issue with their assistance.
Eligibility Criteria for Canada Visa
It is necessary to meet some basic requirements to gain a Canadian visa from India:
- You must possess a valid passport or equivalent travel document.
- When applying, you must be in good health.
- There should not be any previous criminal allegations against you.
- Particularly while seeking a permit for an extended period, you must convince the immigration officer that you have a job, family, or responsibilities that will bring you back to your home country after a certain period.
- You should have sufficient funds for your stay in Canada. The amount will vary based on how long you intend to stay and whether you will rent a place or live with your friends or relatives in Canada.
A few situations might require you to undergo a medical exam and secure a letter of invitation from a permanent Canadian resident for your visa to be approved.
Documents Required for a Canada Visa for Indians
Here’s a list of the general documents needed for a Canada visa for Indians:
● A filled-out visa application form
● Receipt of visa fee payment
● Photocopy of your passport’s relevant pages
● Photocopy of your bank statement to prove financial stability
● Two photographs of the applicant according to the guidelines specified by the Canadian Government
● Photocopy of current immigration status
● Declaration revealing the purpose of travel
● Photocopy of marriage certificate (if applicable)
Moreover, the visa office can ask for some additional documents depending on the type of Canada visa for an Indian. Here are the specifics:
- Canada Tourist Visa From India: The concerned immigration office can ask for a letter of invitation if you are visiting a friend or relative. Similarly, if you are up for a leisure trip, then you need to submit details of your itinerary and hotel bookings across the country.
- Work Visa: You have to provide an employment contract or appointment letter issued by an employer who is registered in Canada.
- Student Visa: Students have to produce valid evidence of their admission to a university, college, or school in Canada.
For further details regarding visa documents, you should fetch information from the official website of the Canadian Immigration Services.
Tips for a Successful Tour to Canada From India
Below are a few practical tips to help make your next trip to Canada an enjoyable and stress-free one:
Plan Ahead
You should initiate the visa application process well in advance, at least two months ahead of the departure date, to avoid potential delays and complications.
Purchase a Travel Insurance Policy
To travel worry-free, you can buy the Star Travel Protect Insurance Plan. It provides comprehensive coverage with sum insured limits from $50,000 to $500,000 and can be availed individually to cover expenses arising from travel inconveniences or medical emergencies.
Key Features of Star Health’s Travel Protect Policy:
- Sum Insured Variants of $50,000, $100,000, $250,000 and $500,000 of Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses
- Medical Benefits including Accidental Dental Expenses, Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains
- Other Non Medical Coverages like Baggage Loss/Delay, Passport Loss, Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Flight Delay, Missed Connections, Hijack & Personal Liability
- 24X7 Worldwide Assistance and Claims Support from Falck India and Star Health’s Customer Support and Claims Team
- Coverage for Pre Existing Conditions in Life Threatening Situations
- No Medical Sublimits for all travelers upto 75 years of Age
Maintain Accurate Documentation Records
You have to make sure that all the submitted documents are precise, complete, and updated to avoid discrepancies.
Follow Official Guidelines
While applying for a Canada visa in India, you have to meticulously follow all the instructions stated by the official immigration website or visa application hub.
Patience is the key throughout the visa process. Further, to expedite the whole journey and make things work in your favour, you can purchase a travel policy beforehand. It gives the respective visa officer the idea that you are a responsible traveller who can take care of yourself during any possible emergencies.
However, if you are among those who fear they may face challenges in obtaining a Canada visa for Indians, you can seek assistance from immigration consultants online. They can guide you through the entire process.
FAQs
How much is the bank balance required for a Canada visa?
For a single visa applicant, the minimum recommended bank balance is CAD 10,000, which is approximately ₹5,97,842. This amount can be used to cover accommodation costs, travel expenses, planned activities during the visit, etc.
Is it difficult for Indians to get a Canada visa?
If you take a visa expert’s advice or stick to the rules stated by the Canadian immigration center, then you do not have to worry about visa approval.
Can a friend sponsor you from Canada?
At present, the Canadian Government does not allow any direct sponsorship program for friends of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. However, you may opt for a visitor visa if you have friends who are permanently living in Canada.
Do you need Travel Insurance to apply for a Canadian Visa?
No, Travel Insurance is not required, but is strongly recommended to have when planning a trip to Canada. Medical Costs are really very high there and incase of unfortunate Cancellation of the Trip or Legal Liability in Canada, Travel Insurance will be there to offer Financial protection to a large extent.
