What are the Documents Required for Canada Tourist Visa from India?

About Canada Tourist Visa

Canada tourist visa or Canada visitor visa is available for foreigners who want to enter Canada. Most foreigners can stay in Canada for up to 6 months, including Indians.

It is a type of temporary resident visa that can be taken by any of the following visitors:

• Those coming for leisure or tourism purposes
• Those visiting Canada for business purposes
• Visiting for compassionate reasons
• Those coming to meet family or friends

Anyone who wants to stay longer than 6 months need to apply for an extension at least 30 days before the visa expires.

What are the Documents Required for Canada Tourist Visa from India?

All Indian tourists need to prepare the following documents before applying for their Canada tourist visa:

• An Indian passport which is valid for at least 6 months from the date of the beginning of your trip.
• Any older passports (if available)
• Completed visa application form
• Coloured photographs with a white background and 80% face size
• A Cover letter which has all the details of your travel plans, your personal details and the details of any other person(s) travelling with you
• Any letter of invitation from relatives or friends (If any)
• Details of your hotel bookings
• You travel itinerary
• Details of your flight tickets
• Letter of leave from your school/college/employer
• Bank account statements of at least the last 6 months for sufficient finances to sustain your daily expenses during the trip
• Salary slips or MOA if self-employed
• Income Tax Returns details of past 3 years
• Relevant ID proof. These vary for students and retired adults.

In case of any doubt regarding the documents required for Canada tourist visa from India, you may contact the Canadian Embassy in India.

Canada Visitor Visa Checklist from India

Other than the documents required for Canada tourist visa, you also need to keep this Canada visitor visa checklist from India:

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination must be submitted via ArriveCAN within 72 hours before you arrive in Canada. This will be checked by the border services officer.
• A negative COVID-19 test report must be submitted within 72 hours before you arrive in Canada. This must be shown while boarding your flight to Canada or before the check-in, whichever applies.
• You must show the ArriveCAN receipt upon arrival in Canada. You will also need to submit your travel details, contact, proof of vaccination and other information.
• Previous travel history if asked for.

Who is Eligible for a Canada Tourist Visa?

Anyone applying for a Canada tourist visa must ensure that they:

• have a passport or a valid travel document
• are in good health
• don't have any immigration-related convictions
• aren't visiting with an intention to stay and must convince the immigration officer about their intent to come back to India
• convince the immigration officer of their intent to leave Canada once their visit has ended
• must have sufficient proof of funds so that they can sustain their stay in Canada
• a medical exam and a letter of invitation may be required by someone staying in Canada

While there are no specific restrictions on travellers, anyone not meeting these requirements will find it hard to obtain a valid tourist visa for Canada from India:

• Those who do not meet the requirements of sufficient funds to sustain their stay in Canada
• Anyone who is intending to seek a job or travelling for any other purpose
• Applicants who have criminal records

Things to Know Before Planning Your Trip to Canada

The land of beautiful mountains and stunning lakes, Canada is an excellent place for any traveller who wants to explore the North American continent. Before you pack your bags and apply for vacation leaves, know the requirements and time taken to get your tourist visa for Canada from India:

• Confirm your Eligibility: Before applying for a Canadian tourist visa check your eligibility to know if you can visit Canada.
• Apply in Advance: As of now, all Indians need a valid visa to visit Canada. However, since there is no facility for visas on arrival for Indian Citizens, it is suggested that you apply for a valid visa at the nearest Canadian visa application centre.
• Duration of Visit: The visa can be granted for both single entry and multiple entries, depending on your travel requirements. The tourist visa for Canada from India is granted for a period of up to six months.
• Purpose of Visit: As it is clear by its name, this tourist visa can only be used for leisure or touring purposes.
• Who can Travel: Any dependents or children can also be taken along.

According to the official Canadian government website, because of the coronavirus pandemic, all foreign nationals who are qualified for a completely vaccinated status in Canada are likely to be allowed entry into Canada. However, the final decision lies with the government official at the port of entry.

How to Apply for a Tourist Visa for Canada?

You can apply for a Canadian visa both online as well as offline by physically visiting the nearest VAC (Visa Application Centre). The process involves the submission of important documents, biometrics, and finally the fee payment. The required steps for the online process have been briefly mentioned below:

• Step 1: Apply for a Canada Visitors Visa online using the official website
• Step 2: Submit all relevant documents required. If required, you will be asked to appear for an interview.
• Step 3: Additional requirements like other documents or a medical check-up may be requested.
• Step 4: Pay the required biometric fee along with the visa application fee
• Step 5: All your original documents along with your passport will be returned once your application has been processed.
• Step 4: Once approved, the visa will be stamped on your passport.

Please note that obtaining a valid visa does not ensure entry. Government officials can deny you entry based on changed guidelines or issues with identity/biometrics. If you pass the identity check at the primary inspection kiosk, then the border services officer will provide the needed stamp on your passport.

How Long Does It Take to Process Canada Tourist Visa Application?

Because of the COVID-19 restrictions, there may be a delay in the processing of your application. In the case of a tourist visa for Canada from India, it takes around 2 weeks or 15 days. However, this processing time can differ depending on where you have applied for the visa, along with other factors like documents and other differences.

In a Nutshell,

This beautiful country is full of beauty and delight, but it can have its share of mishaps too. As a foreign traveller, it is highly recommended to buy a good international travel insurance plan before applying for a tourist visa for Canada from India. It protects you from any flight or medical contingencies at a very affordable rate that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. You can compare and buy the best overseas travel insurance plan at Policybazaar.com or mail us at care@policybazaar.com in case of any confusion.