Canada Visitor Visa - Jas Overseas

A Guide to Canadian Visitor Visas for Indian Citizens

For Indian citizens planning a trip to Canada, understanding the different types of visitor visas is the first step to a successful application. Canada offers several categories of visitor visas, officially known as Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), each designed for a specific purpose.

Types of visitor visas you can apply for:

1. Visitor Visa (also known as a Tourist Visa or Temporary Resident Visa - TRV)

Multiple-Entry Visa: This is now the standard and most commonly issued visitor visa. It allows you to enter and leave Canada multiple times for the duration of the visa’s validity (up to 10 years, or until your passport expires). Each stay is typically for a period of up to six months, which can be determined by the border services officer upon your arrival.
Single-Entry Visa: As the name suggests, this visa allows you to enter Canada only once. If you leave Canada (with the exception of direct travel to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon), you will need to apply for a new visa to re-enter.

2. Super Visa (for Parents and Grandparents)

Key Features of the Super Visa:

Extended Stays: A Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time without needing to renew their status.
Multiple Entries: It is a multiple-entry visa that is valid for up to 10 years, allowing for repeated visits.
Specific Requirements: To be eligible, the child or grandchild in Canada must meet a minimum income threshold, and the applicant must provide proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company.

3. Transit Visa

A Transit Visa is required for Indian passport holders who are traveling to another country and will have a layover in a Canadian airport for less than 48 hours. If your travel itinerary includes passing through Canada, you must apply for a transit visa before your journey. For travelers who are eligible for visa-free transit, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) may be required. However, Indian citizens currently require a transit visa.

Understanding the Costs: Applicable Charges for a CANADA Visitor Visa

1. Government of Canada Fees (Mandatory)

These are the core fees payable to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The fees are officially quoted in Canadian Dollars (CAD), and the Indian Rupee (INR) equivalent will fluctuate based on the exchange rate at the time of payment.

Application Fee:
- Per Person: CAD $100 (approximately ₹6,200 – ₹6,500)
- Family (5 or more members applying at the same time and place): CAD $500 (approximately ₹31,000 – ₹32,500)
- Biometrics Fee: This is for the collection of fingerprints and a photograph.
- Per Person: CAD $85 (approximately ₹5,300 – ₹5,500)
- Family (2 or more members applying at the same time): CAD $170 (approximately ₹10,600 – ₹11,000)

Therefore, the initial mandatory government fees for a single applicant will be CAD $185 (Application Fee + Biometrics Fee), which translates to roughly ₹11,500 to ₹12,000.

2. Medical Examination Fee (If Required)

A medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician is not always required for a visitor visa. However, it may be requested based on the intended length of your stay (typically over six months) or if you have certain medical conditions or have recently lived in a designated country.

Estimated Cost: The cost for an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) in India varies depending on the applicant’s age and the city where the examination is conducted.
- Adults (15 years and above): ₹4,000 – ₹7,000
- Children (11-14 years): ₹3,500 – ₹5,500
- Children (0-10 years): ₹2,500 – ₹4,500

Document Requirements

I. Core Application Documents

These are the fundamental documents that form the basis of your application:

Completed Application Forms.
Valid Passport
Photographs
Proof of Visa Application Fee Payment:

II. Proof of Financial Support

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses and your stay in Canada. The required amount can vary based on the length of your trip and the number of travelers.

Evidence of financial support can include:

Bank Statements: Original bank statements for the last six months from all your bank accounts, showing a consistent and healthy balance.
Income Tax Returns (ITRs): Copies of your ITRs for the past two to three years.
Salary Slips and Employment Letter: If you are employed, provide your last three months’ salary slips and a letter from your employer stating your position, salary, date of joining, and approved leave for the duration of your trip.
Proof of Investments: Documents related to fixed deposits, mutual funds, property ownership, or other investments can further strengthen your financial standing.
Sponsorship Documents (if applicable): If a friend or family member in Canada is sponsoring your trip, you will need to provide their letter of invitation, proof of their legal status in Canada (Permanent Resident card or citizenship proof), and evidence of their financial capacity (bank statements, employment letter).

III. Purpose of Travel

Clearly defining the reason for your visit is essential. The documents in this category will support your stated purpose.

Covering Letter: A personal letter addressed to the visa officer explaining the purpose of your visit in detail. This should include your travel dates, the places you plan to visit, who you will be traveling with, and a brief overview of your ties to India.
Detailed Travel Itinerary: A day-by-day plan of your activities in Canada, including flight bookings (reservations are sufficient, confirmed tickets are not mandatory at the application stage), hotel reservations, and any pre-booked tours or activities.
Letter of Invitation (if applicable): If you are visiting friends or family, a formal letter of invitation from them is required. The letter should include their full name, address, contact information, your relationship to them, the purpose and duration of your visit, and details of who will bear the expenses.
For Business Visits: If you are traveling for business, you will need an official invitation letter from the Canadian company you will be visiting, along with details of your meetings or conferences.

IV. Ties to Your Home Country (India)

You must convince the visa officer that you have strong reasons to return to India after your visit. This is a critical factor in the decision-making process.

Proof of Employment: An employment letter, as mentioned earlier, serves as strong proof of your ties to your job in India.
Property Ownership: Documents such as property deeds or rental agreements demonstrate your assets and responsibilities in India.
Family Ties: Evidence of close family members in India, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates of children, and ration cards, can be included.
For Students: A letter from your educational institution stating your enrollment and expected date of return to your studies.

V. Other Important Documents

Travel History: Copies of previous visas (from any country) and entry/exit stamps in your old and current passports can demonstrate a good travel record.
Medical Examination: Depending on the duration of your stay and your recent travel history, you may be required to undergo a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician.