Canada Visitor Visa for Indians: Processing Time (How to Apply in 2026)

Indian Travellers Get Faster Canada Visas: Processing Time Drops to 83 Days

Indian travellers can now expect significantly faster visitor visa processing for trips to Canada, with wait times dropping to 83 days, down from 99 days previously—a 16-day reduction that brings welcome relief for travellers hoping to explore Canada's stunning landscapes or visit family and friends.

This improvement comes as IRCC completes its year-end inventory review and reallocates officers to prioritize visitor visas ahead of the summer travel season.

What's Behind The Change?

IRCC periodically reassesses its processing capacity, especially around high-volume periods. With summer approaching, authorities are moving additional officers into visitor visa processing so that more applicants can travel during peak season.

This operational shift is designed to:

• Reduce backlogs that had accumulated during peak travel seasons
• Speed up travel approvals to accommodate increased demand
• Ensure smoother entry for tourists during the busy summer months
• Improve overall applicant experience with faster processing times

Current Canada Visa Processing Times For Indians

Current Canada Visitor Visa Fees

Note: Fees may vary depending on exchange rates and VAC charges.

How Long You Can Stay In Canada

A Canadian visitor visa generally allows travellers to stay for up to six months per entry, although the final duration is determined by the border officer stamped at arrival. The officer may limit your stay based on your travel plans and circumstances.

Why Visa Applications Get Refused

Understanding common refusal reasons helps applicants prepare stronger applications and avoid unnecessary delays:

• Insufficient proof of financial stability: Applicants must demonstrate they have adequate funds to support themselves during their stay in Canada without relying on public funds.
• Weak travel history: Limited or no previous international travel may raise concerns about the applicant's intentions to return to their home country.
• Lack of strong ties to home country: Insufficient evidence of employment, family, business ownership, or property ownership in the home country.
• Incomplete or inconsistent documents: Missing required documents or conflicting information across different application materials.
• Purpose of visit not clearly explained: Vague or unconvincing explanation of the reason for visiting Canada.

Tips To Improve Your Chances Of Approval

Financial Documentation

• Include bank statements showing sufficient, consistent funds (typically last 3-6 months)
• Add fixed deposit certificates, investment proofs, or property documents
• Show stable income through salary slips or business income proof

Employment & Ties to Home Country

• Provide employment letter with approved leave dates and salary information
• Include appointment letters or business ownership documents
• Add property ownership documents or rental agreements

Travel Documentation

• Provide a clear, day-by-day itinerary of your planned activities
• Include flight reservations (even if flexible or refundable)
• Add hotel bookings or accommodation confirmations

Invitation Letters (If Visiting Family/Friends)

• Letter from host in Canada with their status proof (PR card or citizenship)
• Host's income documents or employment proof
• Proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate)

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Apply

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility and Visa Type

Before applying, ensure you meet all eligibility requirements:

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity from intended travel date)
• Good health (may require medical examination)
• No criminal or immigration-related convictions
• Genuine intention to visit temporarily and leave at the end of stay
• Sufficient funds for your stay and return transportation

Choose Your Visa Type:

• Single-entry visa: Allows one entry into Canada during the validity period
• Multiple-entry visa: Allows unlimited entries within validity period (usually up to 10 years)

Step 2: Create IRCC Account and Prepare Documents

Online Application Process:

1. Visit the official IRCC website: canada.ca/visitor-visa
2. Create a GCKey account or sign in with existing credentials
3. Start a new application for "Visitor Visa"
4. Complete the questionnaire to determine your eligibility

Required Documents Checklist:

• Valid passport (all pages)
• Recent photographs (as per IRCC specifications)
• Proof of funds (bank statements, salary slips)
• Travel history (previous visas, passport stamps)
• Employment proof or business documents
• Travel itinerary
• Invitation letter (if applicable)
• Medical exam results (if required)

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

Required Forms:

• IMM 5257 – Application for Visitor Visa
• IMM 5644 – Family Information Form
• IMM 5488 – Document Checklist

Tips for Form Completion:

• Use English or French translations for all documents not in these languages
• Be consistent with names and dates across all forms
• Answer all questions truthfully and completely
• Save your application regularly to avoid losing progress

Step 4: Pay Application Fees

Fee Payment Process:

1. Calculate total fees (visa fee + biometrics fee)
2. Pay online using credit card, debit card, or IRCC portal
3. Keep payment receipt and acknowledgment number for your records

Step 5: Submit Biometrics

Biometrics Requirements:

• Fingerprints and photograph at Visa Application Centre (VAC)
• You'll receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) after application submission
• Book appointment at BLS International or VFS Global centre

VAC Locations: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Pune

Step 6: Submit Application and Wait for Processing

Online Submission:

• Upload all required documents in PDF or JPEG format
• Ensure file sizes meet IRCC requirements (usually under 4MB per file)
• Submit application electronically
• Receive acknowledgment of submission

Average Processing Times:

• Visitor Visa from India: ~83 days
• Work Permit: ~8 weeks (New Delhi/Chandigarh)
• Super Visa: ~214 days

Step 7: Receive Decision

If Approved:

• Passport will be stamped with visa
• Receive Confirmation of Portal (ePPR) for electronic verification
• Prepare for travel to Canada with all required documents

If Refused:

• Receive refusal letter with detailed reasons
• May reapply with stronger documentation addressing the concerns
• Consider applying for super visa if visiting parents/grandparents

Types of Canada Visas For Indian Travellers

1. Tourist Visa (Visitor Visa)

• Purpose: Tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends/family
• Validity: Up to 10 years (multiple entries)
• Processing: ~83 days for Indian applicants
• Stay: Up to 6 months per entry

2. Super Visa (Parents & Grandparents)

• Purpose: Extended stay for parents and grandparents
• Validity: Up to 10 years
• Processing: ~214 days for Indian applicants
• Stay: Up to 5 years per entry (continuous)

3. Business Visitor Visa

• Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, contract negotiations
• Validity: Up to 10 years
• Processing: Similar to tourist visa
• Stay: Up to 6 months

4. Transit Visa

• Purpose: Passing through Canada to another destination
• Validity: Single or double entry
• Processing: Faster than visitor visa
• Stay: 48 hours or less

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does Canada visitor visa take for Indians?

A: The current processing time for Canada visitor visa from India is approximately 83 days, down from 99 days previously. This 16-day reduction is part of IRCC's efforts to speed up visitor visa processing ahead of the summer travel season.

Q: Is Canada giving visas faster to Indians now?

A: Yes, Canada has sped up visitor visa processing for Indian applicants. IRCC has reduced processing times from 99 days to 83 days by reallocating officers to prioritize visitor visas and completing year-end inventory reviews.

Q: What is the new processing time for Canada visa from India?

A: Visitor visa processing from India now takes approximately 83 days. Work permit applications from New Delhi and Chandigarh take about 8 weeks. Super visa processing remains at approximately 214 days.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Canada visa applications and is not legal advice. Visa regulations, fees, and processing times are subject to change. For specific advice about your situation, please consult with a qualified immigration consultant or the official IRCC website. Information is current as of February 2026.