The beautiful scenery, rugged mountains, shimmering lakes, and vast coastline makes Canada one of the top travel destinations in the world. From exploring the nightlife in Toronto to taking a helicopter tour over Niagara Falls, there is so much to see and indulge in for every type of tourist in Canada. The culture, the food, and the warm people are an added bonus. If you wish to explore and experience the best of this country, you have to apply for a Canada tourist visa from India.
Canada tourist visa is mandatory for Indians to enter this vast country. If you are wondering whether or not Indians have a facility of Visa on Arrival for Canada, then NO. Indians don’t have the facility of a Visa on Arrival and must have a valid visa before arriving in Canada.
To know more about the eligibility criteria, documents required, the steps to apply for a tourist visa for Canada, and more, keep reading.
Canada Tourist Visa and its Types
Before we get into the process, you must know about the Canada tourist visa and its types. It will then get easier for you to decide which one you should apply for.
A Canada Tourist visa is permitted by the Government of Canada for those who wish to visit the country for holidays or to meet friends, relatives, and family. There are two types of Canada tourist visas namely,
Single Entry Visas - As the name suggests, it grants permission to enter Canada only once.
Multiple Entry Visas - Similarly, this tourist visa type allows foreign nationals to enter Canada multiple times as long as their visa is valid.
One thing to note about Multiple Entry Visas is that though it allows the tourist to enter Canada for six months as many times as they want, however, the visa can be valid for up to 10 years. The exact duration is decided by the visa officer issuing it.
Canada Tourist Visa Eligibility
Here are the Canada tourist visa requirements -
The applicant must have enough funds in their bank account to support themselves and their family members during their stay in Canada.
They must not look for any jobs in Canada.
There must be zero criminal records and be willing to follow Canada’s laws.
If the applicant plans to stay with their friends or relatives, he/she must have letters of invitation from their sponsors.
If the applicant wishes to visit relatives in Canada, then getting a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is necessary.
Documents required for Canada tourist visa application
Refer to the list of documents required for a Canada tourist visa while applying -
Original passport with 6 months validity from the arrival date in Canada and any old passports.
3 color photographs with 80% face size in white background and matt finish in dimensions 35mm x 45mm.
A cover letter stating the details about the applicant, travel, and any other member traveling along.
Proof of accommodation.
Day-wise itinerary.
Air tickets.
Original Leave letter from school/college/employer.
If employed, then salary slips of the last 6 months.
If self-employed, MOA/Shop Act/Deed.
Last 6 months' personal bank statements (original) updated with sufficient balance.
Form 16 or Income Tax returns for 3 years.
Copy of School/College ID, if student.
Retirement proof/pension passbook or slips, if retired.
Any financial documents like shares, property papers, PPF, NSC, and FD.
Steps to follow when applying for a Canada tourist visa
It is mandatory that applicants follow these steps to get their Canadian tourist visa on time and hop on that plane in no time. Here are they -
Step 1 - Fill Canada Tourist Visa Application Online
Filling out an application online makes the process hassle-free as there is no mail delivery time and no courier fees. Also, they are processed instantly, avoiding any delays. The best part is you can get updates on your application status on your account. Remember you have to pay for your biometrics fee with the application.
Step 2 - Provide Biometrics
After application submission, you will receive a letter stating to provide your fingerprints and photo for which you will be allotted 30 days.
Step 3 - Get a Medical Examination
After biometrics, the processing of your application will begin. If any document is missing or incomplete, the application will be returned. An interview might be arranged with officials in India. Meanwhile, get your medical examination done. After the application has been processed, your passport and original documents will be returned to you. And in case your application is rejected, you will get an application.
Remember that a valid visitor visa and travel documents are not enough to enter Canada. There is a post Visit Visa Process. Once you land at the Canada airport, the officials will again check your fingerprints to ensure you are the same person who was granted permission to visit Canada. If you pass, the officer will stamp your passport and inform you about the duration of your stay in Canada, which is generally up to 6 months.
Application Processing Time
Canada tourist visa application takes a maximum of 8 weeks to process. However, the time may vary depending on the center’s location, documentation, and individual circumstances.
An authorized and licensed immigration consultant, Nationwide Visas will guide you through your Canada tourist visa application process. Our experienced immigration experts have processed more than 30,000 applications and will help you file your application, documentation, and everything else that guarantees a successful visa. Choose the best Immigration Consultant for a Canada Tourist Visa and connect with Nationwide Visas today.
Read also:- Documents required for Canada tourist visa from India?
