Canada provides a dynamic tourism experience to draw visitors from all over the world. On your visit to Canada, you can experience its natural beauty, metropolitan cities, and various tourist attractions and recreational activities.
Tourists who have Canada on their bucket list can simply avail of the Canadian Travel Visa (officially called the Visitor Visa) for their next trip abroad.
What is the Canadian Travel Visa?
The Canadian Travel Visa (Visitor Visa) and the eTA are online authorization tools that allow you to travel to Canada and enter the country. In the event of traveling to Canada with a Tourist Visa from India or any other country, there is no option for applying via the consulate unless under exceptional circumstances.
Thus, plan a visit to Canada and apply online for the Canadian Travel Visa.
Do you need the eTA or Visitor Visa when having an Indian Passport?
The eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to Canada is available for only certain countries that are on the visa waiver list. For all others, travelers need to apply for a Visitor Visa.
Since India is not on the visa waiver list, when applying for the Canadian Travel Visa from India, you will need to fill out a form for the Visitor Visa under the Temporary Residence Visa application category.
When traveling with my family, can we get a group visa to Canada?
The Canadian Immigration Department does not allow people to opt for group visas when traveling to Canada with a tourist visa from India or any other country. Thus, it is essential to submit separate applications when for each Canadian Travel Visa or Visitor Visa.
Further, as per the norms, along with the Temporary Resident Visa Application form, each individual over 18 must complete the Family Information form as well. However, parents can help their children (aged below 18) fill out their visa forms and sign the documents on their behalf.
How important is applying early?
The Canadian Immigration Department calculates the application processing time from the day the application is successfully lodged till the day a decision is made. It does not account for the time taken to gather documents, fill out the form, or submit biometric data.
While the Canadian Government does not state a processing time for each application, they do provide the average time that is usually taken per visa form. When applying for the ETA, processing time ranges from a few minutes to 72 hours (max), unless your visa is held up for some reason. However, for the Visitor Visa (Canadian Travel Visa) from India, this can take up to 114 days.
Thus, it is imperative that you get started on your application for tourist visa from India to Canada as soon as you start planning and not wait till the last minute to file a visa form. An early application allows you a window of opportunity to address any issues that may arise with the visa form.
Necessary documents for applying for a visa to Canada
When working on your Canadian Travel Visa (Visitor Visa) application, it is important to have all the necessary documents on hand. These include:
Valid Passport
Your passport when applying for a Canadian Travel Visa needs to be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of your departure from Canada. Thus, if your passport is about to expire or has very little validity that might not cover your stay in Canada, get it renewed before applying for the visa.
Are the exceptions to passports that are accepted by Immigration officials?
Certain limitations are placed on acceptable passports. The passports not accepted by Canada are:
- Those issued by Somalia
- Temporary passports from South Africa
- Provisional passports from Venezuela
- Non-machine readable passports from the Czech Republic.
However, there is no such limitation placed on India.
Proof of sufficient finances
You may be asked to provide a financial statement for your accounts and documentation in support. This is necessary to verify that you can support yourself through your travels.
Character Certificate and Medical Requirements
When traveling to Canada, you will be required to submit a “Certificate of Good Health” from your physician and a clearance from the local police authorities.
Travel Itinerary
Immigration officials ask for a record of your travel plans, accommodations reserved for your stay, and return tickets booked. This is necessary to provide a point of contact during your stay in Canada as well as proof that you will return to India upon completing your visit.
Exploring the Canadian Travel Visa Application Process
To apply for the Canadian Travel Visa (Visitor Visa), the application process is fairly simple. Go through the instructions, gather the necessary documents, and file your application.
Getting your documents ready for the visa application
These usually include the below:
- A valid passport
- A financial statement as proof of liquidity
- Report from a recent medical checkup as medical clearance
- Character certificate issued by the police
- Travel itinerary
- Return tickets
- Proof of accommodation
Submitting an accurate visa form
Try the below simple steps when working on your Canadian Travel Visa form:
- Visit the online application portal
- Enter your Passport number and email ID
- Enter personal data and other necessary details
- Upload supporting documents asked for on the form
- Read through the entered data and cross check for any mistakes
Once the form is complete, submit it and proceed to the payment portal. Pay using either a valid credit card or a debit card linked to an account with sufficient funds.
Submitting biometrics for the Canadian Travel Visa
When you receive approval against your visa form, you will also be given a BIL (Biometric Instruction Letter). Fix an appointment to submit biometric data within 30 days.
How to get approval against the Canadian Travel Visa form
When traveling to Canada with a Tourist Visa from India, getting approved for travel is influenced by multiple factors. Our advice is to submit each data against the visa form with accuracy to ensure approval.
Factors that affect Visa approvals
Getting an approval usually depends on the following:
- The visa category opted for
- Proper passport validity
- Sufficient funds to support your travels
- Providing accurate data
Further, each country targets a certain number when approving both temporary and permanent visas.
Common grounds for Visa rejection
Your Canadian travel visa application will be denied if the officials find one of the below errors:
- An incomplete visa form
- Issues with the passport and its validity
- Missing/ wrong documents in support
- Insufficient funds
- Unclear purpose of travel/ itinerary
- Having a criminal record
- History of visa rejections
- History of visa overstays
Tips for increasing your chances of approval
To ensure approval for the tourist Visa from India to Canada to India for you and your family, try the below:
- Opt for the correct visa category (Visitor Visa as the Temporary Residence Visa)
- Have proper passport validity
- Submit accurate data with respect to your visa form
- Upload requested documents in the right format
- Pay the requested fee
- Apply early to redress any issues
Further, we advise all our applicants to avoid embellishing information on official forms since this can lead to a travel ban.
Steps to follow in case of a visa denial
Even when your visa form is accurate and submitted on time, approvals are not guaranteed. In case your visa form has been rejected/ denied, you will have to either reapply or appeal the decision. You may also seek clarification by reaching out to the Canadian consulate.
Filing for the Canadian travel visa
If you are planning to visit Canada on your next family vacation, applying for the Canadian Travel Visa is quick and simple using the online portal. File an early visa form using the given guide and get started on your travel plans.
Have questions? Visit the online portal to know more.
Visit our home-page for more information
