Canadian Visa Guide - Types, Requirements & Application Process

Canada Visa Application Guide

Though the second-largest country in the world by total area, Canada is one of the most sparsely populated countries on earth. It has an estimated population of 3.8 crore and a population density of only 11 people per square mile. Thus, it is not only a land of opportunities and dreams but also untouched natural beauty. Thousands of Indian tourists visit Canada every year. The country is also a hot destination for Indian students pursuing high-quality higher education and skilled workers seeking employment opportunities.

Therefore, a Canada visa — whether it’s a Canada tourist visa, student visa, work visa, or permanent resident visa — is a sought-after commodity for citizens from underdeveloped and developing economies. Here’s all the information you need for Canada visa application online.

Though the second largest country in the world by total area, Canada is one of the most sparsely populated countries on earth. It has an estimated population of 37.74 million and a population density of only 4 people per square kilometre.

What is a Canada Visa?

A Canada visa is an official document that permits you to enter the Canadian border. It enables you to travel or stay in Canada for a limited period. A Canada visa is provided by the appointed Consulates or Embassy in your home country. However, you need to meet the eligibility criteria, including having valid travel documents, zero criminal convictions, being financially sound, etc., to receive a Canadian visa. According to Canadian laws, Indian students can get a student visa to study in Canada effortlessly if they apply through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

Therefore, a Canada visa - whether it’s a Canada tourist visa, student visa, work visa or permanent resident visa – is a sought after commodity for citizens from underdeveloped and developing economies. Here’s all the information you need while applying for a visa online.

Features of a Canada Visa

Let us explore the features of a Canadian visa:

 

• It is available for single as well as multiple trips

• No visa fee charged on transit visa

• Faster processing of student visa for Indian applicants

Types of Canada Visa

VFS Canada handles four types of visas for travelers desiring to enter Canada. They include:

 

• Temporary resident visa

• Study permit

• Work permit

• Permanent resident travel document

Temporary resident visa

A temporary resident visa, also called a visitor visa, is a mandatory document required to enter Canada. If you are looking for a Canada tourist visa, you need to apply for a visitor visa or temporary resident visa through a VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre in India. You can stay up to a maximum of 6 months in Canada with a temporary resident visa.

Study permit

A study permit or student visa allows a foreign student to learn at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Your Canada visa application as a student must be supported by proper documentation. You also need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA), which is something similar to the Indian e-visa, or a visitor visa to enter Canada. Only a study permit is not enough.

Work permit

If you are a foreign national, you need a work permit to work in Canada. Depending on your requirements, you should apply for an employer-specific work permit or open work permit.

Permanent resident travel document

If you are a permanent resident of Canada but do not have a valid PR card to show your citizenship, you need to apply for a permanent resident travel document. Whether you plan to enter the country by airplane, bus, boat or train, you need to furnish a PRTD to do that in Canada.

Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents

Super visa for parents and grandparents is the best option to ensure you have your family with you in Canada. It is a multi-entry visa valid for a maximum of 10 years. Super visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to 2 years during each visit. You could also sponsor permanent resident status for your parents and grandparents under Canada’s family sponsorship program.

Transit Visa

You would need a Canadian transit visa on your journey to another country. It is needed in the following situations:

 

• Your international flight stops at a Canadian airport while travelling to another country

• You need to connect between two international flights at the Canadian airport

• You will transit through Canada within 48 hours

• You do not have a valid visitor visa

Validity for Different Types of Canadian Visa

Let us check the validity for different types of Canada visas.

Who Can Apply for a Canada Visa?

As per Canadian laws, anyone who wants to travel to or stay in Canada needs a Canadian visa. The visa is issued by the Embassy or Consulates appointed in your country.

For example, let us say, Shubham, an Indian resident, is planning a 60-day trip to Canada. Since his home country is India, he will have to apply for a temporary/visitor Canada visa from India.

When to Apply for a Canadian Visa?

Every individual travelling to Canada must have a visa before their date of departure. So, if you are travelling to Canada from India on December 21, 2021, you must have it before departing from India. You cannot obtain a Canadian visa at the international airport (known as on-arrival visa) in Canada.

How to apply for Canada Visa

VFS Global Canada provides you with two options to apply for a Canadian visa. You can either make a Canada visa application through its Canada Visa Application Centres in India or apply online. If you apply online, it costs $100 CAD for a visitor visa plus $85 CAD as biometrics fee.

 

Step 1: Before you apply for a Canadian visa, check the eligibility criteria and verify that you meet the specified conditions

 

Step 2: Read the VFS Canada application guide and ensure that you have provided all the correct information while applying.

 

Step 3: If you are aged between 14 and 79 years, you will be asked to submit your biometric data such as fingerprints and photo. After you submit the biometric data, you also need to pay the biometrics fee.

 

Step 4: After the submission of biometrics, the application processing starts and the processing time depends upon the type of visa applied for and other factors.

 

Step 5: You are also required to submit documents such as medical exam reports and police certificate for apply for a visa

Documents Required for Canada Visa Application

Documents required for Canada visa process from India are as follows:

 

• Valid passport with minimum two blank pages

• Duly filled application form

• Xerox of round air ticket or travel itinerary

• Two photographs with your name and birth date written at the back

• Proof of financial capability, such as latest income tax return

• Letter of invitation from your business partner residing in Canada (for business visitor visa)

• Medical examination report from an approved medical service provider in New Delhi

• English or French language test score

Note: You may have to furnish more documents based on the type of Canadian visa you need.

Canada Visa Application for a Minor

Here are a few documents required to get a Canada visa for minors.

 

• Passport of the minor

• Photocopy of their birth certificate

• Letter of authorisation from parents or legal guardians, which also includes their details like name, address, and contact number. It should also mention the name and contact details of the person looking after the child in Canada. This letter must be in English or French.

Canada Visa Fees

Every Canada visa application is processed once you pay the visa fee. Let us take a look at the fee charged for different types of Canada visa applications.

Canada Visa Processing Time

The Canada visa processing time depends on the type of visa you need. The below table mentions the typical processing time for different types of Canada visa applications.

How to Check Your Canada Visa Status?

Follow the below steps to check the status of your Canada visa application online.

 

1. Visit the official website of the Government of Canada.

2. Go to ‘Immigration and Citizenship’.

3. Select the ‘My Application’ option.

4. Click on ‘Check your application status’.

5. Enter the type of visa application.

6. Log in to your account and check the Canada visa application status.

Reasons to Apply for Canada Visa Online

While the online portal offers multiple benefits, it also makes the Canada visa renewal process simpler. Here are a few reasons why you should apply for a Canadian visa online:

 

• The Canadian authorities receive your application instantly. As such, you need not waste your time and money on a courier service.

• It ensures your application is complete before you hit ‘Submit’.

• In case you are asked, you can submit more documents instantly.

• You get updates on the status of your Canada visa online.

Canada Visa Requirements

Tourist Visa Requirements in Canada (Temporary Visa)

A temporary resident visa applicant from India needs to meet the following criteria:

 

• You must have a passport

• You should be in good health and have no criminal or immigration-related convictions

• You must be able to convince their immigration officer that you have a job, home, financial assets, and a family in India to establish ties to your home country

• You must demonstrate the financial capacity to pay for your stay in Canada

• You may also need a medical exam and a letter of invitation from someone who resides in Canada

Study-in-Canada Visa Requirements

Here are a few Canada visa requirements for students:

 

• You must have a passport

• You must be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI) to apply for a study permit

• Must be able to prove you have enough money to pay your tuition fees and take care of expenses

• You must have no criminal records and may require a police certificate

• You may also require a medical exam to verify your health

Work-in-Canada Visa Requirements

Here are the eligibility requirements for a work permit in Canada.

 

• You must have a passport

• You must not have a record of criminal activity

• You must have enough money to take care of yourself and your family members

• You may be required to give your biometrics, such as photo and fingerprint

Now that you know all about Canada visa application, we would recommend you consider buying travel insurance. Most countries deem travel insurance mandatory for visa approval. Adequate travel insurance protection is a must if you are travelling abroad as it protects you against contingencies such as medical emergencies, trip cancellation, flight delays, personal accidents, loss of passport and baggage, and even home burglaries in your absence.

Buying travel insurance online does not cost much time or money. At Bajaj Markets, we offer 24x7 assistance, swift claim settlement, and high medical coverage, so that you can have a safe and financially secure trip.