Canada Visa Guide for Indians

16 February, 2024

With rising opportunities in the technology education sectors in Canada, more and more Indians are moving to the Great White North for better life opportunities. Plus, the scenic majestic Rockies to the lively Toronto streets also beckon tourists to Canada. As an Indian passport holder, intending to travel to Canada, you must mandatorily apply for an obtain a Canada visa. Canada offers multiple types of visas for Indians that allow you to travel, study, work, or even settle in the country. Here’s a detailed guide on the Canada Visa for Indians – the types, eligibility requirements, tips and more.

Getting a Canada Visa for Indians

To obtain your Canada visa, you must visit the official website of the Canadian government and create your IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) account. The IRCC account will enable you to apply or manage your visa application, track your application status, processing time, pay fees and get access to relevant information.

After creating your IRCC account, you must decide what kind of visa you require depending on your intended purpose of visit. You may also apply for the visa via VFS Global Services.

Types of Canada Visa for Indians and Eligibility Requirements

Canada provides several visa options for Indian nationals, catering to different purposes of travel. Here is quick overview of most common types of visas:

• Canada Visitor Visa
  
  If you are planning a leisure trip to Canada or if you wish to visit family and friends, you will need to apply for a visitor visa. This visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to six months. However, it does not grant you the right to work or study in Canada.
  
  

• • Eligibility requirements 

    • A valid passport.

    • Enough funds to support your stay, including accommodation and other expenses.

    • Proof of your ties within Canada such as your family, job, home, or financial assets.

    • No record of criminal activities or immigration-related convictions.

    • Proof of good health.

    • Proof that you intend to return to your home country.

• Study Permit
  
  A study permit is for those seeking to pursue education in Canada. If you have applied for a course lasting for six months or longer, ensure that you have an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada before applying. However, a student permit is not a visa and does not allow you to enter Canada. You must obtain a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorisation (eTA).
  
  

• • Eligibility requirements 
    
    

    • Proof of enrolment at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

    • Proof of funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, etc.

    • Police certificate (if required).

    • Medical examination showing you are in good health (if required).

    • Proof that you will return to your home country upon the expiration of your study permit.
      
      

• Work permit
  
  Canada offers several types of work permits that meets distinct requirements of applicants. Following are some of the work permits you can obtain:

• Temporary workers permit: If you want to work for a particular period in Canada, this is the right option for you. This work permit enables you to contribute your skills and expertise to the Canadian workforce for a limited period.

• Business people’s permit: You can get this work permit in Canada if you are an intra-company transferee, trader, investor, or business visitor.

• Caregivers permit: The Caregiver’s work permit provides opportunities to medical practitioners and caregivers to work in Canada by offering support services to Canadian families.

Although, Canada offers several types of work permits, there are a set of eligibility requirements that every applicant must meet.

• • Eligibility requirements 
    
    

    • Proof that you will return to your home country after your work permit expires.

    • Proof that you have enough funds to support your living expenses and your dependents (if any) during your stay in Canada, and that you will return to your home country.

    • You may need to get a police clearance certificate from the authorities.

    • Proof that you are not dangerous to Canada’s security.

    • Medical test showing that you are in sound medical condition (if required).

    • Proof that your employer is eligible and is not enlisted in the list of ‘employers who failed to comply with the regulatory conditions’.

    • Proof that you are not going to work on a regular basis for employers who offer ineligible services.

    • Any other documents requested by the immigration office.
      
      

Immigration Programs Offered By Canada

If you intend to settle in Canada permanently, you can take advantage of immigration programs. Canada’s various immigration programs enable individuals from around the world to start and build a new life and contribute to its society. With various immigration programs designed to accommodate people from different countries, there is something for every type of skilled worker. Here is a list of some key immigration programs that Canada offers:

• Express entry Programs: 
  
  Designed for skilled workers seeking to become permanent residents, the express entry program is a points-based system that evaluates your age, education, work experience, language proficiency and other essential factors. There are three programs within the Express Entry program:
  
  

• • Federal Skilled Worker Program

  • Federal Skilled Trades Program

  • Canadian Experience Class

• Family Sponsorship Program
  
  Canadian citizens and permanent residents can bring their family members to Canada through this program. The family sponsorship allows them to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency including partners, spouses, dependent children, parents and grandparents.
  
  

• Start-up visa Program
  
  Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas that have the potential to generate new jobs in Canada can apply for this program.
  
  

• Program for Self-employed Individuals 
  
  If you are an individual who can contribute to Canada’s cultural or athletic space, you can get permanent residency through this program.
  
  

• Caregivers Program 
  
  This program is designed for individuals who can provide care for children, the elderly, or people with medical conditions. It gives you the opportunity to come to Canada and eventually apply for permanent residency.
  
  

Processing Time for Canada Visa

The processing times may vary, depending on various factors such as the type of visa and permit you are applying for, your country of residence, the volume of applications received and other factors that may influence visa processing. Different types of visas and permits such as tourist visas, study permits, work permits have different processing times. To know the accurate processing time and get the latest information, you can visit the official IRCC website or consult the Canada immigration department.

Tips for Successful Visa Application to Canada

Completing a visa application requires careful preparation of documents and attention to detail to increase your chances of timely visa approval. Whether you are applying for a tourist visa, work permit or any other type of visa, these crucial tips can help you navigate the application process effortlessly:

• Always plan ahead:
  
  Start applying at least three months before your intended travel date. Visa processing times vary per the type of visa and document required. You should factor in ample of time to gather all the necessary documents and complete the application without any rush.
  
  

• Review the application guide:
  
  Visit the official IRCC website and familiarise yourself with the provided guidelines to understand how to fill out each section of the application form correctly.

• Understand the requirements: 
  
  Thoroughly review the requirements and eligibility criteria for the specific visa you want to apply. Ensure you meet all the prerequisites before you begin the application.
  
  

• Get your funds ready: 
  
  You must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Canada. Ensure that you have made the necessary arrangements for the same in your account to provide clear and accurate evidence of your financial capacity.
  
  

• Stay updated: 
  
  Always ensure you check your application status regularly through your IRCC account. You must stay informed about any updates or requests made by the Canada immigration department.
  
  

Travel to Canada on a tourist visa – Get your HDFC Bank Forex Card

Having an HDFC Bank Forex Card helps you to handle your finances easily while enhancing your overseas travel experience. The Forex Card is a type of prepaid card on which you can load multiple foreign currencies, including Canadian Dollars. You can purchase the card online or at HDFC Bank branches and load it with your preferred foreign currencies. Once in Canada, you can use the card to pay for all kinds of expenses. Buying the Forex Card also proves beneficial as you can lock in forex rates while reducing the risk of currency rate fluctuations.

Apply for HDFC Bank Forex Cards online and redefine the way you travel abroad.

​​​​​​​*Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.