Canada Tourist Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
A Canada Tourist Visa — officially called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — is for Indian citizens travelling to Canada for tourism, sightseeing, family events, or to attend events like the FIFA World Cup 2026. Valid for up to 6 months per visit. Applications are submitted online via the IRCC Portal, with biometrics and passport submission handled through VFS Global's 10 VAC centres in India.
Processing
Varies by season — typically several weeks to a few months
Stay Duration
Up to 6 months per visit (officer discretion)
Starting Fee
CAD $100
Apply At
10 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Canada visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Canada.
- 2Biometrics (fingerprints + digital photo) are required for most applicants — valid for 10 years.
- 3Do NOT submit your passport to VAC until you receive the Passport Request Letter from IRCC.
- 4Effective Feb 24, 2026: Biometric appointments require you to upload the BIL via the new AMS system.
- 5Effective Oct 9, 2023: Only the applicant, parents (for minors), or 1 appointed family member can submit passports at VAC — not unauthorized third parties.
- 6Not accepted as identity documents: passports from Somalia, non-machine-readable Czech passports, temporary South African passports, provisional Venezuelan passports.
- 7VFS online tracking shows passport LOCATION only. For application processing status, check your IRCC online account directly.
Who Can Apply
- Tourism, sightseeing, and leisure travel in Canada
- Attending events, including FIFA World Cup 2026 matches
- Visiting attractions and Canadian destinations
- Short personal trips and holidays
Not eligible under this visa:
- Gainful employment — apply for a Work Permit instead
- Study at a Canadian DLI — apply for a Study Permit
- Visiting family in Canada — consider a dedicated Family Visit Visa
- Stays longer than 6 months per visit
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (TRV) — individual | CAD $100 |
| Biometrics fee — individual | CAD $85 |
| Biometrics fee — family (2+ people applying together) | CAD $170 |
| VFS service charge — per package | ₹603 |
| Two-Way Courier Service | ₹1,716 |
| Premium Lounge service | ₹4,767 |
| SMS Tracking Service | ₹179 |
All IRCC government fees are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and paid directly to IRCC online. VFS service charges are paid in INR at the VAC. Fees are subject to change — verify on IRCC (canada.ca/immigration) and VFS Global (vfsglobal.com/ind/en/can) before applying. Third-party costs (medical exam, police clearance, translation) may also apply.
Documents Required
Required — Common Documents (all Canada visitor visas)
- !Valid passport
Clear colour copy of bio page + all stamped/visa pages. Must be valid for entire stay.
- !Identity document
Regular, official, or diplomatic passport accepted.
- !Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
Mandatory for applicants 18+
- !Biometrics fee payment
CAD $85 individual / CAD $170 family — valid for 10 years
- ○Use of Representative Form (IMM 5476)
Only if using a representative (lawyer or consultant)
Required — Tourist-Specific Documents
- !Proof of financial means
Sufficient funds to support stay in Canada (no fixed minimum, but strong proof expected)
- !Bank account statements — minimum 6 months
Must show bank name, your name and address, monthly balances and transactions
- !Travel itinerary
Flight bookings (reservation, not ticket), hotel/accommodation confirmations, event registrations (if applicable)
- !Proof of ties to India
Employment letter, property ownership, family commitments — demonstrates intent to return
Recommended — Strengthens Application
- ○Travel history — previous passports/visas (last 10 years)
Shows compliance with prior visas — helpful for first-time Canada applicants
- ○Employment letter on official letterhead
Dated within 3 months, job confirmation, salary, approved leave, manager contact
- ○Authority to Release Information (IMM 5475)
If you want someone else to receive updates
- ○Event/ticket confirmation (for FIFA 2026 or similar)
A FIFA ticket does NOT guarantee visa approval — apply early
Not accepted — identity document restrictions
- ○Passports from Somalia
IRCC does not accept these — applicants need alternative documentation.
- ○Non-machine-readable Czech passports
- ○Temporary South African passports
- ○Provisional Venezuelan passports
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Identify your visa type
Use IRCC's 'Come to Canada' online tool (canada.ca/immigration) to confirm the right visa category, required documents, processing times, and fees for your situation.
Gather documents and submit online via IRCC Portal
Complete your visa application on the IRCC Portal, upload all supporting documents, and pay the IRCC application fee + biometrics fee (if first time).
Wait for the Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL)
After submission, IRCC emails you a BIL — this confirms your biometric requirement. You must use THIS BIL for THIS application.
Book VAC appointment via AMS
As of Feb 21, 2026, appointments are booked through the Appointment Management System (AMS). From Feb 24, 2026 you must upload your BIL to schedule. Each family member needs their own appointment.
Visit the VAC for biometrics
Attend your VAC appointment. Staff capture fingerprints + digital photo. Submit any documents not uploaded online. Pay VFS service charges. Collect your receipt with tracking number.
Track your application
Use the tracking ID from the VAC receipt on VFS website, web chat, email, or helpline (1800-266-8858). VFS tracking shows passport LOCATION only, not processing stage. Online applications: check status on IRCC.
Wait for the Passport Request Letter from IRCC
DO NOT submit your passport until you receive this letter from IRCC. Each family member receives their own letter.
Submit passport through VAC
Submit original passport + IRCC passport request letter + biometrics sticker copy + VFS consent form. Effective Oct 9, 2023: Only applicant, parents (for minors), or 1 appointed family member can submit.
Collect your passport and decision
VAC emails you when passport is ready. Collect in person or by courier. Check visa details immediately: validity dates, entries, purpose.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
Visitor Visa Application Form (IMM 5257)
Download latest version from IRCC. Required for all visitor/tourist visa applications.
Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
Mandatory for all applicants 18 years and older. Lists all family members.
Use of Representative Form (IMM 5476)
Only if using a representative to submit your application.
Authority to Release Information (IMM 5475)
Optional — authorizes someone else to receive updates about your application.
VFS Application Centres
Visa Eligibility Check
Answer 10 questions to see your likelihood of approval. Embassies look for the same core factors across visa types — financial strength, clear purpose, genuine intent to return.
How clear is your purpose of visit?
How long is your planned stay?
Travel history to developed countries?
Any previous visa refusals?
Employment / income source?
3-month average bank balance?
Income Tax Returns history?
Travel bookings status?
Ties to India (reasons you'll return)?
Travelling with?
Indicative only — final decision is always with the Embassy.
💡 Pro Tips
- Apply online via the IRCC Portal — paper applications are accepted only for disability / refugee travel documents.
- Submit your application well before travel dates — processing can vary from a few weeks to a few months during peak season.
- Strong ties to India (stable employment, property, family) are the single biggest factor for approval.
- Having a FIFA 2026 ticket does NOT guarantee visa approval — apply as early as possible.
- Biometrics are valid for 10 years — if you've given them before for a Canadian visa and the period hasn't expired, you may not need to give them again.
- From Feb 24, 2026: all biometric appointments require you to upload your BIL through the Appointment Management System (AMS).
- VFS tracking shows passport LOCATION only — check your IRCC online account for actual application status.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Weak ties to India — officer perceives applicant may overstay
- 2.Insufficient financial documentation — funds don't cover intended trip
- 3.Purpose of visit unclear or inconsistent with itinerary
- 4.Incomplete application — missing mandatory forms (IMM 5645 etc.)
- 5.Previous immigration violations in Canada or other countries
- 6.Vague or generic travel itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a TRV vs eTA?+
How much does a Canada Tourist Visa cost from India?+
Do I need biometrics for a Canada Tourist Visa?+
How long can I stay in Canada on a Tourist Visa?+
Can I attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 on a Tourist Visa?+
Can I work on a Tourist Visa?+
Can SureshotVisa help with my Canada Tourist Visa?+
Let us prepare your Canada Tourist Visa — (Temporary Resident Visa) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other Canada Visa Types
Canada Business Visitor Visa (TRV)
Canada Business Visitor Visa for Indian professionals attending meetings, conferences, and business events in Canada. Stay less than 6 months. Not entering the Canadian labor market.
Canada Study Permit
Canada Study Permit for Indian students enrolling at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Complete guide on IRCC fees, documents, PAL requirements, and 2026 updates.
Canada Work Permit — Informational
Canada Work Permit — informational guide for Indian applicants. SureshotVisa does NOT handle work permit procurement; this page is for information purposes only.
Canada Family Visit Visa (TRV)
Canada Family Visit Visa for Indian citizens visiting family who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, temporary residents, or persons registered under the Indian Act. Up to 6 months.
Canada Spousal Visit Visa (TRV — Spouse of PR Sponsor)
Canada Spousal Visit Visa for Indian spouses whose Canadian partner has sponsored them for Permanent Residence. Faster processing available while PR application is in progress.
Canada Compassionate Visit Visa (TRV — Urgent Family)
Canada Compassionate Visit Visa for urgent visits due to critical illness, death, or other humanitarian reasons. Priority processing available with strong supporting evidence.
Canada Seafarer / Marine Crew Visa (TRV)
Canada Seafarer / Marine Crew Visa for Indian seafarers joining a vessel as crew in Canadian ports. Temporary Resident Visa for duration of contract.
Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — For Visa-Exempt Nationals
Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — important information for Indian citizens. Most Indians need a Tourist Visa (TRV), NOT an eTA. eTA is for visa-exempt nationals.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Canada website and Embassy of Canada. Last verified 2026-04-13. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.