🇨🇦 Planning a Trip to Canada in 2025? A Guide to Visitor Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Whether you're dreaming of seeing Niagara Falls, exploring Banff’s stunning landscapes, visiting family in Toronto, or attending a business conference in Vancouver, Canada remains one of the top destinations for Indian travelers. But before you pack your bags, understanding the 2025 visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV) requirements is crucial.

This guide breaks down the latest requirements, processes, fees, and tips for Indian citizens applying for a Canada visitor visa in 2025.

🛂 Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Canada?

Yes. Indian citizens require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada as tourists, to visit family/friends, or for short business trips.

📋 Eligibility Criteria for a Canada Visitor Visa (2025)

To qualify, you must:

✅ Hold a valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
✅ Prove you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
✅ Show sufficient financial support during your stay
✅ Have no criminal record or immigration violations
✅ Be in good health (medical exam may be required in some cases)
✅ Provide proof of ties to India (job, family, property, etc.)

📑 Documents Required (Standard TRV Application – 2025)

1. IMM 5257 – Completed visitor visa form
2. Valid passport with at least one blank page
3. Two passport-size photos (as per Canadian specs)
4. Proof of funds (bank statements, ITRs, employment letter)
5. Travel itinerary (round-trip flight bookings, hotel reservations)
6. Letter of invitation (if visiting friends/family)
7. Purpose of visit letter (clearly explaining your travel intent)
8. Proof of ties to India – job letter, property, dependent family
9. Biometrics receipt (if applicable)

💳 Visa Fees (2025 Updated Rates)

Item Cost (INR Equivalent)*
| Visitor Visa (single/multiple)  | CAD 100 (~₹6,200)
| Biometrics (if required)  | CAD 85 (~₹5,300)
| VAC Service Fee (India)  | ~₹1,200–1,500

*Exchange rates fluctuate. Always check IRCC’s official fee page for up-to-date figures.

🖥️ How to Apply for a Visitor Visa (TRV) – Step-by-Step (2025)

Option 1: Online Application (Recommended)

1. Create an IRCC account at Canada.ca
2. Fill out forms + upload documents
3. Pay fees online
4. Receive Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL)
5. Visit a VAC (Visa Application Centre) in India to provide biometrics
6. Wait for decision (you’ll be notified via your IRCC account)

Option 2: Paper Application (Via VAC)

• Submit at your nearest VFS Global VAC
• Note: Paper applications may take longer to process

⏳ Processing Time for Indian Applicants (as of 2025)

Step Time Estimate
| Online TRV Decision  | 20–30 calendar days (typical)
| Biometrics Appointment  | Within 3–5 business days
| Passport Stamping (if approved)  | 5–7 business days

✅ Tip: Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your intended travel date to avoid delays.

📍 Visa-Exempt Travel Option (NEW in 2024–25)

Some Indian passport holders may qualify to visit Canada without a visa under the eTA program, if they’ve had a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa.

🛂 In this case, you can:

• Apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for just CAD 7 (~₹450)
• Travel to Canada by air only (land/sea still requires a TRV)

🔗 Learn more: eTA Eligibility for Indians

✈️ Travel Purpose-Specific Notes

Travel Type Extra Notes
| Visiting Family  | Letter of invitation + proof of relationship helps
| Business Travel  | Include business invitation letter, event agenda
| Tourism Only  | Add full itinerary and confirmed bookings
| Attending Events  | Conference registration, hotel bookings required

✅ Top Tips for Indian Applicants (2025)

• Be honest: Misrepresentation can lead to bans
• Avoid dummy tickets: They raise red flags
• Strong financials + family/job ties = higher success
• Monitor email & IRCC account for updates
• Submit early: Avoid peak season rush (April–August)

🧭 Final Thoughts

Planning a trip to Canada in 2025 as an Indian passport holder is absolutely doable—but it now requires precise documentation, smart planning, and understanding evolving visa pathways like the eTA.

Whether you’re visiting family in Toronto or exploring Vancouver’s scenic beauty, getting your TRV or eTA approved on time is the first step to a smooth journey.