Canada Visa For Indians
Did you know that Canada is a top favorite immigration destination for Indians? It has been in the recent years. Before we go on, you need to understand the different types of visas that are available in Canada and the requirements associated with them.
Canada is known for its breathtaking beauty, fine wines and fresh fruits, gorgeous women and handsome men, maple syrup and ice hockey, free healthcare, low crime rate and a high quality of life. Canada has the exceptional ability to make new immigrants feel at home.
Indians have taken the world by storm. We have dominated the business and professional circuit breaching the glass ceiling in almost all industries.
A Canada visa is a permit that allows you to visit Canada, and stay there for a certain period. There are a few countries which do not need a permit to enter the country. However, for Indian nationals, a visa is necessary. The Canadian visas are of multiple types depending on the type of stay, number of entries, and the purpose of the visit. Even though the normal visa is issued for 6 months, the actual length can vary based on the Canadian Border Security Office decision.
Canada Visa For Indians
How to apply for a Canada visa?
To apply for a Canada visa from India, you have to follow a few steps. However, before starting your application, there are a few prerequisites. The first one is for you to determine which type of visa you need. There are several Canada visa types ranging from a visitor, work, student visa, etc. After this, you need to determine if you are eligible for that particular type. This can be done by answering a questionnaire on the Government of Canada website. Once you are eligible, you can choose to apply for the Canada visa online, or on paper.
The offline process can be done by –
- Downloading an application form.
- Filling the necessary details, as per the requirements.
- Attaching the mandatory documents.
- Paying the application fees, along with biometric charges.
- Biometric is mandatory at VAC.
- Sending the application via mail or in person to a VAC.
The Canadian government is in the phase of digitizing records, and as a result, people are requested to make their Canada visa application online for the process. To find out how to apply for a Canada visa online, you can follow the following steps –
- You will have to create an account at the Government of Canada website. You can also use your bank account details to create one.
- Once this is done, you can log in to the account and start filling out your Canada visa application form.
- You should then upload your documents as asked.
- Pay the application fees as well as the biometric fees and submit the Canada visa online application.
Be it online or offline, after you submit your application, you will have to wait for the embassy to approve it. In the meanwhile, you will also be asked to submit your biometric information. You can provide this at a visa application center, or at other referred biometric collection centers. Alternately, you might have to submit to an interview at the VAC.
Whatever the process you follow, you have to ensure that all the details are correct, and the necessary documents have been submitted as you do not want your application to be rejected. A rejected visa history may cause hindrances in future visa applications.
Canada visa types
Canadian visas can be categorized into Temporary, and Permanent Visa. The temporary resident Canada visa types can be mainly classified into the following –
- Visitor visa / Temporary resident visa (TRV) – Anyone who is visiting the country for tourism, family or business related purposes are granted temporary resident status. These are issued normally for 6 months. They are of two types-
- Canada Tourist Visa – This type is required by an individual whose sole purpose of the visit is tourism. Be it visiting family members/friends, or to explore the country, or any other tourist activities, you require a tourist visa.
- Canada Business Visa – If you are planning to visit Canada to implement or expand a business, to attend business meetings/conferences, to venture possible business plans, as long as your main agenda is professional activities, you require a business visa.
- Work visa – This is a temporary type that permits an individual to work for 6 months in Canada, after which he will have to return home or apply for an extension.
- Study visa – For students attending courses in Canada that last more than 6 months, a study visa is issued.
Usually, these are issued for multiple entries. Meaning, you can go in and out of the country multiple times in the visa period. Also, most temporary visas are issued for 6 months. However, depending on how strong your case is, the visa officer may issue permits valid up to a maximum of 10 years; or until the passport validity date, whichever comes first.
Documents required for Canada visa
The documents to be submitted for the application depends on the Canada visa types you are aiming for. There are a constant set of documents that are common for all visas, and a special set depending on the type. The general documents required for Canadian visa are as follows,
- A valid passport + old passports, if any.
- 3 photos as per Canada visa requirements.
- Duly filled and signed application forms.
- NOC from employer/leave sanction from school/college.
- Travel itinerary – confirmed air tickets, proof of accommodation.
- Proof of financial means – bank statements, Form -16, passbook, salary slips, etc.
- Proof that you will return to your home country once the Canadian visa expires.
- Identity and Civil Status Documents.
- Police clearances to show no criminal records (if requested).
- Medical certificate to prove that you have no chronic disease (if requested).
- A covering letter stating your purpose, motive, and duration of the travel.
- Letter of support/invitation to Canada.
