Canada visitor visa (TRV) from India
A Canada visitor visa (temporary resident visa) lets you visit for tourism, family or short business trips. You apply online to IRCC and give biometrics at a visa application centre. The officer must be satisfied about your purpose, your funds and your ties to India. For parents planning long stays, a Super Visa may fit better.
Who is it for?
- Tourists and people attending family events such as weddings or graduations.
- Parents and relatives visiting family in Canada for a short period.
- Business visitors attending meetings or conferences (no work in Canada).
What does the officer look for?
- A clear purpose and trip plan.
- Enough funds that are genuinely yours, with a history, not a sudden deposit.
- Ties to India: job, business, property, family responsibilities.
- Previous travel history and immigration compliance.
Language requirement
No language test is needed for a visitor visa.
Costs and timelines
IRCC charges a visitor visa fee and a biometrics fee per person (with a family maximum for biometrics). Check current processing times for India on the IRCC website before booking travel.
Step by step
- Collect documents and fill in the online application.
- Pay fees and submit online.
- Give biometrics at a VFS Global visa application centre.
- Submit your passport when requested, if approved.
Documents checklist
- Passport and old passports.
- Bank statements, fixed deposits and income tax returns.
- Job letter with leave approval, or business registration and GST returns.
- Invitation letter and host status documents if visiting family.
- Travel itinerary (booking not required until approval).
Common reasons for refusal
- Officer not satisfied you will leave Canada at the end of your stay.
- Funds not shown or not explained.
- Purpose of visit not consistent with your profile.
Frequently asked questions
How much bank balance do I need for a Canada visitor visa?
IRCC does not publish a fixed amount for visitors. You must show enough funds for your trip and stay, and that the money is genuinely yours. Sudden large deposits without explanation raise concerns.
Should my parents apply for a visitor visa or a Super Visa?
A visitor visa suits shorter visits. A Super Visa allows much longer stays per entry but needs a host income requirement and Canadian medical insurance. See Canada Super Visa.