Quick answer
Indian citizens need a visa for every trip to Canada, even to change planes there; India isn't eligible for the CAD 7 eTA. Which visa or permit you need depends on why you're going: a visitor visa to visit, a super visa for parents and grandparents, a study permit to study, a work permit to work, and permanent residence to stay for good.
Last reviewed against official Government of Canada sources. Rules change often: confirm with a counsellor before you apply.
- Indian citizens need
- A visitor visa, even to transit (no eTA)
- Visitor visa fee
- CAD 100 + CAD 85 biometrics
- Usual visitor stay
- Up to 6 months
- Super visa stay
- Up to 5 years at a time
Which visa you need
| You want to | You need | Government fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Visit family or travel | Visitor visa (temporary resident visa) | 100; 500 maximum for a family of 5 or more |
| Bring your parents or grandparents for long stays | Super visa | 100 |
| Attend meetings, conferences or trade fairs | Visitor visa, as a business visitor | 100 |
| Study at a college or university | Study permit | 150 |
| Work for an employer | Work permit | 155 |
| Work after you graduate | Post-Graduation Work Permit | 155 + 100 open work permit holder fee |
| Live in Canada permanently | Permanent residence | 1,590 for the principal applicant |
Visitor visa
A visitor visa, also called a temporary resident visa, is placed in your passport. Most visitors can stay up to 6 months; the border services officer can set a different date. A visa officer decides whether it's single or multiple entry, and it can be valid for up to 10 years, or until your passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first.
Super visa for parents and grandparents
- For parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and registered Indians.
- Stay up to 5 years at a time, with multiple entries for up to 10 years.
- The child or grandchild in Canada must meet a minimum income.
- The parent needs private health insurance valid for at least 1 year from entry, from a Canadian insurer or an approved non-Canadian one, and an immigration medical exam.
Business visitors
Business visitors come for a few days or weeks to attend meetings, conferences, conventions or trade fairs, or to buy Canadian goods or services for a foreign business. They can stay up to 6 months but mustn't enter the Canadian labour market. Bring your visitor visa, a letter of invitation from the Canadian business and proof of funds. If you plan to work, you may need a work permit.
Study, work and staying permanently
- Study permit: the documents checklist and the cost of studying.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit: PGWP explained.
- Your spouse's work permit: who qualifies for a spouse open work permit.
- Permanent residence: PR in Canada and Express Entry explained.
Every visa application we prepare is handled by licensed RCICs. See our immigration services.
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