What is a Canada visitor visa (TRV)?
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is the document that lets you enter Canada for tourism, visiting family, or attending a business meeting. It's usually issued as a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first — even if you only request a single-entry visa, officers commonly issue multiple-entry at their discretion. Each individual visit is still capped at 6 months, decided by the border officer when you arrive.
A TRV is different from an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), which only applies to visa-exempt nationalities flying into Canada. Indian passport holders need a full TRV, not an eTA.
The application process, step by step
Create an IRCC online account
Open a secure account on IRCC's portal and start your application — the system asks for your travel purpose, travel history, and passport details.
Upload your documents
Submit your document package — passport, photo, financial evidence, employment letter, ITRs, and any invitation letter, if applicable.
Pay the fees
Pay the CAD $100 visa fee and CAD $85 biometrics fee online. Keep the payment receipt — VFS centres require it for your biometrics appointment.
Give biometrics at VFS
Book your biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre in India as early as possible — processing doesn't start until this step is complete.
Wait for a decision
Track your status through your IRCC account or the VFS portal. If approved, you'll be asked to submit your passport for visa stamping.
Document checklist
- Valid passport with at least 6 months' validity beyond your travel dates
- Passport-style photograph meeting IRCC's specifications
- Letter of invitation, if visiting family or friends in Canada
- Proof of funds — bank statements for the last 6 months
- Employment letter confirming your role, salary, and approved leave
- Income Tax Returns for the last 2 years
- Property documents, where relevant, as evidence of ties to India
- Travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and return flight bookings
Fees
Note: VFS Global service charges and optional courier fees are separate and typically add a few thousand rupees on top of the government fee.
Processing times in 2026 — the honest picture
This is where the Canada TRV gets complicated. IRCC's own processing-time tool and independent trackers have shown considerable swings for Indian applicants through 2026 — some reports cite roughly 27 days post-biometrics in April 2026, while other tracking through the year has shown overall timelines (application to decision) stretching to around 80–90 days during high-volume periods. India is one of Canada's largest source countries for visitor visas, and that sheer volume is the main reason times fluctuate so much.
Our practical advice: apply at least 3–4 months before your travel date, book your biometrics appointment the moment you're invited to, and don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
Super Visa vs standard visitor visa
If you're a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, the Super Visa is usually the better option than a standard TRV — it allows stays of up to 5 years per visit instead of 6 months, on a visa valid for up to 10 years.
| Feature | Standard Visitor Visa | Super Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Most visitors | Parents & grandparents only |
| Stay per visit | Up to 6 months | Up to 5 years |
| Government fee | CAD $100 + $85 | CAD $100 + $85 |
| Extra requirements | None | Host income (LICO) + CAD $100,000 medical insurance |
Frequently asked questions
The government fee is CAD $100 for the visa application plus CAD $85 for biometrics, totalling CAD $185. VFS service charges and optional courier fees are additional.
Timelines have fluctuated significantly through 2026, with some reports citing under a month post-biometrics and others showing 80+ days overall during high-volume periods. Apply at least 3-4 months before your travel date to stay safe.
Not always required, but strongly recommended if you're visiting family or friends — it supports your stated purpose of travel and can strengthen an otherwise thin file.
A standard visitor visa allows stays of up to 6 months with no income or insurance requirement. A Super Visa, available only to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs, allows stays of up to 5 years per visit but requires the host to meet income thresholds and the applicant to hold CAD $100,000 medical insurance.