Canada Visa For Indians - Complete Guide

Canada Visa for Indians in 2024

Indian nationals can enter Canada only when they have a valid visa. Thus, the aspirant applicant must meet the requirements of the channels through which he or she is relocating to the country. Based on different preferences there are different types of visa options that are available – There are work permits, study visa, permanent residency and Business visa. It is important that one contacts the right immigration consultancy service that can guide the applicants clearly in the pathway that is best suited for their needs to Canada Visa for Indians based on their requirements and credentials.

The key Elements of the Canada Visa for Indians –

• Canada Visa is issued by the Canadian Consulate or Embassy in the applicant's home country.
• There are different types of Canada Visas and each is designed for specific purposes such as tourism, study, work, or family visits.
• A valid passport is a mandatory requirement for applying for a Canada Visa.
• The visa fee varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
• A Canada Visa can be issued for either a single entry or multiple entries based on applicants needs and the purpose of their visit.

What are the different types of Visas for Canada?

Based on your preference, Canada offers several forms of Visas to the applicants. The choices for the Canada Visa for Indians include -

Canada Visitor Visa –

This visa is meant for those who wish to visit Canada to explore the country or to meet their family or friends. You cannot work in Canada on a Visitor visa. However, there are ample of other benefits for the Visitor visa such as the applicant can stay with this visa for up to six months and the applicant can also enjoy the unrestricted travel across Canada along with children.

There are two types of Canada Visitor Visas –

• Single Entry
• Multiple Entry

The first one is Single Entry Visa, A Single Entry Visa permits you to enter Canada only once for a period of up to six months. Once you leave the country then you cannot return without obtaining a new visa.

The another type of visa is the Multiple Entry Visa, which allows you to visit Canada multiple times during its validity and this is typically for stays of 3 to 6 months per visit. This visa is ideal for travellers who plan to explore Canada on various occasions, though it does not permit employment.

Canada Work Permit -

The Canada work permit gives applicants the opportunity to live and work in Canada and gain work Canadian work experience that can lead to permanent residency in the future.

There are two types of Canadian Work permit –

• Open work Permit
• closed work permit.

To get the proceedings for the work permit in place the employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), which authorizes them to hire foreign skilled workers for positions that cannot be filled by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Canada Work Permit Requirement includes filling of several forms that are -

• Application for Work Permit made Outside of Canada (IMM 1295)
• Family Information (IMM 5707)
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409)
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)
• Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475)
• Offer of Employment to a Foreign National Exempt from LMIA (IMM 5802)

Canada Transit Visa –

Canada transit visa is an official document that is put on the applicants passport. It shows that you meet the requirements to transit for up to 48 hours through a Canadian airport. If you have a connecting flight or a halt in Canada then this visa is used by those applicants and It can be valid for 1 or 2 entries, depending on your travel plans. You must use your transit visa before it expires.

Canada Study Permit -

A study permit is a legal authorization for an individual to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. When the international student is applying for a study permit then they should keep in mind that they have to meet the eligibility criteria of the university and also of Canada at the time of application. Additionally, there are specific conditions that must be adhered to throughout their stay in Canada as a student.

The application process for a study permit involves several steps, and processing times can vary significantly depending on the country. Therefore, it is advisable to plan ahead to ensure that the permit is processed before the start of the study period. Most Canadian post-secondary programs begin in September, January, or May, although some programs may have start dates outside of these months.

Since a study permit application cannot be submitted without an acceptance letter, prospective students should check the start dates and application procedures of their chosen schools and programs well in advance. This will allow them ample time to receive the acceptance letter and complete the study permit application process.

Canada permanent residency visa -

- The skilled workers can relocate to Canada with Canada PR visa through the Express entry program or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Express Entry Program

The Express Entry program is the fastest way to move to the country. This program was launched in 2015, it has helped a lot of aspirants with their immigration proceedings. There are three subcategories under the express entry, and the applicant should be eligible in at least one to be able to use this program for relocation. The subcategory is –

• Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

While the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP) is for appellants who have never lived in Canada before, it is also called the 67 point calculator as the applicant needs to score at least 67 points out of 100 to use this model for immigration. In the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), working in Canada is mandatory, and the Federal skilled Traders program is for trades occupation immigration like truck drivers and doesn't require education and a language score.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program is the best alternative for that applicant who was unable to meet the express entry draw score. For eased immigration, it is best if the appellant chooses the province where his occupation is in high demand. Canada offers different Provincial Nomination program as there is a program designed for every province of Canada. However, one PNP program that is widely popular is in huge demand is the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP).

Apart from this there are also other ways of getting the Canada PR Visa –

Self-employed professional:

This is for those entrepreneurs who wish to come to Canada from India to prove themselves. They are selected on the basis of age, education, experience, language ability, and adaptability and must have a minimum of two years of experience and with a minimum of 35 points in its assessment grid.

Start-up Visa:

This is the pathway for innovative entrepreneurs who need to have some organization supporting their idea with sufficient finances. Along with a good business plan, The applicant needs to have a minimum investment of a minimum 2,00,000 $CAD from a Canadian Venture Capital fund or a minimum investment of 75,000 $CAD from a Canadian Angel Investor group.

Family Sponsorship:

You can get sponsored from your their family members if you are more than 18 years of age provided that you fit into the category of Spouses, children, parents, siblings and other close relatives.

What is the validity timeline for different types of Canada visas?

The validity timeline can be understood with the help of following table

What are the eligibility criteria for a Canada Visa for Indians?

There are different visa requirements depending on the pathway that is chosen by the applicant for immigration to Canada.

Generally speaking the Canada Visa requirements are –

• Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity after your intended departure from Canada. Submit a copy of the passport page containing personal information.
• Complete and submit all necessary visa application forms as outlined in the Canada Visa application package.
• Meet the point score requirement for a Skilled work visa, The DLI selection for a study visa or get a LMIA for work permit depending on your case.
• Provide 3 colour photographs that meet the Canada Visa Photograph Specifications to avoid rejection of your application.
• Submit a cover letter detailing your personal information and the purpose of your visit to Canada.
• Pay the required Canada Visa fee and attach the payment receipt to your application.
• Provide proof of financial stability, including bank statements, salary slips, tax returns, and other relevant financial documents, to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay.
• Submit an original leave letter from your employer, school, or college, confirming your approved leave for the duration of your visit.
• Obtain and submit a police clearance certificate to demonstrate you have a clean criminal record.
• Undergo a medical examination and submit proof of good health, indicating you are fit to enter Canada.
• Provide evidence that you will return to India after your visa expires, such as employment proof, property ownership, or familial ties in your home country.

How can you apply for a Canada Visa as an Indian?

For undertaking the procedure of immigration, the few steps that can be taken are –

• Get your eligibility criteria pre-assessed and calculate your points.
• Fill your profile online with the help of the Immigration consultancy service Through the Express Entry Program / Provincial Nominee program.
• Wait for The IRCC (Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada) announced or your chance to meet the Provincial Nomination.
• When the ITA (Invitation to Apply) is received, get ready to respond in 60 days time
• Complete and submit your medical record, police verification, and proof of funds.
• File your PR application
• Keep in touch with the Visa office for further intimation

What are the documents required for the Canada Visa as an Indian?

Without the proper documents the applicant cannot relocate to Canada and will have to face rejection. The general list of documents required for Canada Visa for Indians are

• Your passport.
• The right Canada visa application form based on your pathway.
• Proof of Canada visa fees being paid.
• Proof of clean criminal record.
• Proof of being in good health through a medical exam.
• Photographs in accordance with the photo requirements for Canada visa.
• Proof of financial means.
• Proof you will return to your home country once the Canadian visa expires.
• Identity and Civil Status Documents.
• A cover letter that explains the purpose of your travel to Canada.
• Letter of support/invitation to Canada.

What is the fee requirement for different Canada Visas?

Based on the type of Canada Visa the fee also differs. It can be understood with the help of the following table -

Latest Update on the Visa and Immigration Changes in 2024

IRCC is highly proactive and it is best if one is thoroughly updated with the latest developments in the field of immigration –

• Canada Immigration Levels Plan for 2023-2025 aims to welcome over 1.45 million new immigrants. For 2024, the target includes granting visas to up to 110,770 skilled workers and professionals through Express Entry programs. The new PR holders are expected to reach a number between 430,000 and 542,500.
• IRCC plans to utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the candidate experience.
• New multi-year plans for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will support provinces and territories in developing tailored immigration strategies. Each province and territory will receive its 2025 allocation a year in advance.
• The National Occupational Classification (NOC) has changed to a TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) framework. Applicants immigrations are not entirely dependent on the CRS scores now.
• families of LMIA-based work permit holders will soon be eligible for Open Work Permits, a phased measure starting in 2023.