Canada Shortens Visitor Visa Processing Time for Indians

If Canada has been on your travel wish list, there is encouraging news for Indian tourists. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially shortened the Canada visitor visa processing time for Indians, cutting it down to 83 days from the earlier 99 days. The revised timeline comes just in time for the busy summer travel season and is expected to benefit thousands of travellers planning holidays, family visits, or short-term stays.

The reduction of nearly two and a half weeks is the result of IRCC’s annual inventory assessment and strategic reallocation of visa officers. With international travel demand rising, Canada is prioritising visitor visas to ease backlogs and ensure smoother entry for tourists during peak months.

Canada: Why the Processing Time Has Been Reduced

IRCC periodically reviews application volumes and operational capacity, especially before high-demand periods. With summer travel approaching, additional officers have been assigned to visitor visa applications. This operational shift allows immigration authorities to process more applications efficiently while maintaining security and compliance standards.

For Indian travellers, this move signals Canada’s intention to remain accessible and welcoming to global tourists, particularly from high-volume countries like India.

What Has Improved — and What Hasn’t

While the Canada visitor visa processing time for Indians has seen a notable improvement, not all visa categories have benefited equally.

• Visitor Visa (India): 83 days (earlier 99 days)

• Work Permits (New Delhi & Chandigarh): Around 8 weeks, slightly better than the earlier 9-week estimate

• Applicants Already in Canada: Approximately 120 days

• Applicants Outside Canada: Around 60 days

• Super Visa (Indian Residents): Increased to about 214 days

This means tourists gain faster approvals, but applicants seeking long-term stays or family sponsorships may still face extended waiting periods.

Current Canada Visitor Visa Fees

Travellers frequently search for accurate cost details before applying. Here are the commonly applicable fees:

• Visitor visa (per person): CAD 100

• Biometrics fee: CAD 85

• Family biometrics (maximum): CAD 170

• VAC service charge: Typically between INR 800 and INR 2,000, depending on location

Fees may vary due to exchange rate fluctuations and Visa Application Centre service charges.

How Long Can You Stay in Canada on a Visitor Visa

A Canadian visitor visa usually allows travellers to stay for up to six months per entry. However, the final duration is decided by the border services officer at the port of entry and is stamped in the passport upon arrival.

Common Reasons Why Visitor Visas Get Refused

Despite meeting timelines, many applications are refused due to avoidable mistakes. Common reasons include:

• Inadequate proof of financial capacity

• Weak or unclear travel history

• Insufficient ties to India, such as employment, family, or property

• Missing, inconsistent, or unclear documents

• A poorly explained purpose of travel

Understanding these factors can significantly improve approval chances.

Tips to Strengthen Your Visitor Visa Application

Applicants searching for ways to improve their approval odds should consider the following:

• Submit bank statements showing stable and sufficient funds

• Include employment letters, salary slips, business records, or property documents

• Provide a clear, realistic, day-by-day travel itinerary

• Ensure all details across documents are accurate and consistent

• Attach an invitation letter if visiting friends or relatives in Canada

A well-prepared application reduces the likelihood of delays or refusals.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Canadian Visitor Visa

1. Check eligibility and choose the visa type
Applicants must have a valid passport, be in good health, and have no serious criminal or immigration violations. Decide between a single-entry or multiple-entry visa based on travel plans.

2. Collect required documents
Prepare your passport, proof of funds, travel itinerary, and invitation letter if applicable. Some applicants may also need medical examination reports.

3. Complete the application
Applications can be submitted online through the IRCC portal or at a Visa Application Centre. Fill in details carefully, upload documents, and pay the visa and biometrics fees online.

4. Submit biometrics and wait for processing
After receiving the biometrics instruction letter, book an appointment at the nearest VAC. IRCC may request additional documents or an interview before final approval. Once approved, the visa is stamped in the passport for travel.