All those planning a trip to Canada, and have some confusions related to visa, this article might help you a bit. It’s in the context of Indian travellers holding an Indian passport, and who is planning to travel to Canada from India as a tourist. First things first; for them the most crucial thing to factor into their plans is visa processing time. Now, as per the latest update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), applications for a visitor visa submitted from India currently take around 83 days to process.
https://www.canada.ca/
Current processing time for Indian applicants
So, as mentioned earlier, for visitor visa applications made from outside Canada, IRCC lists the processing time for India at 83 days. Do note that this figure was last updated on January 28, 2026, and that the data is refreshed weekly. The processing time gives an idea on how long it took IRCC to process most complete applications in the recent past.It is necessary to mention that this time line, however, does not guarantee or give the maximum limit. It might happen that some applications may be processed faster, while others may take longer depending on individual circumstances.
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What the processing time includes, and excludes
IRCC counts processing time from the day it receives a complete application until a final decision is made. However, the following are not included in the timeline: Time required to transfer documents between a Visa Application Centre (VAC) and the visa office Time taken by applicants to book and provide biometrics If an application is missing documents or information, it may be delayed or even returned, which can significantly, and further extend the overall processing period.
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Who needs a visitor visa to travel to Canada?
This is one question that many of you will ask. For this, travellers need to know that they must have the correct entry document to enter or transit through Canada. Depending on nationality and travel circumstances, this could be: A visitor visaAn electronic travel authorization (eTA)Or, in some cases, just a passport will be sufficientAs regarding Indian passport holders, they would require a visitor visa to travel to Canada.Read more: Baggage Rules, 2026: Duty-free limits, jewellery allowance and advance baggage declaration explained
Visitor visa validity, cost, and length of stay
To secure a Canadian visitor visa, it can cost CAN $100, as per the official information.It can be issued as either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, and will remain valid up to a maximum of 10 years, depending on the applicant’s passport validity and immigration history.Each visit to Canada will let you enjoy a stay of up to six months, unless a different duration is specified by a border services officer at the port of entry.Applicants must hold a valid passport or travel document that covers the entire intended period of stay in Canada.
When the visitor visa is required:
- To board a flight to Canada
- At the Canadian port of entry
- It is not required for domestic flights within Canada or when leaving the country.
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Possible reasons for inadmissibility
Well, not everyone can just enter Canada. An applicant may be found inadmissible for reasons including:
- Past criminal convictions, including impaired driving
- Security concerns
- Certain medical conditions
- Applications are assessed under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and related regulations.
Planning ahead for a smooth trip
Applying far in advance of your intended travel date is highly advised due to the current 83-day processing time for Indian applicants. High application numbers or complicated cases can cause processing delays, so planning beforehand is essential for a hassle-free trip.
