How to Apply for Canada Tourist Visa from India? New Guide 2025

If you are looking for how to apply for Canada tourist visa from India, then stay tuned. Thinking of exploring Niagara Falls or reconnecting with family in Toronto? Understanding the application process and updated checklist ensures your Canadian adventure starts smoothly—beat rejections and delays with this essential, expert-reviewed roadmap. This guide will help you navigate through how to apply for Canada tourist visa from India.

Overview of How to Apply for Canada Tourist Visa From India?

How to apply for Canada tourist visa from India is not that difficult, provided that the system that you follow is clear and step-by-step. The process aims at making the process accurate so that Indian tourists provide all the required information, documentation, and the chances of missing or being refused are as little as possible. This has to be done with perfection in each step; insufficient or incorrect applications are among the top causes of visa rejections. Information on the procedure of applying tourist visa to Canada in India is the launching pad to making the application a leader.

How to Apply for Canada Tourist Visa from India? Step-by-Step Application Process in 2025

Application for a Canadian tourist visa to India can be stress-free and smooth when one understands it. Here is the step-by-step guide for how to apply for Canada tourist visa from India. You can do your application, submit documents, pay fees, and track your approval easily:

1. Check Eligibility

Make sure that you have a valid Indian passport and evidence of money, connections to the country, and a purpose of travel.

2. Gather Documents

Get your passport, passport-sized photographs, any financial documents, travel plans, and an invitation letter if there is one.

3. Make an IRCC Account

On the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, you can register to proceed with the management of your Canada visa application.

4. Complete the Canada Visitor Visa Application Form (IMM 5257)

Fill in the required IMM 5257 form (information below) correctly.

5. Post Documents and Outside Fees

Send all supporting materials to the government websites, pay the processing fee online, get it done fully, and forget about it.

Also Read: SOP for Canada Tourist Visa: New Expert Guide & Samples

6. Submit Biometrics

Book and go to the biometrics appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit your fingerprints and a photo.

7. Monitor Your Sheet

Check the information about the status of your application using your account on the IRCC portal, as well as to update, access additional information, as requested and any other requirements.

8. Take Delivery of the Decision and Visa Stamping

In case of approval, hand over the passport to get the stamp of the visitor visa and make the plans to travel now.

Online Canada Visitor Visa Application Form (IMM 5257)

The Canada visitor visa application form is an important document for any Indian applicant trying to find out how to apply for Canada tourist visa from India. This is a form that you will be required to fill out online using your IRCC account. This is how to get access to the form, fill it out and submit it:

Accessing the IMM 5257 Form:

1. Log in to your IRCC account.

2. Navigate to 'Apply to Come to Canada' and select 'Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV).'

3. Begin the application; the IMM 5257 form will appear as part of your online application checklist.

Essential Fields Required in IMM 5257

The essential fields required in IMM 5257 is:

• Self Information (Name, Date of Birth, Place of Birth)

• The information in the passport (Number, Country, Issue/Expiry Dates)

• Marital status and description of spouse/children (where necessary)

• Phone numbers and addresses in India

• Intention and stay in Canada

• Information about finances which are necessary to fund your stay

• Travel history (past visas, derogations or deportations)

• The health or criminal record background questions

How to Fill and Submit IMM 5257?

Here is how to fill out and submit IMM 5257:

• Write in the first person and do not omit any information that is not on the paper.

• Make sure you go through each section of the paper you intend to submit a second time to make sure everything is present and accurate.

• Scroll and save the filled form and upload the form to your IRCC account.

• Provide documents and pay the fee to continue further.

Also Read: New Documents Required for Canada Tourist Visa from India

Canada Tourist Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens in 2025

The general eligibility matters should be known to streamline the entire process of application. The list of Canada tourist visa requirements of an Indian citizen is illustrated below so that it will be easy to scan and sweep through to ensure that you will cover all the requirements to be met to make the application.

General Eligibility Criteria for Canada Tourist Visa

Before getting to know how to apply for Canada tourist visa from India, let us know the eligibility. The general eligibility criteria for Canada tourist visa are:

1. There should be a 6-month validity period of your passport after your planned date of coming back to Canada.

2. The applicants are not supposed to have communicable diseases. In a few cases, a medical examination is needed.

3. The police clearance certificates or copies of relevant court documents can be requested to identify a clean background.

4. Hand in papers that demonstrate you have good connections in India, e.g. a job letter, house papers, or a family that is financially dependent on you, which will convince officials that you would come back after your trip.

5. Prove that you have sufficient funds to finance your whole stay in Canada. Typically, bank statements, pay slips, tax papers and sponsor letters (where applicable) are needed.

6. Prepared itinerary of the dates of travel, flight tickets, accommodation booking / or invitation letter from the family/friends in Canada.

7. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are obligatory and should be offered at a specific Visa Application centre. Medical examination is compulsory in case you intend to spend half a year or more, or in cases where background demands it.

Documents Required for Canada Tourist Visa From India

The documents required for Canada tourist visa from India are as follows:

• Valid passport (bio-data copy, past visas)

• Passport-size photographs (as per Canadian specs)

• Completed IMM 5257 application and family forms (IMM 5645/5707)

• Proof of funds (bank statements, pay slips, income tax returns, property papers)

• Detailed travel itinerary and confirmed bookings

• Letter of invitation (if visiting friends/family)

• Employment letters or business registration (self-employed)

• Cover letter stating travel intent

• Visa application and biometric fee receipts

• Medical test results (if requested)

• Previous travel evidence (past visas, stamps)

• Consent/custody documents for minors

Also Read: Canada Tourist Visa 10 Years Fees: Application & Guide

How to Pay Fees and Book a Biometrics Appointment for a Canadian Tourist Visa in 2025?

Indians who want to apply to enter Canada as a visitor need to pay the necessary Canada tourist visa fees and make an appointment with the biometrics to receive it. Precise payment and scheduling help you make your application easier and reduces delays.

Step 1: Go to the portal of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and create an account.

Step 2: Complete the application for a visa (IMM 5257) and attach the necessary documents.

Step 3: Pay CAD100 Canada tourist visa online application fee plus the CAD 85 biometric fee (when applicable), on the IRCC portal by credit/debit card or any other payments options available.

Keep your receipt for online payment to be checked.

Booking Your Biometrics Appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC)

After submitting your application and paying the fees, follow these steps to schedule your biometrics:

1. Receive Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL)

When your payment is made, you will receive a BIL through your IRCC account. Print out, print this letter and carry it with you to your appointment.

2. Book Appointment Online

• Visit the official VFS Global site ( visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/can/ book-an-appointment).

• Choose the closest Visa Application Centre (VAC).

• Input the matching details into your passport and application.

• You can book an appointment for free; however, you can also do this immediately after you receive your BIL.

3. Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

• Go to the VAC with your BIL, passport and the confirmation of visiting the VAC.

• Give fingerprints and a digital photograph.

• In case of necessity, you can reschedule or cancel it via the VFS global portal with the aid of your appointment reference details.

Canada Tourist Visa Costs

Now that we know how to apply for Canada tourist visa from India, let us look into costs. The Canada tourist visa costs are illustrated in the table below:

Also Read: Canada Visa for Indians: Types, Process & Requirements

Canada Tourist Visa Processing Time for Indians in 2025

For someone looking for how to apply for Canada tourist visa from India, it is important to know the processing time. The processing time of the Canada visitor visa is shown below:

Canada Tourist Visa Application Tracking and Approval for Indians in 2025

The guide for how to apply for Canada tourist visa from India is incomplete without knowing the tracking and approval. Below are the steps that show how to track the tourist visa.

After you have applied for the visitor visa, these official tools will allow you to monitor your status:

1. Online Portal IRCC

In case of applying online, you can log into your Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) account to see updated information in real time so as to check your application status and any new messages you may have received from visa officers.

2. Tracking at Visa Application Centre (VAC)

In case you submitted your biometrics or documents using a VAC, you may enter your reference number and date of birth on the VFS Global page to get an up-to-date status on processing.

3. Email and SMS Notification

Sign up for email or SMS notifications when you visit your VAC appointment; this will immediately send notifications of important status changes.

Also Read: Cambrian College Brampton IELTS Requirement: New Guide

Post-Submission: Response Steps and Approval

Below are some post-submission steps and approval:

• Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documents from IRCC.

• Monitor for updates regarding biometrics, interview (if required), or medical examinations.

• When your Canada tourist visa is approved, you’ll receive a notification through your preferred communication channel and instructions to submit your passport for visa stamping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your Canada Tourist Visa Application in 2025: Updated

Some of the common mistakes to avoid on your Canada tourist visa application are:

1. Fill out all forms accurately; do not leave blanks.

2. Upload clear, complete documents matching your details.

3. Provide strong proof of funds and a complete itinerary.

4. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.

5. Book and attend your biometrics appointment quickly.

6. Respond promptly to IRCC or VAC requests.

7. Pay the correct visa and biometrics fees.

8. Clearly show your intent to return to India.

9. Disclose any past visa refusals or legal issues honestly.

10. Check all scanned documents for clarity and completeness.

Latest Facts & News 

• As of July 2025, Canada continues to receive a record number of tourist visa applications from India, making processing times variable.

• The biometrics fee (CAD 85) is now mandatory for all new applicants, and all applications must be submitted online, except in rare cases.

• Introduction of “CAN Plus” Visa for Indians with prior travel to Canada or a valid US visa, offering expedited processing.

• Canadian officials may ask for more proof of intent to return to India amid increased scrutiny of overstay risks.

• Up-to-date requirements include proof of COVID-19 vaccination and (if requested) pre-departure RT-PCR test results.

• Minor applicants must provide custody or consent documentation if not travelling with both parents.

• New digital document uploads and e-submissions reduce paperwork and speed up the application process.

• The average processing time for tourist visas is between 4 and 8 weeks, but can range longer in peak months.

• Canada mandates strong “ties to home country” evidence, such as job letters, property documents, and invitation letters.

• Visa approvals are dependent on accurate, complete forms (IMM 5257).

 Conclusion

How to apply for Canada tourist visa from India is a simple and straightforward process. Realising what requirements have to be met, you will feel capable of completing your task with a sense of security and precision. Listening to the requirements and avoiding the most frequent mistakes, one can make their visa route quick and easy, giving them the best opportunities to have the desired result and be able to enjoy all that Canada offers soon. Hope this guide helped you figure out how to apply for Canada tourist visa from India, Canada tourist visa requirements, Canada visitor visa application form, documents required for Canada tourist visa, and more.

To get assistance with Canada visa, Canada Express Entry, Canada visitor visa, and to find more ways to immigrate to Canada, contact TerraTern right away!