Sep 16, 2026
Sep 15, 2026
Riddhi MevadaPlanning a trip to Canada for tourism, sightseeing, or a family visit? Indian passport holders need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly called a Canada visitor visa, before they travel — Canada does not offer visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens. This guide covers the current 2026 fees, the documents Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) expects, realistic processing timelines, and how the TRV differs from the Canada eTA, which does not apply to Indian nationals.
The TRV is an official document placed in your passport confirming that you meet Canada's entry requirements for a temporary visit — tourism, visiting family or friends, or short business trips. It does not guarantee entry; a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer makes the final decision at the port of entry. Most approved applicants receive a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years or until the passport expires, though each individual stay is generally capped at 6 months.
IRCC's visitor visa fee structure for 2026 is as follows:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Temporary Resident Visa (single or multiple entry) | CAD 100 |
| Biometrics (per applicant) | ~CAD 85 |
| Biometrics (family cap, applying together) | ~CAD 170 |
The visa fee is charged per processing attempt and is non-refundable even if the application is refused. Always confirm current fees on the official IRCC fee page before submitting your application, as government charges are periodically revised.
The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is often confused with the visitor visa, but the two serve entirely different traveller groups.
| Feature | Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) | Canada eTA |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Visa-required countries, including India | Visa-exempt nationals only |
| Application type | Full visa application with biometrics | Online authorisation, no biometrics |
| Typical fee (2026) | CAD 100 + biometrics | CAD 7 |
| Applies to Indian passport holders? | Yes — mandatory | No |
A complete, consistent application file is the single biggest factor in a smooth decision. Applicants from India typically need:
Processing times for Indian applicants generally range from about 3 to 8 weeks, though this can extend during peak travel seasons such as summer and the winter holidays. Processing begins once IRCC receives a complete application — incomplete files or missing documents are the most common cause of delay, so it's worth checking current country-specific processing times on the IRCC website before booking travel.
No. A Temporary Resident Visa does not permit paid or unpaid work in Canada. It is intended strictly for tourism, family visits, or short business meetings.
Yes, visitor status can sometimes be extended by applying online before the current authorized stay expires, though extensions are not guaranteed and require a valid reason and supporting documents.
Insufficient proof of funds and weak evidence of ties to the home country are among the most frequently cited reasons for refusal, alongside inconsistent or incomplete travel history documentation.
Volumaax's visa consultants review your documents, flag inconsistencies before submission, and guide you through the entire TRV process.
Get Your Canada Visa ConsultationRelated reading: Canada Visa Services · More Visa Guides on the Volumaax Blog
