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Immigrate to Canada from India

Applicants in India give biometrics at one of 10 visa application centres and follow the New Delhi visa office’s own document lists, which ask for income tax returns and months of bank history. This guide covers what is specific to India for each route.

Written by NextMovePath editorial teamLast updated:


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IRCC processing times for applicants in India

Visitor visa (applying from outside Canada)32 daysIRCC's current estimate, as of September 28, 2026. Source: IRCC processing times
Super visa (parents and grandparents)70 daysIRCC's current estimate, as of September 28, 2026. Source: IRCC processing times
Study permit (applying from outside Canada)5 weeksIRCC's current estimate, as of September 28, 2026. Source: IRCC processing times
Work permit (applying from outside Canada)10 weeksIRCC's current estimate, as of September 28, 2026. Source: IRCC processing times
Dependent child (family sponsorship)7 monthsIRCC's current estimate, as of September 28, 2026. Source: IRCC processing times

Guides for Indian applicants

Each guide covers the documents, offices and local rules that apply in India.

What is different about applying to Canada from India?

The Canadian rules are the same for everyone, but the New Delhi visa office adds its own document lists. For a visitor visa it asks for income tax returns for the past 2 years, 6 months of bank statements and a Family Information Form (IMM 5707). Missing items delay or weaken the file.

  • Biometrics are given at a VAC in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi or Pune.
  • Medical exams are done only by doctors on IRCC’s panel physician list, which covers many Indian cities.
  • IRCC accepts a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). A police character certificate is not accepted.
  • Documents in Hindi or any regional language need a certified English or French translation.

Which route to Canada fits most Indian applicants?

It depends on your goal. Families visiting relatives use the visitor visa or, for parents, the super visa. Many young applicants study first. Skilled workers with a degree, strong English scores and at least 1 year of skilled experience can enter Express Entry directly.

Your age, English score and education decide your Express Entry (CRS) score. Check it before paying for a study program, because the score often decides whether studying first makes sense.

Can I apply for Canada from India without an agent?

Yes. Every IRCC application can be made online by the applicant, and IRCC does not require an agent. If you pay someone for Canadian immigration advice, they must be a licensed consultant (RCIC) or lawyer. The New Delhi study questionnaire even asks you to name any agent who helped you.

Canada from India: FAQ

At a Canada visa application centre (VAC) in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi or Pune. Book after you apply and receive your biometrics instruction letter.
IRCC publishes a processing time for applicants in India and updates it often. The current figure is in the table on this page, taken from IRCC’s own data.
No. IRCC says character certificates are not accepted from India. You need a Police Clearance Certificate from the passport office, district police, an Indian mission abroad or BLS International.
No. IRCC ended the SDS on 8 November 2024. Indian students now apply through the regular study permit process.

Official sources

Not sure which route fits you from India?

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This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and document lists change often. Confirm current requirements on canada.ca or with a licensed Canadian immigration representative (RCIC or lawyer) before you apply.