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Canada visitor visa from India: what the New Delhi visa office asks for

IRCC’s New Delhi instructions ask Indian applicants for income tax returns for the past 2 years, bank statements covering 6 months and a Family Information Form, on top of the standard checklist. Most refusals come from weak funds or ties, not missing forms.

Written by NextMovePath editorial teamLast updated:


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At a glance

IRCC processing time from India32 days (Visitor visa (applying from outside Canada))IRCC's current estimate, as of September 28, 2026. Source: IRCC processing times
Where to give biometricsVACs in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and PuneSource: IRCC: Find a visa application centre
Financial documents the visa office asks forIncome tax returns for the past 2 years and bank statements or bank book for the past 6 monthsSource: IRCC: New Delhi visa office instructions, visitor visa (IMM 5881)
Extra form for IndiaFamily Information Form (IMM 5707), completed, dated and signedSource: IRCC: New Delhi visa office instructions, visitor visa (IMM 5881)
Government feesCAD 100 visa + CAD 85 biometrics = CAD 185 (about INR 12,500 at CAD 1 = INR 67.75, Bank of Canada, 25 September 2026)Source: IRCC: Fee list
Family members travelling togetherAccompanying spouse and children of all ages must each submit their own applicationSource: IRCC: New Delhi visa office instructions, visitor visa (IMM 5881)

What documents do I need for a Canada visitor visa from India?

Besides the IRCC online checklist, the New Delhi office asks for your valid passport and all old passports, a Family Information Form (IMM 5707), income tax returns for 2 years, 6 months of bank statements, and papers that match your purpose, such as an invitation letter or a tour itinerary.

  • Employed: an original letter on company letterhead granting leave, with your position, salary and date of hire.
  • Retired: a retirement certificate showing your pension amount.
  • Tourist: a detailed itinerary with air ticket and hotel booking.
  • Student travelling during term: a letter from your school approving your absence.
  • Schedule 1 (IMM 5257 SCH1) if you answered "yes" to any background question.

How much bank balance do I need for a Canada visitor visa from India?

IRCC does not set a fixed amount for visitors. The officer checks whether your funds cover the whole trip and whether your income tax returns, salary and bank history tell the same story. A steady 6-month record that matches your ITR counts for more than a large recent deposit.

If someone else pays, the New Delhi instructions ask for a signed letter from that person, a copy of their passport or photo ID, a bank certificate showing they have enough funds, and an explanation of how they are related to you. These must be dated within 3 months of your application.

What does my relative in Canada need to send?

The New Delhi instructions list a letter of invitation with the purpose and length of the visit, a list of people in the host’s household, a copy of their Canadian status document, proof of their income such as a Notice of Assessment, pay stubs and bank statements, and proof of your relationship.

If your host is a student in Canada, add a letter of acceptance or good standing from their school.

Where do I give biometrics in India?

At one of 10 Canada VACs: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi or Pune. Apply online first, pay the CAD 85 biometrics fee with your application, then book when the biometrics instruction letter arrives. Biometrics given in the last 10 years may still be valid.

How long does a Canada visitor visa take from India?

The processing time in the table above comes from IRCC’s published data for applicants in India and changes often. The clock starts when IRCC receives a complete application. Do not book non-refundable tickets before you have a decision.

Why applications from India get refused

These are the grounds IRCC officers most often write in refusal letters for this kind of application. They are typical grounds, not statistics. Fix them before you apply, not after.

  • The officer is not satisfied you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, often because job, property or family ties in India are not shown.
  • Your financial situation does not show enough money for the trip, or the funds do not match your income tax returns.
  • The purpose of the visit is not clear or is not consistent with the documents.
  • Your family ties in Canada are stronger than your ties in India, in the officer’s view.
Not satisfied you will leave CanadaInsufficient fundsPurpose of visitFamily ties in Canada and at home
Already refused? Read what your refusal letter means

Visitor visa from India: FAQ

No. The New Delhi instructions ask for photocopies only, because originals may not be returned. The office can ask for an original later.
The New Delhi list asks tourists to include previous passports as proof of travel. A history of visiting other countries and returning can support your file.
Yes. Any document not in English or French needs a certified translation.
Yes, but reapplying with the same documents usually gets the same result. Read the officer’s reasons first and fix each one with new evidence.

Official sources

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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.