Last updated 2026-04-13
Business visa to Canada for Indian citizens
Visa for visitors attending meetings, events and conferences
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Issued to individuals traveling to Canada for business-related activities such as attending conferences, meetings, or negotiations. This visa allows for short-term stays and does not permit the holder to engage in employment in Canada. It may be issued for either single or multiple entries.
Eligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Businessman, entrepreneur, investor, specialist, professional
Time frames and cost
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 1 month to 10 years
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
The expiry date on the visa indicates the last day the visa can be used to seek entry into Canada. This date does not determine how long the foreigner can stay in the country; at the port of entry, immigration officers decide the authorized length of stay for temporary residents. Usually, this type of visa is valid for 1 month to 10 years, depending on the specific purpose of visit.
to 6 months
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
Most visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for up to 6 months. Upon arrival, a border services officer may authorize a stay shorter or longer than 6 months. If this occurs, the officer records the departure date in the visitor’s passport. A document called a visitor record may also be issued, indicating the required departure date. If no date is stamped in the passport, the visitor is permitted to remain in Canada for 6 months from the date of entry, or until the passport expires—whichever comes first.
Individually
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
For stays longer than 6 months, a visitor record is required. If it was not obtained upon entry, it must be requested before the current authorized period expires. It is recommended to submit the application at least 30 days before the expiration date. Extension is not guaranteed. The decision is made by IRCC.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
The applicant specifies the required number of entries on the visa application; however, consulates make a decision, which may vary depending on provided documentary evidence and other factors. Visa may be issued for single or multiple entries.
from 14 days to 1 month
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
The processing time for a Canadian visitor visa depends on the applicant’s country of residence, the completeness of the submitted documents, seasonal demand, and any additional requirements such as biometrics or an interview. The process typically takes from a few weeks to a couple of months, with an average of about 2–4 weeks, although the official processing period may take up to 55 days.
$100 (~$73)
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
The Canada Visitor Visa fee is generally С$100 per person for a single or multiple-entry visa. This fee covers the processing of the visa application, regardless of whether it is approved or refused. Some applicants are also required to pay a biometric fee for the collection of fingerprints and a photograph. The biometric fee is С$85 per person or С$170 for a family applying together at the same time.
Documents
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
Mandatory
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel to Canada, with at least 2 blank pages.
Visa application form
Completely filled out.
Photograph
Must be taken within the last 6 months, have a plain white or light background, and be clear, with no shadows or retouching. The standard size is 35×45 mm (or 50×70 mm for certain application categories). The face must be fully visible, with a neutral expression and eyes looking directly at the camera. Only medical or religious head coverings that do not obscure the face are permitted; eyeglasses are allowed as long as there are no glare and the eyes are clearly visible. The photo must meet IRCC requirements for quality, lighting, and facial proportions.
Supporting
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Proof of financial means
Must demonstrate sufficient funds to support oneself for the entire stay in Canada and for return expenses (bank statement, pay stubs, or proof of employment).
Proof of accommodation
A copy of hotel reservation, rental contract, or letter from friends/family in Canada.
Letter of invitation
It must include the applicant's full name, the purpose and duration of the visit, information about the inviting company and its contact details, and describe the relations with the applicant. Some visa centres require this letter to be notarized, applicants can contact a visa centre for information before submitting the application.
Additional
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate or other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree; original letter of notarized consent for the minor to travel abroad from parents / legal guardian.
Flight itinerary
Fully paid round-trip tickets or booking confirmation. Must be issued by airline or travel company and must contain the applicant's name, flight numbers and dates.
Itinerary
Documents confirming planned activities and travel arrangements, such as tickets, event registrations, travel itinerary, etc.
Family information
Each applicant who is 18 years of age or older must complete this form.
Use of a representative
Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form. If applicable.
Travel history
Includes copies of previous visas in a passport.
Authority to release personal information to a designated individual
Authority to release personal information to a designated individual The applicant needs this form if it's necessary to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release the personal information to someone applicant choose. If applicable.
Marriage certificate
Or another document confirming relationship or guardianship. If applicable.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; visa, residence permit or other supporting document confirming resident status if the country of residence is different from that listed in applicant's passport.
Motivation letter
Explaining the purpose and details of the visit to Canada
Letter of proof of employment
Confirming the position and work status hand-signed by the authorized HR Department or Manager. Or a letter explaining and confirming sufficient funds for unemployed.
Business license or registration
For self-employed, indicating the applicant’s name and business license or registration details.
Registration documents
For companies, schools, businesses and organizations inviting the applicant.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Certificate of criminal record
Confirming no criminal record in the applicant’s home or residence country.
Old passport
With visas for the last 5 years.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
Requirements
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Have a valid address in Canada where foreigner will be staying.
Visa Information
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
English international
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Temporary resident visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Business visa
Sources
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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