Canada remains one of the most sought-after travel and immigration destinations for Indian nationals, and understanding the true cost of a Canadian visa application in 2026 is one of the first practical steps toward making that journey happen. Visa fees are not always as straightforward as they appear — multiple charges stack up across government fees, biometrics, service centers, and supporting costs. This guide breaks down every component so you know exactly what to expect before you begin your application.
Quick Answer: How Much Does a Canada Visa Cost from India in 2026?
The base government application fee for a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — commonly known as the visitor or tourist visa — is CAD 100 per person. However, when biometrics fees, VFS Global service charges, and other applicable costs are included, the total amount paid by most Indian applicants typically falls between CAD 185 and CAD 230 or more depending on the visa type and processing options chosen.
Types of Canadian Visas Available for Indian Applicants
Before discussing fees, it is helpful to understand which visa type you are applying for, as fees differ across categories. Indian nationals most commonly apply for the following:
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) / Visitor Visa: For tourism, family visits, or short stays
- Super Visa: For parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Student Visa (Study Permit): For full-time academic programs
- Work Permit: For employment purposes
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Not applicable to Indian passport holders — Indian nationals require a full TRV
This guide focuses primarily on the Temporary Resident Visa (visitor/tourist category), which is the most commonly applied-for visa by Indian nationals. Fee information for other visa types is also covered in the detailed breakdown below.
Canada Visa Government Fee in 2026
The government processing fee is set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is paid directly to the Canadian government. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application.
| Visa / Permit Type | Government Fee (CAD) | Approx. INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (Single or Multiple Entry) | CAD 100 | Approx. ₹6,200 – ₹6,500 |
| Visitor Visa – Family (Max. CAD 500) | CAD 500 (group cap) | Approx. ₹31,000 – ₹32,500 |
| Super Visa (Parents / Grandparents) | CAD 100 | Approx. ₹6,200 – ₹6,500 |
| Study Permit | CAD 150 | Approx. ₹9,300 – ₹9,800 |
| Work Permit | CAD 155 | Approx. ₹9,600 – ₹10,100 |
| Permanent Residence Application | CAD 1,325+ | Approx. ₹82,000+ |
INR equivalents are approximate and fluctuate with exchange rates. Always confirm the current CAD to INR conversion rate at the time of payment. The government fee for a standard visitor visa remains CAD 100 as of 2026, unchanged from recent years.
Biometrics Fee for Canadian Visa from India
Indian nationals applying for a Canadian visa are required to provide biometrics — fingerprints and a digital photograph — as part of the application process. This is a separate mandatory fee charged by IRCC and applies to most visa and permit categories.
| Biometrics Category | Fee (CAD) | Approx. INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Applicant | CAD 85 | Approx. ₹5,300 – ₹5,500 |
| Family (2 or more applicants) | CAD 170 (group cap) | Approx. ₹10,500 – ₹11,000 |
Biometrics collected previously for a Canadian visa may remain valid for ten years, in which case this fee may not apply again. However, if your biometrics have expired or were never collected, the CAD 85 fee is mandatory and non-refundable.
VFS Global Service Center Charges in India
In India, Canadian visa applications are processed through VFS Global — the authorized visa application center (VAC) for the Canadian government. VFS charges a separate service fee for their administrative and processing support, which is in addition to IRCC’s government fee.
| VFS Service | Approximate Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| VFS Service Fee (Standard) | ₹2,100 – ₹2,500 approx. |
| Courier / Passport Return Service | ₹400 – ₹800 approx. |
| Premium Lounge Access (Optional) | ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 approx. |
| Photo Service (Optional) | ₹200 – ₹300 approx. |
| Document Scanning / Photocopying (Optional) | ₹100 – ₹200 approx. |
The standard VFS service fee is mandatory when submitting your application through a VFS Global center. Optional services like premium lounge access or on-site photo printing are add-ons you can choose to skip. VFS fees are subject to periodic revision, so it is advisable to verify the current schedule on the official VFS Global Canada India portal before your appointment.
Complete Fee Breakdown: Total Cost of Canada Visitor Visa from India in 2026
Combining all mandatory charges gives a realistic picture of what most Indian applicants will pay for a standard Canada visitor visa application in 2026:
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| IRCC Government Application Fee | CAD 100 (approx. ₹6,200 – ₹6,500) |
| Biometrics Fee | CAD 85 (approx. ₹5,300 – ₹5,500) |
| VFS Global Service Fee | Approx. ₹2,100 – ₹2,500 |
| Passport Courier / Return Fee | Approx. ₹400 – ₹800 |
| Optional Add-ons (Lounge, Photo, etc.) | ₹200 – ₹3,500 (varies) |
| Estimated Total (Mandatory Only) | Approx. ₹14,000 – ₹15,300 |
| Estimated Total (With Optional Services) | Approx. ₹14,500 – ₹19,000+ |
These figures are estimates based on current exchange rates and publicly available fee schedules. The actual total will depend on your specific visa category, current CAD to INR rates, and any optional services you select at VFS. Always cross-check fees on the IRCC official website before submitting payment.
Additional Costs Indian Applicants Should Budget For
Beyond the visa application fees, there are several supporting costs that applicants from India commonly incur during the process. While these are not government charges, they are real out-of-pocket expenses that should be factored into your overall budget.
- Medical Examination: Required for long-stay visas and work/study permits. Cost varies between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000 depending on the IRCC-approved panel physician.
- Travel Insurance: Not mandatory for a visitor visa but strongly recommended. Costs range from ₹1,500 to ₹8,000 depending on duration and coverage.
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): Sometimes required for work or study permits. Government fee is minimal but processing and notarization may add ₹500 to ₹1,500.
- Document Translation: If any supporting documents are in a regional language, certified English translations may be required. Costs vary by volume.
- Visa Consultancy Fee: If you hire an immigration consultant or visa agency, fees typically range from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000+ depending on the service level.
Using a registered visa consultant is optional but may be beneficial for complex applications or first-time applicants. Always verify that any consultant you hire is a registered member of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
How to Pay Canada Visa Fees from India
The payment process for a Canadian visa from India involves two separate transactions — one to IRCC and one to VFS Global. Here is a step-by-step overview:
Create an online account on the IRCC portal and complete your visa application.
Pay the government application fee and biometrics fee online using a credit card, debit card, or prepaid Visa/Mastercard. International cards are accepted.
After receiving your payment confirmation, book your biometrics and document submission appointment at the nearest VFS Global center in India.
Pay the VFS service fee at the center or online depending on the center’s payment options.
Submit your documents and biometrics, and await a decision from IRCC.
Major VFS Global centers for Canada visa submissions in India are located in cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, and Pune. Appointment availability varies by city and season, so booking well in advance is advisable — particularly during peak travel periods between April and September.
Once your Canadian visa is approved and you start planning your trip, Canada offers a wide range of experiences for every type of traveler. Canada’s top hiking trails are particularly popular among nature lovers visiting from India, offering everything from coastal routes to mountain treks across different provinces.
Canada Visa Processing Time from India in 2026
Processing times for Canadian visitor visa applications submitted from India can vary significantly depending on the volume of applications and the completeness of your file. Below are general estimates:
| Application Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Online Visitor Visa (TRV) | 4 to 8 weeks (standard) |
| Paper-Based Application | 8 to 16 weeks |
| Super Visa Application | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Study Permit | 4 to 12 weeks (varies by institution) |
Processing times are estimates only and can change based on IRCC’s current workload. Always check the live processing time tool on the IRCC website to get the most accurate timeline for your specific application. Submitting a complete and well-documented application is the most effective way to avoid delays.
For those visiting Canada with family or considering longer stays, understanding where to settle or explore is equally important. Some of the best places to live in Ontario are also among the most visited by Indian tourists, combining urban amenities with scenic surroundings that make for an outstanding trip.
Is the Canada Visa Fee Refundable?
No. The IRCC government application fee and the biometrics fee are both non-refundable once submitted, regardless of whether your visa is approved, refused, or withdrawn. The only exception is if you paid and then withdrew your application before IRCC began processing it — in that case, a partial refund of the application fee (excluding biometrics) may be possible.
VFS Global service fees are also non-refundable once the appointment has been used. It is therefore important to ensure your application is fully complete and your documents are in order before submitting, as reapplying after a refusal means paying all applicable fees again from the start.
If you are also considering where to retire or spend extended time in Canada, it is worth researching the lifestyle and cost of living in different regions. The best places to retire in Canada vary significantly in terms of climate, housing costs, and community feel — useful context for anyone planning long-term visits or immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Canada visitor visa fee from India in 2026?
The government application fee is CAD 100 per person. Adding mandatory biometrics (CAD 85) and VFS service charges (approx. ₹2,100–₹2,500), the total cost for most Indian applicants falls between ₹14,000 and ₹15,500 for mandatory fees alone.
Are Canada visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
No. Both the IRCC application fee and the biometrics fee are non-refundable regardless of the visa outcome. If your application is refused, you will need to pay all applicable fees again when reapplying.
Do I need to pay biometrics every time I apply for a Canadian visa?
Not necessarily. If your biometrics were collected within the past ten years and are still valid in the IRCC system, you may not need to pay the biometrics fee again. However, if they have expired or were never submitted, the CAD 85 fee is mandatory.
Can I pay the Canada visa fee in Indian rupees?
The IRCC government fee is charged in Canadian dollars (CAD) and must be paid online by credit or debit card. The conversion to INR happens automatically at the prevailing exchange rate. VFS Global service fees are typically paid in INR at the center or online.
How long does Canada take to process a visitor visa from India?
Online applications typically take between 4 and 8 weeks to process from India. Paper-based applications may take longer. Processing times are estimates and can vary. Always submit your application well ahead of your planned travel date.
Understanding the Canada visa price in India in 2026 goes well beyond the CAD 100 government fee. When biometrics, VFS service charges, courier fees, and optional services are factored in, most Indian applicants should budget approximately ₹14,000 to ₹19,000 for the complete application process — and potentially more if medical exams, consultancy, or travel insurance are required.
The key to a smooth experience is preparation: verify the latest fees on the IRCC and VFS Global websites, ensure your documents are complete before submission, and apply with enough lead time to avoid last-minute stress. Canada is a remarkable destination well worth the investment, and a well-prepared application is always your best starting point.
