Planning to visit Canada this year? All you need to know from eTA, visa to processing time, visitor visa
To visit Canada, most people would need either the visa or the eTA, depending on their citizenship.
- Sep 21, 2026,
- Updated Sep 21, 2026 12:07 PM IST
If you are planning to visit Canada this year and need to get your documents in order, there’s a checklist of things that you should know. To make the process easier, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has listed the top questions visitors have about the Canadian visa process, and about visiting the country.
Whether you need a visa or an electronic travel authorisation (eTA), how long does it take to get a visitor visa, whether you can work or study while visiting the country, IRCC has listed out the top questions.
MUST READ | Canada visa processing: Indians get faster visitor visas, Super Visa wait hits 70 days
Do you need a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA)?
To visit Canada, most people would need either the visa or the eTA, depending on their citizenship. In order to find out, you could go to the ‘Visit Canada’ tab in the ‘immigration and citizenship’ page of the official Canadian government site, and fill up a simple questionnaire. It would direct you to the documents that you will require.
As an Indian citizen, you would need a visitor visa and a valid passport among other things.
How long will it take for a visitor visa?
Processing time varies depending on the type of application. You must complete the application by providing the required documents, which may include documents proving your identity, travel plans and eligibility to enter Canada. You can check the processing time beforehand. For applications from abroad, it would take 20 business days, the site stated.
What documents do you need to apply for a visitor visa?
Your application needs to include a digital copy of your passport or travel document, which should be valid (not expired) for at least 6 months from the date you plan to travel, IRCC said. Moreover when you apply online, you will get a personalised document checklist in the portal.
Can you work or study while visiting Canada?
Visitors cannot work or study in Canada unless they’re authorised to do so, as per the IRCC. If you want to work or study in Canada, you will need a work permit or study permit.
If you are planning to visit Canada this year and need to get your documents in order, there’s a checklist of things that you should know. To make the process easier, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has listed the top questions visitors have about the Canadian visa process, and about visiting the country.
Whether you need a visa or an electronic travel authorisation (eTA), how long does it take to get a visitor visa, whether you can work or study while visiting the country, IRCC has listed out the top questions.
MUST READ | Canada visa processing: Indians get faster visitor visas, Super Visa wait hits 70 days
Do you need a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA)?
To visit Canada, most people would need either the visa or the eTA, depending on their citizenship. In order to find out, you could go to the ‘Visit Canada’ tab in the ‘immigration and citizenship’ page of the official Canadian government site, and fill up a simple questionnaire. It would direct you to the documents that you will require.
As an Indian citizen, you would need a visitor visa and a valid passport among other things.
How long will it take for a visitor visa?
Processing time varies depending on the type of application. You must complete the application by providing the required documents, which may include documents proving your identity, travel plans and eligibility to enter Canada. You can check the processing time beforehand. For applications from abroad, it would take 20 business days, the site stated.
What documents do you need to apply for a visitor visa?
Your application needs to include a digital copy of your passport or travel document, which should be valid (not expired) for at least 6 months from the date you plan to travel, IRCC said. Moreover when you apply online, you will get a personalised document checklist in the portal.
Can you work or study while visiting Canada?
Visitors cannot work or study in Canada unless they’re authorised to do so, as per the IRCC. If you want to work or study in Canada, you will need a work permit or study permit.