Yes, Indian citizens must obtain a valid visa before travelling to Canada. A Canada Visitor Visa allows Indians to travel for tourism, meeting family or friends, or short leisure trips, and typically permits a stay of up to 6 months.

The typical processing time is around 5–6 weeks, but this may vary depending on:

• Application volumes
• Accuracy and complexity of the application
• Public holidays
• Criminal records or past immigration issues

You may stay in Canada for up to 6 months per visit. The final decision on your duration of stay is made by the border officer upon arrival. If no specific date is stamped on your passport, you're automatically allowed to stay for 6 months.

Indian citizens can apply for several types of Canadian visas, including:

• Visit Visa: For tourism, visiting family/friends, or short-term business.
• Transit Visa: Required if your layover in Canada is under 48 hours. For layovers longer than 48 hours, a visit visa is needed.
• Work Visa: For those seeking temporary employment in Canada.
• Study Visa: For students planning to study at a Canadian designated learning institution.

To qualify for a visitor visa to Canada, Indian applicants must: 

• Hold a valid passport for the duration of their intended stay.
• Have no criminal history or immigration violations.
• Show strong ties to India (family, job, assets).
• Prove sufficient financial resources for the trip.
• Provide convincing evidence of returning to India after their visit.

The key documents include:

• Valid passport: Current and previous (if available), including visa pages.
• Old visas: Past Canadian/US visas, if applicable.
• Photograph: Recent passport-sized (35mm x 45mm), plain white background.
• ID proof: Copies of your Aadhar and PAN card.
• Family Information Form (IMM5645): Required for applicants aged 18+.
• Travel proof: Flight and accommodation bookings.
• Financial proof: Last 6 months’ bank statements, 3 months' ITRs. Also include fixed deposits, investments, etc., if applicable.

Employment proof:

• For salaried employees: Offer letter, NOC from employer, last 3 months’ payslips, and bank statement for salary account.
• For self-employed individuals: Last 3 months’ ITRs.
• Additional documents based on personal circumstances (e.g., marriage certificate ifmarried).

There’s no fixed minimum balance, but you must demonstrate that you can cover all travel costs, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities. The required funds vary depending on your itinerary, length of stay, and number of travellers.

Travel insurance is not mandatory, but highly recommended. It provides protection against unexpected medical emergencies, lost baggage, trip cancellations, and other travel disruptions.

Tip: Always read the insurance policy thoroughly to know what it covers before buying it.

Having a criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Depending on the nature and timing of the offense, you may still be eligible through:

• Deemed rehabilitation: For minor convictions if a long time has passed.
• Individual rehabilitation: Apply if 5+ years have passed since completing your sentence and you can prove you're unlikely to re-offend.
• Record suspension: If you've been pardoned in Canada or another country.
• Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): If you don’t meet the rehabilitation criteria but have valid reasons to travel.

Tip: Start the application process early as rehabilitation assessments can take over a year.

Once approved, your visa will be affixed to your passport as a sticker, which you can collect from the visa application centre (VAC).

Tip: Double-check all details on the visa—such as name, passport number, and validity dates—before travelling.

Usually, no interview is required. However, you may be asked to attend one if the visa officer needs additional information.

If you're invited for an interview, be ready to answer questions about:

• Reason for travel (tourism, business, family, etc.)
• Employment status
• Ties to India (property, family, job)
• Past visa refusals or violations
• Criminal history, if any

Note that all applicants still need to visit the VAC to submit their biometrics.

Yes, biometric submission is mandatory. It includes fingerprint scans and a photo, helping authorities verify your identity and safeguard against identity fraud. Biometrics are also checked upon entry into Canada.

You can apply for a Canadian visa with the assistance of Y-Axis by following these steps:

1. Visit Y-Axis: Use the Y-Axis website or app to start your Canada visa application.
2. Upload documents: Submit scanned copies of your passport, photograph, and other required paperwork.
3. Pay fees: Make the visa fee payment via secure online methods.
4. Get an appointment: Y-Axis will book your biometric appointment at the earliest available slot.
5. Biometric submission: Visit the VAC on your appointment date to complete your biometrics.
6. Visa processing: Wait for the Canadian authorities to review and process your application.
7. Collect your visa: Once approved, receive your passport with the visa either by mail or by visiting the VAC.

• Apply for multiple travellers in one go—ideal for families and group tours.
• Simple and intuitive process, even for first-time applicants.
• Faster appointment slots thanks to expert assistance.
• Timely processing ensures your travel plans stay on track.
• Personalised support tailored to your visa category—whether it's for tourism, business, or family visits.

Yes. You can apply online for a visitor record if you want to extend your stay in Canada. This must be done at least 30 days before your current visa expires. You’ll need a scanner for document uploads and a valid credit/debit card to pay the application fee.

Overstaying can lead to serious issues, including:

• Being marked inadmissible for future visas
• Possible deportation
• A ban from re-entering Canada

It could also harm your chances of securing visas for other countries. If you suspect you'll need more time in Canada, apply for an extension before your visa expires.

If your application is denied, you’ll receive a refusal letter outlining the reasons. You can use this information to improve and reapply.

Here’s what to do:

• Review the letter: Understand exactly why your visa was refused.
• Address the issues: For instance, submit stronger proof of funds or ties to India if that was the problem.
• Improve your application: Add documents that reinforce your case—like job confirmation, family obligations, or property ownership.
• Reapply smartly: There’s no waiting period, but don’t rush. Fix the problems before submitting a new application.
• Seek professional advice: A Y-Axis expert or immigration lawyer can guide you through a stronger reapplication.