How to Apply for a Multiple-Entry Canada Visitor Visa from India: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dreaming of exploring Canada's stunning landscapes, visiting family, or attending business meetings multiple times without reapplying? A multiple-entry visitor visa is your golden ticket. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a multiple-entry visitor visa for Canada from India, offering practical advice to help make your application as strong as possible.

Typically, when you apply for a visitor visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) for Canada, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) usually issues a multiple-entry visa by default. This visa allows you to enter Canada multiple times for up to 6 months at a time, for a period that could be valid for up to 10 years, or until one month before your passport expires, whichever comes first. The key is proving to the visa officer that you genuinely intend to visit temporarily and will leave Canada.

Understanding the Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa

A multiple-entry visa means you don't need to apply for a new visa every time you want to visit Canada. Once approved, you can travel to Canada, stay for a maximum of six months per visit (unless specified otherwise by a Border Services Officer upon entry), and then leave and re-enter as many times as you wish within your visa's validity period.

Important Distinction: The visa's validity period (e.g., 10 years) is not the amount of time you can stay in Canada. It's the period during which you are allowed to enter Canada. Each time you enter, a Border Services Officer will determine how long you can stay, usually stamping your passport with a date or issuing a visitor record. Without a stamp or record, the default stay is six months from your entry date.

Eligibility: Are You a Good Candidate?

Before diving into the application, assess if you meet the core requirements. A visa officer needs to be convinced of a few key things:

1. Genuine Intent: Your primary purpose for visiting Canada is temporary (tourism, visiting family/friends, business, etc.).
2. Financial Stability: You have enough money to support yourself and your dependents during your stay in Canada and to cover your return transportation.
3. Ties to India: You have strong ties to your home country (India) that will compel you to return after your visit. This is crucial for a multiple-entry visa.
4. No Criminal Record: You have no criminal or immigration-related inadmissibility issues.
5. Good Health: You are in good health (a medical exam might be required in some cases).

Essential Documents for Your Application

Gathering the right documents is perhaps the most critical part of your application. Organize them clearly and ensure they are all up-to-date and accurate. All documents not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified English or French translation.

1. Personal & Travel Documents

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. If you want a 10-year multiple-entry visa, your passport should ideally have a long validity remaining.
• Previous Passports: Include copies of all previous passports, especially those showing prior travel history to Canada, the US, UK, Schengen countries, or Australia. This demonstrates a history of compliance with visa regulations.
• Digital Photo: A recent passport-sized photo (as per IRCC photo specifications).
• Family Information Form (IMM 5707 or IMM 5645): Duly filled and signed.
• Visa Application Form (IMM 5257): The main application form.
• Schedule 1 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257 – Schedule 1): If applicable (e.g., if you have certain security-related histories).

2. Financial Documents

This section is vital to prove you can support yourself without working illegally in Canada.

• Bank Statements: Original bank statements for the past 4-6 months, showing sufficient funds.
• Proof of Income: Salary slips for the last 3-6 months, employment letter stating your position, salary, and start date.
• Income Tax Returns (ITR): For the last 2-3 years.
• Fixed Deposits/Investments: Proof of any other assets or investments.
• Property Deeds: Proof of ownership of property in India.

3. Employment/Business Documents (Demonstrating Ties to India)

• For Employed Individuals:
  • Leave Letter/No Objection Certificate (NOC): From your employer, stating your approved leave dates and that your job will be held for you upon your return.
  • Employment Letter: Stating your position, salary, and start date.
  • Salary Slips: Last 3-6 months.
• For Business Owners:
  • Business Registration Documents: Proof of your business ownership.
  • Business Bank Statements: For the last 4-6 months.
  • Company's ITR: For the last 2-3 years.
  • Letter from your business: Stating the purpose of your visit and that you will return to manage your business.
• For Students:
  • Enrollment Letter: From your educational institution.
  • Bonafide Certificate.
  • Student ID Card.
  • Transcripts/Mark Sheets.

4. Travel & Accommodation Plans

• Itinerary: A tentative travel itinerary outlining your planned activities in Canada.
• Flight Reservations (Optional but Recommended): While not mandatory, a tentative flight itinerary can strengthen your application. Avoid purchasing non-refundable tickets until your visa is approved.
• Hotel Bookings (Optional): Tentative hotel reservations, if applicable.
• Letter of Invitation (if visiting family/friends):
  • A letter from your host in Canada, including their full name, address, phone number, relationship to you, purpose of your visit, and how long you intend to stay.
  • Proof of their Canadian status (e.g., copy of Permanent Resident Card, Citizenship Card, or passport).
  • Proof of their financial ability to support you (e.g., employment letter, bank statements, Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency).

5. Letter of Explanation (Strongly Recommended)

This is your opportunity to directly address the visa officer and explain your situation. In this letter, you should:

• Clearly state the purpose of your visit and why you are requesting a multiple-entry visa.
• Emphasize your strong ties to India (family, property, job, business, financial commitments) that will ensure your return.
• Explain how you will finance your trip.
• Mention your travel history and adherence to visa rules in other countries.
• If there are any gaps in your application or anything unusual, explain it here.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

Applying for a Canadian visitor visa from India is primarily done online.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

As detailed above, collect all necessary documents. Ensure they are scanned clearly and saved in appropriate formats (PDF, JPEG, etc.) as required by the IRCC portal.

Step 2: Create an Online Account

You'll need an online account to apply. You can either:

• Register for a GCKey: This is a unique electronic credential that allows you to securely access IRCC online services.
• Sign in with a Sign-in Partner: If you have an account with a participating Canadian financial institution.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

• Once logged in, you'll answer a series of questions to determine your eligibility.
• You will then be directed to the application portal where you'll fill out the IMM 5257 form online.
• Carefully enter all information. Any discrepancies could lead to delays or refusal.

Step 4: Upload Your Documents

• The system will provide a personalized document checklist based on your answers.
• Upload all your prepared documents to the corresponding sections. Ensure file sizes and formats meet the requirements.
• Use the "Letter of Explanation" field to upload your detailed explanation letter.

Step 5: Pay the Fees

• The current processing fee for a visitor visa is CAD $100 per person.
• There is also a biometrics fee of CAD $85 per person.
• You will pay these fees online using a credit/debit card.
• Keep your payment receipt as proof.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

• Review all information and uploaded documents one last time.
• Digitally sign your application and submit it.

Step 7: Biometrics Submission

• After submitting your application and paying the fees, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) in your IRCC account.
• You must submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) in person at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India within 30 days of receiving the BIL.
• Book an appointment at your nearest VAC (VFS Global handles Canada visa applications in India) as soon as possible, as slots can fill up quickly.
• Bring your passport, the BIL, and your appointment confirmation to the VAC.

Step 8: Wait for a Decision

• Processing times vary significantly depending on the volume of applications and the VAC. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.
• During this period, the IRCC might request additional documents or an interview. Monitor your online account regularly.

Step 9: Passport Request

• If your application is approved, you will receive a Passport Request Letter in your IRCC account.
• You will need to submit your original passport to the VAC for visa stamping. This usually involves paying a small service charge to VFS Global.
• Follow the instructions in the letter carefully regarding how and where to submit your passport.

Step 10: Receive Your Passport with Visa

• Once the visa is stamped, your passport will be returned to you via courier or for pick-up, depending on your chosen method.
• Carefully check the visa sticker: Ensure all details (name, date of birth, visa validity, multiple-entry status) are correct.

Important Tips for a Successful Application

• Be Honest: Provide accurate and truthful information. Misrepresentation can lead to a refusal and a ban from applying for Canadian visas for several years.
• Strong Ties are Key: This cannot be stressed enough for a multiple-entry visa. The visa officer needs to be certain you will return to India. Highlight your job, business, property, family commitments (spouse, children), and financial obligations.
• Show Sufficient Funds: Demonstrate you have ample funds for your entire trip, including unexpected expenses. It's better to show more than the minimum required.
• Clear Purpose of Visit: Clearly articulate why you want to visit Canada and what you plan to do there.
• Good Travel History: If you have a history of traveling to other developed countries and adhering to their visa rules, it significantly strengthens your application.
• Proof of Accommodation: If you don't have an invitation, show confirmed hotel bookings or a clear plan for accommodation.
• Medical Exam: For most visitor visa applicants from India, a medical exam is generally not required unless you plan to stay for more than six months, have lived in certain countries for more than six months in the past year, or will be working in specific occupations. If required, the IRCC will provide instructions.

What to Expect at the Port of Entry

Even with a valid visa, the final decision to allow you into Canada rests with the Border Services Officer (BSO) at the port of entry.

• Be prepared to answer questions about your purpose of visit, duration of stay, and where you will be staying.
• Have copies of your supporting documents (invitation letter, financial proof, return ticket) readily accessible, though they may not always be asked for.
• Be polite and truthful.

Applying for a multiple-entry visitor visa to Canada from India requires meticulous preparation and a clear demonstration of your intent to return to India. By following this guide and providing a comprehensive, honest application, you significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome. Good luck with your application, and enjoy your future trips to Canada!