What is the story about?
Canada remains a top-tier destination for 2026, driven by strong international student enrollment and a demand for immersive, natural experiences like Banff and Sable Island.
With the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arriving in India today, tourism is likely find a place in the diplomatic conversations.
Amid this, the recently revised visa processing time and application procedure for travel to Canada, indicate a likely push towards welcoming Indian tourists.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revised its processing times for visa applications.
Indian tourists can now expect shorter waits for visitor visas, with processing times dropping to 83 days, down from 99 days previously.
The change comes as IRCC completes its year-end inventory review and reallocates officers to prioritise visitor visas ahead of the summer travel season.
This 16-day reduction is a welcome relief for travellers hoping to explore Canada's stunning landscapes or visit family and friends in the country.
As of February 21, 2026, the process for booking biometric enrolments at Canada Visa Application Centres in India has transitioned from a separate webform to our Appointment Management System (AMS). This change is designed to provide a smoother, more convenient experience.
For all biometric enrolment appointments on or after 24th February 2026, applicants are required to upload the Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) in order to schedule an appointment through the AMS.
When booking your biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), you must upload your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) from IRCC.
This helps make sure that appointments are only booked by IRCC applicants who have been asked to give their biometrics.
What’s new with the AMS?
IRCC periodically reassesses its processing capacity, especially around high-volume periods. With summer approaching, authorities are moving additional officers into visitor visa processing so that more applicants can travel during peak season.
This operational shift is designed to reduce backlogs, speed up travel approvals and ensure smoother entry for tourists.
Apart from student immigration, tourism for leisure has also increased in recent times. Travel agencies have noticed a growing interest in top destinations such as Toronto, Vancouver and Niagara.
Indian tourists visiting Canada require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA, with over 200,000 visas issued to Indian nationals in 2023, confirming India as a top source market.
However, despite the growing interest,
travellers are advised to check the latest visa rules, travel advisories and checklists to avoid any hassle.
With the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arriving in India today, tourism is likely find a place in the diplomatic conversations.
Amid this, the recently revised visa processing time and application procedure for travel to Canada, indicate a likely push towards welcoming Indian tourists.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revised its processing times for visa applications.
Indian tourists can now expect shorter waits for visitor visas, with processing times dropping to 83 days, down from 99 days previously.
The change comes as IRCC completes its year-end inventory review and reallocates officers to prioritise visitor visas ahead of the summer travel season.
This 16-day reduction is a welcome relief for travellers hoping to explore Canada's stunning landscapes or visit family and friends in the country.
Recently announced changes
As of February 21, 2026, the process for booking biometric enrolments at Canada Visa Application Centres in India has transitioned from a separate webform to our Appointment Management System (AMS). This change is designed to provide a smoother, more convenient experience.
For all biometric enrolment appointments on or after 24th February 2026, applicants are required to upload the Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) in order to schedule an appointment through the AMS.
When booking your biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), you must upload your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) from IRCC.
This helps make sure that appointments are only booked by IRCC applicants who have been asked to give their biometrics.
What’s new with the AMS?
- Choose your preferred appointment date and time
- Easily reschedule or cancel appointments online
- Upload the Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) in the same format as issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
IRCC periodically reassesses its processing capacity, especially around high-volume periods. With summer approaching, authorities are moving additional officers into visitor visa processing so that more applicants can travel during peak season.
This operational shift is designed to reduce backlogs, speed up travel approvals and ensure smoother entry for tourists.
Top destinations to visit
Apart from student immigration, tourism for leisure has also increased in recent times. Travel agencies have noticed a growing interest in top destinations such as Toronto, Vancouver and Niagara.
Indian tourists visiting Canada require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA, with over 200,000 visas issued to Indian nationals in 2023, confirming India as a top source market.
However, despite the growing interest,
- Banff National Park, Alberta: Known for turquoise lakes (Lake Louise, Moraine Lake) and the Icefields Parkway. In 2026, it is highlighted for luxury, including the redesigned Rimrock Resort Hotel and the new Basin Glacial Waters thermal spa.
- Niagara Falls, Ontario: A world-famous, high-energy spectacle with boat tours, offering stunning views and, in the evening, illumination.
- Vancouver and Vancouver Island, B.C.: A mix of urban life, Stanley Park, and coastal beauty, with Tofino offering surfing and whale watching.
- Quebec City, Quebec: Renowned for its European charm, cobblestone streets, and historic architecture.
- Toronto, Ontario: A diverse city with the CN Tower, vibrant neighborhoods like Kensington Market, and the Distillery District.
- Churchill, Manitoba: A premier destination for polar bear tours and walking safaris in their natural habitat.
- The Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick/Nova Scotia: Famous for the highest tides on Earth, where visitors can walk on the ocean floor at the Hopewell Rocks.
- Prince Edward Island: Known for sandy beaches, lobster dinners, and the Anne of Green Gables House.
