Canada Transit Visa: Essential Guide for Indians to Travel Through Canada in 2025
Updated On
-
Copy link
Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you
Table of Contents
- Who Needs a Canada Transit Visa in 2025?
- How to Apply for a Canada Transit Visa in 2025?
- Eligibility Criteria for Canada Transit Visa for Indians in 2025
- Required Documents for Canada Transit Visa for Indians in 2025
- Canada Transit Visa Processing Time from India in 2025
- Looking for Your Transit Visa Assistance? Connect with GetGIS
- Useful Links
A Canada transit visa allows international professionals from visa-required countries to transit through Canada for a limited period of time, typically up to 48 hours on their way to another destination.
This article provides all the details you need about the Canada Transit Visa, from the eligibility and application process to the required documents, processing times, and more.
Who Needs a Canada Transit Visa in 2025?
Here are the Canada transit visa eligibility if you’re visa required country:
|
Criteria |
Details |
|
Who needs a transit visa |
Travelers from visa-required countries transiting through Canada for 48 hours or less, connecting between international flights, without a valid visitor visa or eTA. |
|
Who does NOT need a transit visa |
Certain passport holders (China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan without ID number) may transit without a visa if conditions are met. |
|
Who CANNOT apply for a transit visa |
If transit is over 48 hours, plan to visit Canada, or crossing by land/sea (bus, car, train, boat, cruise).. |
|
Documents required |
Valid passport (for all travelers, including children), proof of onward travel, and other application documents. |
|
Other requirements |
Must not be inadmissible to Canada (criminality, security, health, or financial reasons). |
|
Visa cost |
Free for stays under 48 hours |
How to Apply for a Canada Transit Visa in 2025?
To apply for Canada Transit Visa in 2025, you need to follow the following steps to apply online through IRCC portal:
- Receive an invite code, create an account to sign in
In case you are using the IRCC portal for the first time, you need an invite code to create an account, once you have the invite code you can easily create the account in the portal and sign in.
- Complete the online form, and upload all the essential documents
After answering all the desired questions, you’ll receive a list of documents you need to upload. This includes the documents to support your visa application.
Eligibility Criteria for Canada Transit Visa for Indians in 2025
Before applying for a visa for transit in Canada, it is essential to confirm your eligibility for the same. Here are the detailed eligibility criteria you would need to qualify for a visa for Canada transit:
- Purpose of Travel: Your trip should be exclusively for transit purposes. This means that you will not be staying in Canada beyond what is necessary to connect to your next flight. This visa is strictly intended for individuals who are not planning to enter Canada for tourism, work, or study.
- Duration of Stay in Canada: The Canada Transit Visa permits a maximum stay of 48 hours. You must plan your connecting flights to depart from Canada within this time frame. Any stay beyond this duration will require a different type of visa, such as a visitor visa.
- Confirmed Travel Itinerary: To obtain a visa for Canada transit, you must present a confirmed travel itinerary that demonstrates your intended travel to a third country within 48 hours. An onward ticket must be booked, showing a confirmed seat on a flight to a destination outside Canada.
- No Criminal Record or Immigration Violations: The visa for transit in Canada requires applicants to have a clean record with no criminal convictions or previous immigration violations in Canada or other countries.
- Valid Passport and Biometric Requirements: Your passport must be valid for the entirety of your travel through Canada, with at least six months of validity. Biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) is required for certain countries including India. Eligible people need to schedule a biometric collection appointment at an authorized location.
Also Read: Different Canada Visa Types for Indians in 2025
Required Documents for Canada Transit Visa for Indians in 2025
The visa for Canada transit requires specific documentation to establish your eligibility, confirm travel plans, and verify personal details. Collecting these documents ensures a smoother application process. Find below the list of documents required for a visa for transit in Canada.
|
Document |
2025 Requirement |
|
Valid Passport |
Must be valid for at least 6 months from travel date, with at least one blank page. |
|
Visa Application Form |
Completed online via IRCC portal; paper application allowed only in special cases. |
|
Passport-size Photos |
Recent, meeting Canada’s photo specifications (usually 2 required)67. |
|
Travel Itinerary |
Detailed flight itinerary showing all Canadian transit points and onward travel. |
|
Proof of Onward Travel |
Confirmed ticket to a third country (not Canada). |
|
Address Proof |
Utility bill, rental agreement, or bank statement showing your current address. |
|
Financial Proof |
Documents showing sufficient funds for your transit (bank statements, pay slips). |
|
Biometrics |
Required for most applicants; fee-exempt for transit visa. |
|
Additional Documents |
May be requested based on your application answers (e.g., cover letter, family info form) |
- Application is free for transit under 48 hours.
- You can apply online via the official Canada.ca IRCC portal.
- Visa type and validity are now assessed case-by-case by immigration officers.
Canada Transit Visa Processing Time from India in 2025
The processing time for a visa for Canada Transit takes a few weeks, typically 2-3 weeks. It depends on certain factors like the biometric requirements and application volume.
To expedite processing, ensure that all documents, including your completed application form, valid passport, and biometrics are accurate and submitted promptly. The transit visa is free. Processing times vary during peak travel seasons, so applying in advance is recommended.
Also Read: Complete Guide to Canada Visa Processing Time 2025
Looking for Your Transit Visa Assistance? Connect with GetGIS
Securing a Canada transit visa is a crucial step for travelers passing through Canada en route to other countries. By following the proper application procedures, gathering the necessary documents, and ensuring your eligibility, you will be able to secure your transit visa smoothly.
For all your Canada immigration and travel queries, reach out to trusted immigration consultants like GetGIS. Our immigration assistance team is here to resolve all your Canada Transit visa queries and ensure you have a secure and seamless visa application process.
Useful Links
Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for transit in Canada?
Do Indians need a transit visa for Canada?
How long does a transit visa to Canada take?
How much is a Canada transit visa?
Can I leave the airport with a Canada Transit Visa?
