Canada Freedom Portal 2026
India 🇮🇳 Canada 🇨🇦
India to Canada visa guide
India to Canada visa guide Official February 2026 entry protocols. Indians face stricter study permit caps and higher proof-of-funds requirements ($22,895), but enjoy relaxed 12-month visitor stay rules.| Path Category | Stay Limit | Key Requirement | 2026 Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study Permit (Capped) | Course Length | PAL + $22,895 Funds | CAD $235 (incl. Bio) |
| Master's/PhD (Exempt) | Course Length | No PAL Needed | Priority Processing |
| Visitor Visa (TRV) | Up to 12 Months | Online-Only Apps | CAD $185 (incl. Bio) |
1. 2026 Study Permit Reset Major Cut
Canada has significantly reduced its international student intake for 2026.
- New Caps: Only **155,000** new student visas will be issued in 2026, a 49% reduction from previous targets.
- Higher Funds: Single applicants must now show a minimum of **CAD $22,895** per year in bank statements (increased by $2,000 on Sept 1, 2025).
- PAL Mandate: Undergraduate and college students MUST obtain a **Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)**. Ontario has the highest allocation (104,780 spaces).
- PhD Exemption: Master's and Doctoral students at public universities are **exempt** from the 155k cap and PAL requirement.
2. Extended Visitor Stay Policy New Jan 5
As of **January 5, 2026**, Canada has relaxed stay rules for genuine tourists.
- Longer Stays: While the legal default is 6 months, border officers are now instructed to grant up to **12 months** for visitors with sufficient funds and a clear exit plan.
- Family Visits: This reform is specifically aimed at families and digital nomads to reduce the backlog of extension applications.
- Online Only: All TRV applications for Indians must be submitted online; paper submissions are phased out.
- Biometrics: Mandatory for all applicants (CAD $85). Enrollment at VFS Global centers (Delhi, Mumbai, etc.) is required.
3. 2026 PR & Economic Targets More Selective
Canada's PR targets have been "recalibrated" to focus on skilled talent.
- Lower Intake: Target for 2026 is **380,000** PR admissions, down from 483,000 in 2024.
- Priority Sectors: Express Entry draws heavily favor Healthcare, Trade, Agriculture, and STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math) occupations.
- In-Canada Focus: The government aims to transition 115,000 Protected Persons and 33,000 Temporary Workers already in Canada to PR status by 2027.
4. 2026 Customs Checklist Strict Enforcement
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) enforces zero-tolerance on specific items.
- Currency: You MUST declare cash or monetary instruments exceeding **CAD $10,000**.
- Food Alert: Strictly NO prohibited plant or animal products. Fines for non-declaration can lead to immediate visa cancellation.
- Digital Declaration: Use the **ArriveCAN app** or web portal for "Advance Declaration" to save time at major airports like Toronto (YYZ) or Vancouver (YVR).
© 2026 Global Visa Guide | Information Verified via Government of Canada (IRCC/CBSA) & VFS Global India.