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Move From India to Canada With Licensed Immigration Consultants

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Indian and Canadian flags representing immigration from India to Canada

Choosing to immigrate to Canada is an important and personal decision. RightWay Canada Immigration Services supports individuals and families in India who are pursuing permanent residence, study or work opportunities, family reunification or another Canadian immigration pathway. Our role is to make the process clearer, more manageable and carefully prepared from the beginning.

Our team of licensed Canadian immigration consultants is regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and works in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements. Since 2016, RightWay Canada has assisted 1362 clients from India and earned multiple industry recognitions, along with a strong reputation reflected in positive client reviews.

Every immigration case is different. We take the time to understand each applicant’s circumstances and goals, assess the available options and provide clear guidance on eligibility, required documents and the steps ahead. Our support goes beyond completing forms, helping applicants approach the process with greater clarity and confidence. Book a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant to discuss your individual situation. Information about our services and pricing is available on our fees page.

Bar chart comparing Canadian permanent residence programs for people from India between January 2023 and May 2026
Chart showing Canadian study permits for applicants from India in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and Q1 2026
RightWay Canada immigration consultants helping clients move from India to Canada

India to Canada Spousal Sponsorship

Applicants applying for spousal sponsorship from India must follow the country-specific IRCC instructions alongside the standard sponsorship application checklist. These instructions identify the additional forms, document-copy requirements, and supporting evidence that may be needed for an application involving Indian nationals.

For India applicants, the country-specific requirements include an additional travel history form, photocopy instructions, adoption documents for children adopted through customary law, supporting evidence for late-registered birth certificates, and specific divorce document requirements.

Applicants from India must complete Supplementary Information – Your Travels [IMM 5562] as a country-specific digital form.
This form is required for:

  • the principal applicant
  • all family members included in the application who are 18 years old or older

If any child included in the application has an Indian passport and was adopted through customary law instead of through the courts, provide an explanation and proof of the adoption.
Proof may include:

  • a copy of the adoption deed
  • photographs of the adoption ceremony
  • power of attorney documents, if applicable
  • proof of contact and financial support with adoptive parents
  • a letter of no objection from the Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA), Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
  • a written declaration from CARA and the provincial government confirming that the adoption follows the Hague Convention

For birth certificates issued in India, if the birth was registered late, include a copy of the original baptism certificate and copies of other original documents establishing identity, such as:

  • old school records, including Fifth Class, Middle Standard, and Matriculation or secondary school certificates
  • voter’s ID card

For divorces obtained in India, submit copies of:

  • the complete divorce petition
  • the judgment
  • the final divorce decree
Couple with Indian and Canadian flags representing spousal sponsorship from India to Canada

India to Canada Citizenship by Descent

Canadian citizenship by descent cases from India often begin with families whose ties to Canada and India extend across education, professional work, business, marriage, and family responsibilities. A child born in India may already have a Canadian citizenship connection if a parent was Canadian at the time of birth.

India has one of Canada’s strongest people-to-people connections, shaped by migration, education, professional mobility, business, and family ties. For some India-born children and adults, those connections may be more than personal history; they may include a legal connection to Canada through a Canadian parent.

In these cases, the person is usually not applying to become Canadian. They are applying for a Canadian citizenship certificate to prove citizenship they may already have. This certificate can be important for a Canadian passport, future relocation to Canada, children’s citizenship questions, or family situations where Bill C-3 has made an older Canadian connection worth reviewing again.

Canadian citizenship certificate with Indian and Canadian passports representing Canadian citizenship by descent for Indian residents

India to Canada Express Entry

India is one of the leading source countries for permanent residence through Canada’s Express Entry system. From 2021 to the first quarter of 2026, IRCC data shows 299,285 admissions of permanent residents under Express Entry for India, making this pathway a major route for skilled workers moving from India to Canada.

For applicants from India, the main challenge is often competitiveness within a high-volume applicant pool. A strong profile should be supported by high language test results, an Educational Credential Assessment for foreign education, accurate skilled work experience, and proof of funds where required. Even targeted improvements to CRS factors can influence whether a candidate receives an invitation to apply.

An India-focused Express Entry strategy should connect the applicant’s education, occupation, work history, language scores, CRS position, and possible provincial nomination options. With careful preparation, applicants from India can build a stronger profile and move through the permanent residence process with greater clarity and confidence.

Express Entry infographic showing language ability, education, work experience, age, CRS score, provincial nomination, proof of funds and invitation to apply

India to Canada PNP

India is one of the strongest source countries for permanent residence through Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program. PNP pathways allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate skilled workers whose education, occupation, work experience, language ability, and settlement plans align with local labour market needs.

For applicants in India, success through a PNP depends on identifying the right provincial pathway and preparing documents that match the stream’s requirements. Depending on the province, candidates may need skilled work experience, language test results, education credentials, an eligible occupation, a job offer, previous study or work experience in the province, or another connection that supports their intent to settle there.

An India-focused PNP strategy should compare provincial options based on the applicant’s occupation, education, work history, language scores, job offer potential, and long-term settlement goals. With the right preparation, applicants from India can identify suitable nomination opportunities and approach the provincial nomination process with greater clarity and confidence.

Map of Canada showing provinces and territories offering Provincial Nominee Programs for applicants from India

India to Canada Study Permit

Applicants applying for a Canada study permit from India must follow the New Delhi visa office instructions for local document requirements. These instructions are listed in the New Delhi Visa Office Additional Document Checklist — IMM 5818, which is used together with the standard Canada study permit checklist.

For India applicants, IMM 5818 focuses on recommended application timing, academic records, financial-support documents, previous passports where applicable, and the Study Permit Questionnaire.

India study permit applicants must follow the New Delhi Visa Office Additional Document Checklist for study permits.

Country-specific checklist:

IMM 5818 is used alongside the standard study permit checklist. It does not replace the general study permit requirements.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application at least three months before their planned travel date. Applications received after April 1 for May entry, after August 1 for September entry, or after December 1 for January entry are unlikely to be processed before classes begin and may be refused.

India study permit applicants should provide academic records covering both their most recent and previous education.

Applicants should include:

  • a photocopy of their most recent diploma or leaving certificate;
  • mark sheets for the entire most recent program;
  • photocopies of any other educational certificates, diplomas or degrees; and
  • all corresponding mark sheets.

Consolidated mark sheets are not accepted under IMM 5818.

India study permit applicants should provide detailed documents showing how their studies will be funded.

Applicants who have received a scholarship, financial assistance or an award from a government or another funding agency should include an official letter confirming the total amount of the funding, its duration and any applicable conditions.

When another person is providing financial support for the program, the application should include a reference letter from that person explaining:

  • how the applicant’s studies will be funded;
  • the person’s relationship to the applicant;
  • the person’s occupation;
  • the person’s full contact details; and
  • the number of dependants they support.

Where applicable, applicants should also provide income tax returns for themselves and their parents for the previous two years.

If the applicant or financial supporter is employed, the application should include an employment letter and pay slips for the previous three months. The employment letter should be dated within two months of the application and include the person’s occupation, job description, position, salary, allowances, length of employment and authorized leave dates.

India study permit applicants must complete the Study Permit Questionnaire using the space provided in the checklist.

The questionnaire requires applicants to identify any agent or representative who assisted with their admission forms or study permit application. Applicants must also provide a complete history of their education and employment since turning 18, without any unexplained gaps.

A financial-support table must be completed for the applicant’s parents and any other primary financial supporter. The required information includes employment or business details, contact information, position or title, net income from the previous calendar year in both Indian rupees and the Canadian-dollar equivalent, and the primary source of income.

If the proposed program includes an English as a second language or French as a second language component, the applicant must explain how long it is expected to take to complete the language requirement and the estimated cost.

Student with books, a backpack and an Indian flag tag representing study permits for Indian students in Canada

India to Canada Super Visa

Applicants applying for a Canada Super Visa from India must follow the New Delhi visa office instructions in addition to the standard Super Visa checklist. These instructions are listed in the New Delhi Visa Office Instructions — IMM 5881.

For India applicants, IMM 5881 includes Super Visa-specific instructions on applicant forms, medical insurance, proof of an upfront medical examination, inviter documents and financial support, household size, relationship evidence, employment or pension records, passport history, and medical-exam photo identification documents.

Applicants from India are assigned to the New Delhi Visa Office Instructions:

IMM 5881 lists the following forms for applicants from India, where applicable:

If a completed and signed application form is submitted, the barcode page must also be included.

IMM 5881 requires evidence of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company.

The insurance must:

  • Be valid for at least one year from the date of entry.
  • Provide minimum coverage of $100,000.

IMM 5881 also requires proof that the applicant has completed a medical examination with one of IRCC’s panel physicians.

For the medical examination, the applicant must bring:

  • 5 photos that meet the photograph specifications.
  • Photo identification.
  • A photocopy of the passport bio-data page.

The applicant must tell the panel physician that they intend to be a visitor to Canada. After the examination, the panel physician will provide one copy of the medical examination form, which must be submitted with the application.

IMM 5881 requires the inviter in Canada to provide a written and signed invitation letter.

The invitation letter must promise financial support for the applicant for the duration of the visit.

The inviter must also provide:

  • A copy of their Canadian citizenship or immigration status document.
  • A list showing the number of people in their household.

IMM 5881 requires proof that the inviter can provide the promised financial support.

Supporting documents may include:

  • Notice of Assessment for the past three tax years.
  • Employment letter identifying salary.
  • Pay stubs.
  • Bank statements.
  • Other financial documents showing the inviter’s financial situation.

IMM 5881 also lists applicant employment or retirement documents where applicable.

If employed, the applicant should provide a signed original letter on company letterhead from the employer granting a leave of absence. The letter must include:

  • Applicant’s name and position.
  • Current salary.
  • Date of hire.
  • Employer’s name, address, and telephone number.

If retired, the applicant should provide a retirement certificate indicating the amount of pension.

Once the application is submitted, IRCC issues a Biometrics Instruction Letter.
 U.S.-based applicants complete biometrics at any Application Support Center (ASC) across the United States.

If living abroad, biometrics must be done in the applicant’s current country of residence.

Parents and grandparents reuniting with family in Canada through a Super Visa application from India

India to Canada Visitor Visa

Applicants applying for a Canada visitor visa from India may need to follow the New Delhi visa office instructions in addition to the standard temporary resident visa checklist. These instructions are listed in the New Delhi Visa Office Instructions — IMM 5881.

For India applicants, IMM 5881 includes an official note from India’s Ministry of External Affairs for official passport holders, a reference letter from a local Indian shipping agent for seamen, and letters of reference from organizations in India for religious workers.

India visitor visa applicants may need to follow the New Delhi Visa Office Instructions in addition to the standard temporary resident visa requirements.

Relevant visa office instructions:

  • Temporary Resident Visa – New Delhi Visa Office Instructions — IMM 5881

IMM 5881 includes additional instructions concerning financial and occupational evidence, family and tourism visits, business travel, short-term studies, transit applications, returning students and workers, and certain India-connected official, maritime and religious-work documents.

Applicants travelling on an official passport must provide an official note from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs supporting the intended visit to Canada.

Seamen must provide a reference letter from the local Indian shipping agent. The application should also include the applicable employment, vessel and joining documents required for the planned assignment.

Religious workers must provide letters of reference from organizations in India confirming their role and supporting the purpose of their visit to Canada.

Applicants should provide the financial and occupational documents listed for their travel category under the New Delhi Visa Office Instructions.

Financial evidence may include:

  • income tax returns for the previous two years;
  • bank statements or bank-book records covering the previous six months; and
  • documents showing other income, investments or assets.

Employed applicants should provide a recent letter from their employer confirming their position, salary, length of employment and approved leave.

Retired applicants should include evidence of retirement and pension income, where applicable.

If another person is paying for the visit, the application should include a signed support letter, evidence that the person has sufficient funds and an explanation of their relationship to the applicant.

For applicants visiting family or friends, proof of financial support may not be required under the CAN+ provisions when the applicant provides evidence of qualifying previous travel to Canada or a valid United States non-immigrant visa.

Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of the applicant’s visit to Canada.

Applicants visiting family members or friends should provide:

  • an invitation letter from the host in Canada;
  • proof of the host’s immigration status in Canada; and
  • documents showing the relationship between the applicant and the host, where applicable.

Tourists should include a detailed travel itinerary and evidence of their planned accommodation.

Business visitors should provide letters from their employer and the Canadian company or organization they plan to visit. The letters should explain the purpose and duration of the trip, identify the organizations involved and confirm who will pay the travel expenses.

Applicants attending a trade show, conference or similar event should also provide proof of registration.

Applicants travelling for short-term study should include an acceptance letter from the Canadian educational institution. Organized study groups should provide documents identifying the students, accompanying teachers or group leaders and the planned program in Canada.

Applicants transiting through Canada should provide their complete travel itinerary and, where applicable, proof that they are authorized to enter their destination country.

IMM 5881 lists proof of relationship with the inviter in Canada, where applicable.

Examples include:

  • Birth certificate.
  • Marriage certificate.
  • Other documents showing the family relationship with the inviter.

IMM 5881 also lists the following passport and identity documents:

  • Original valid passport.
  • Photocopy of the passport bio-data page.
  • Cancelled or expired passports, if applicable.

For the medical examination, IMM 5881 also instructs applicants to bring photo identification, 5 photos that meet the photograph specifications, and a photocopy of the passport bio-data page.

Travellers with backpacks, a camera and a flag tag representing travel from India to Canada
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