Visiting Canada through the CAN+ Program: What Indian Travellers Need to Know in 2025

Vikrant Gungash
4 days ago
3 min read

By Vikrant Singh, July 08 2025

If you’ve visited Canada in the past decade—or currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa—your next Canadian visitor visa application could be fast-tracked under Canada’s CAN+ initiative. The best part? You don’t need a separate application or special form. Simply apply for the standard visitor visa online, and if you're eligible, your application will be prioritized automatically.

1. Why CAN+ Exists

Originally designed for frequent travellers from India, the CAN+ program streamlines the visa process for low-risk applicants. If your passport shows a Canadian entry in the last 10 years, or you hold a valid U.S. visa, you are considered a trusted traveller. This allows Canadian visa officers to process your application faster and more efficiently.

2. Who Is Eligible?

CAN+ Criterion	Evidence You Provide
Previous travel to Canada (in the last 10 years)	Old passport(s) showing entry stamp or e-visa record
Valid U.S. non-immigrant visa	Copy of visa page with recent U.S. entry stamp if applicable

Only one of the two is required to be considered for CAN+. If you meet either, you are automatically screened in.

3. How to Apply

Create or sign in to your online account on the Canadian immigration portal.
Choose the standard visitor visa application and complete the questionnaire.
Upload your documents, including:
- Valid passport (all marked pages)
- Digital photo
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, income tax returns, etc.)
- Proof of strong ties to India (employment letters, property ownership, dependants, etc.)
Pay the application fee, and if required, the biometrics fee.
Schedule your biometrics at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).

VACs only collect biometrics and documents; they cannot influence decisions or offer advice on your application.

4. What Happens Behind the Scenes?

Once submitted, your application is reviewed and automatically checked for CAN+ eligibility. If you meet the criteria, your file is placed in a priority queue for faster processing. While no exact timeline is guaranteed, eligible applicants generally receive a decision much quicker than standard visitor visa applicants.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to mention CAN+ anywhere on my form? No. The system will automatically consider your application under CAN+ based on the documents and information you provide.

Does CAN+ guarantee approval? No. You still need to meet all the regular requirements for a visitor visa, including demonstrating a genuine intent to return home after your visit. CAN+ only speeds up processing for qualifying applicants.

Can my family members apply under CAN+ too? Each family member must apply separately. Only those who meet the eligibility criteria for CAN+ will benefit from faster processing. Others will be processed normally.

Is an expired U.S. visa accepted? No. Your U.S. visa must be valid at the time of review for your application to be considered under CAN+.

6. Tips for a Smooth CAN+ Application

Ensure your previous Canada or U.S. visa details are clearly visible in your scanned documents.
Keep your explanation of travel purpose simple and direct.
Submit well-organized and complete financial and employment records.
Monitor your application regularly and respond quickly if asked for additional documents.

Final Thoughts

For experienced Indian travellers, the CAN+ program offers a clear advantage: quicker visa processing without any extra steps or forms. If you've been to Canada before or hold a valid U.S. visa, your application could move faster through the system—getting you closer to your next Canadian destination with fewer delays.

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