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Canada Removes Visa Requirement for Indian Business Travelers

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 2:01 GMT by Business Today

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Canada Lifts Visa Requirements for Citizens of India in a Trade‑Mobility Initiative

On November 27 2025, Canada announced a significant shift in its immigration policy that will remove the need for a visa for Indian citizens who intend to visit Canada for short‑term business purposes. The decision, unveiled by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly in a joint press conference with the Indian High Commissioner, is framed as a key component of Canada’s “Trade Mobility Initiative” – an effort to boost economic ties with major global partners and simplify the movement of people who facilitate cross‑border commerce.

Why the change matters

Canada has long been a destination for Indian entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals. Yet, the country’s existing visa framework had been a barrier for many short‑term visits. Applicants were required to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) – a paper‑based process that could take weeks or months, and which demanded a host invitation, proof of financial resources, and sometimes a letter from the Canadian government’s Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). While Canada had introduced the electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Indian nationals travelling by air, the eTA does not cover business trips that involve meetings with suppliers, partners, or government officials. Consequently, Canadian companies seeking to enter or expand in the Indian market often faced logistical and bureaucratic hurdles that slowed down deal finalisation.

By lifting the visa requirement, Canada will now allow Indian citizens to travel to Canada for up to 90 days on a “Business Visitor” basis without having to secure a TRV. The new policy will apply to all Indian nationals who have a valid passport, no criminal record, and who can demonstrate the purpose of their visit is related to trade, investment, or the exchange of technical information. Importantly, the decision retains the existing requirements for longer‑term stays, such as work permits, study permits, and permanent residency.

What the policy looks like in practice

Under the new arrangement, an Indian business traveller can simply register with Canada’s online “Business Visitor Portal” and receive a digital “Business Visitor Permit” (BVP) that is valid for up to 90 days. The portal will allow companies to upload supporting documents (e.g., letters of intent, trade agreements, conference registrations) and pay a nominal fee of CAD 100. The BVP will be electronically linked to the traveller’s passport number and will be recognised by Canadian border services as a legitimate, short‑term visit for trade purposes.

Because the BVP is electronically stored, border officers at Canadian ports of entry will be able to verify it instantly. The policy will also create a “Trade Mobility Registry” – an online database that records the activities of visiting Indian professionals, allowing Canadian authorities to monitor trade flows and ensure compliance with anti‑smuggling and tax regulations.

Reactions from business communities

The announcement was met with enthusiastic responses from both Canadian and Indian chambers of commerce. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) stated that the move will “accelerate investment flows, streamline supply chains, and strengthen the Canadian presence in one of the world’s fastest‑growing markets.” They added that the BVP will be particularly beneficial for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that previously could not afford the administrative overhead of securing TRVs for each staff member.

India’s Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) echoed similar sentiments. “This policy will give our entrepreneurs and professionals a much easier pathway to engage with Canadian counterparts,” said FICCI president Ramesh Narayanan. He highlighted that the move would likely increase Indian participation in Canada’s tech, agriculture, and renewable energy sectors – industries that Canada is keen to develop under its new trade strategy.

The policy in the broader trade context

Canada’s “Trade Mobility Initiative” is part of a broader suite of measures designed to modernise the country’s trade infrastructure. Launched earlier this year, the initiative includes:

• Digital Trade Agreements – the Canada‑India Digital Trade Accord (CADTA), which will reduce data localisation requirements and simplify cross‑border digital commerce.
• Investment Incentive Scheme – a $2 billion fund aimed at encouraging Canadian investors to target high‑growth Indian start‑ups in fintech and biotech.
• Infrastructure Support – Canada will provide a $5 million grant to help Indian firms establish distribution centres in Canada’s western provinces.

These elements are intended to create a synergistic effect that makes the Canada‑India partnership more attractive for both sides. By removing visa barriers for business travellers, Canada hopes to catalyse the flow of talent, capital, and technology across the two economies.

Addressing security and compliance

The Canadian government stressed that the removal of visa requirements does not compromise border security. The BVP system will be fully integrated with Canada’s existing immigration databases, and a “risk‑based screening” protocol will be used to flag high‑risk applicants. In addition, Canadian officials will maintain a real‑time monitoring dashboard that tracks the duration and purpose of each visit, ensuring compliance with Canadian law.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs also released a statement confirming that the policy will be complemented by enhanced cooperation on visa‑related information exchange, including biometric data sharing and fraud detection. “We are committed to upholding the highest standards of security while promoting the free flow of commerce,” the statement read.

Looking ahead

The Canada‑India visa waiver for business travellers is scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2026. Both governments have set up a joint task force to oversee the implementation and to collect feedback from participants during the first six months. They anticipate that the new policy will add approximately $1.5 billion in trade value to Canada’s economy over the next three years, and will enable Indian businesses to secure up to 10,000 new Canadian market entries each year.

By simplifying the process of short‑term business travel, Canada signals a renewed commitment to fostering closer economic ties with India. The decision is expected to pave the way for deeper collaboration in sectors ranging from agriculture and clean energy to digital services and artificial intelligence, ultimately reshaping the trade landscape between the two nations.