Medical Visa from Canada to India: A Complete Guide (2026)
If you are a Canadian PR holder, Indian-origin Canadian, or a resident of Canada planning medical treatment in India, understanding the medical visa process from Canada to India is essential. Each year, thousands of patients travel from Canada to India for advanced, affordable, and timely medical care — but the visa process often creates confusion, delays, and anxiety.
This 2026 complete guide explains everything you need to know about an Indian medical visa from Canada, including eligibility, documents, step-by-step application process, timelines, visa validity, attendants, extensions, and common mistakes to avoid.
Planning medical treatment in India from Canada? Get free guidance from our medical visa team before you apply. At Shifam Health, our medical visa team regularly guides international patients through this process — ethically, transparently, and without false promises.
Why Patients from Canada Travel to India for Medical Treatment
Canada has excellent healthcare, but many patients face:
- Long waiting times for surgeries and specialized procedures
- Limited access to advanced treatments
- Extremely high costs for private or uninsured care
India offers:
- World-class hospitals with JCI & NABH accreditation
- Highly experienced doctors trained internationally
- Faster treatment timelines
- 60–90% lower treatment costs compared to Canada
This combination makes India a preferred destination for cancer care, orthopedics, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, organ transplants, fertility treatments, and complex diagnostics.
What Is an Indian Medical Visa?
An Indian Medical Visa (M-Visa) is issued to foreign nationals traveling to India specifically for medical treatment at a recognized hospital or treatment center.
For patients traveling from Canada, India offers:
- e-Medical Visa (most common)
- Regular Medical Visa (for complex or long-term treatments)
Who Is Eligible for a Medical Visa from Canada?
You may apply for an Indian medical visa if you are:
- A Canadian PR holder
- A Canadian citizen
- An Indian-origin Canadian (OCI / PIO card holders included)
- A legal resident of Canada seeking treatment in India
Eligible Medical Purposes Include:
- Cancer treatment
- Heart surgery
- Orthopedic procedures (knee/hip replacement)
- Neurosurgery
- Organ transplant evaluation
- IVF & fertility treatment
- Advanced diagnostics or second opinions
Need clarity on whether you qualify for a medical visa from Canada to India? Our medical visa team can guide you step by step.
Types of Indian Medical Visas for Canadian Applicants
1. e-Medical Visa (Most Recommended)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | Up to 60 days (Triple Entry) |
| Processing Time | 3–7 working days |
| Best For | Short-term treatments |
| Application | Online |
2. Regular Medical Visa
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | 6–12 months (Extendable) |
| Processing Authority | Indian High Commission |
| Best For | Long or complex treatments |
| Entry | Multiple entries possible |
Not sure which visa option applies to your case? Request a free medical & visa consultation with our team.
👉 Our medical visa team helps assess which option is best for your condition.
Important Documents Required for Indian Medical Visa from Canada
Applicants must submit a complete and accurate set of documents to avoid delays or rejection.
Mandatory Documents (All Applicants)
- Printed copy of the duly completed online visa application form
- One recent photograph (51mm x 51mm) pasted on the first page of the application
- Applicant’s signature must match the passport signature (mandatory for both adults and minors)
- Original Canadian passport with:
- Minimum validity of 190 days
- At least two blank pages
Additional Requirements for Non-Canadian Passport Holders
If the applicant does not hold a Canadian passport, the following additional documents are required:
- A supplementary visa form, fully completed and signed
- PR Card or valid Work Permit (minimum 6 months validity)
- Proof of address in Canada, such as:
- Driver’s license
- Bank statement
- Utility bill
(Bank statements and utility bills must be issued within the last 6 months)
📍 Note:
Document requirements remain the same across Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver jurisdictions, except that proof of address is not required for Vancouver applicants.
Have questions about documents or eligibility? Chat with our medical visa team on WhatsApp for quick guidance.
Medical Documents (Critical)
- An official letter from a registered doctor or hospital in Canada stating:
- Medical history
- Diagnosis
- Recommendation for specialized treatment in India
- Requirement of medical attendant (if applicable)
- An official confirmation letter from a recognized hospital in India mentioning:
- Treatment details
- Expected duration
- Place of treatment
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover treatment and stay in India
Additional Documents for Minors (Below 18 Years)
If the Minor Is Traveling With Parents:
- Minor Consent Form, completed and signed by both parents
- Copies of both parents’ passports
- Proof of parents’ address
If the Minor Is Traveling Without Parents:
- Notarized affidavit providing consent to travel
- Consent must be signed by both parents
If One Parent Is Outside Canada:
- Signed Minor Consent Form
- Notarized affidavit granting consent to the traveling parent
- Notarized copy of the absent parent’s passport
- Signed copy of the online visa application (Page 2)
- Proof of residence of the parent living in Canada
For Medical Attendant (Up to 2 Allowed):
- Passport
- Relationship proof
- Attendant visa application
- Same travel timeline as patient
Every case is different. Our team helps international patients understand the medical visa process clearly and ethically.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Medical Visa from Canada (Online Application Full Process)
Step 1: Start the Application
- Visit the Indian Visa Online portal
- Select Regular Visa Application
Step 2: Fill Applicant Details
Enter accurate information including:
- Nationality and country of residence
- High Commission or Consulate
- Date of birth and email ID
- Visa category (Medical Visa)
- Expected date of arrival in India
Step 3: Complete All Three Pages
- Fill personal, family, and professional details
- Enter medical details including:
- Hospital in Canada
- Hospital in India
- Duration of treatment
- Number of visa entries required
- Expected travel dates
- References in Canada and India
📌 If the applicant does not have an Indian reference, details of a registered medical facilitator may be provided.
Step 4: Upload Photograph (Optional)
- Upload a recent photo online or
- Paste it after printing the application
Step 5: Review & Verify
- Review all details carefully
- Edit if required
- Click Verified and Continue
Step 6: Book Appointment
- Select appointment date at the BLS International Centre
- Save the application first
- Print the registered application form
Step 7: Final Submission
Submit application with documents at BLS on the appointment date
Paste photograph (2” x 2”) if not uploaded
Sign below the photo and on Page 2
📌 Tip: Errors in documents or hospital letters are the #1 cause of delays.
Indian Medical Visa Processing Time from Canada (2026)
Applicants are advised to apply at least 15 days before travel.
| Jurisdiction | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Ottawa |
7–10 days (Canadian) 10–15 days (Non-Canadian) |
| Toronto |
7 days (Canadian) 15–21 days (Non-Canadian) |
| Vancouver | 5–7 working days (All applicants) |
Processing times and requirements can vary by case. We help patients plan their medical travel with accurate information.
Contact Details and Working Hours of Indian High Commission in Canada
| Jurisdiction Covered | Indian High Commission / Consulate Details | BLS International Centre Details |
|---|---|---|
| National Capital Region of Ottawa Hull, Kingston, Cornwall, Hawkesbury, Arnprior, Renfrew, Perth, Prescott, Brockville, Carleton Place, Smith’s Falls, Morrisburg – Ontario; Montreal – Quebec; Nunavut Territories | High Commission of India – Ottawa Address: 10 Springfield Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 1C9 Phone: 613-744-3751 / 3752 / 3753 Fax: 613-744-3033 / 613-744-0913 Email: hicomind@hciottawa.ca Website: hciottawa.ca | Ottawa BLS Centre 150 Montreal Road, Unit 311, ON, K1L 8H2 Montreal BLS Centre 1000 Sherbrooke Street West, Unit 701, Montreal, QC, H3A 3R7 |
| Ontario & Quebec (excluding above regions) Toronto, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland | Consulate General of India – Toronto Address: 365 Bloor Street East, Suite 700, Toronto, ON, M4W 3L4 Phone: (416) 960-0751 / 0752 / 4831 Fax: (416) 960-9812 Website: cgitoronto.ca | Toronto BLS Centre 1448 Lawrence Avenue East, Unit 6A, Toronto, ON, M4A 2V6 Brampton BLS Centre 10 Gillingham Drive, Unit 201, Brampton, ON, L6X 5A5 Winnipeg BLS Centre 1806–201 Portage Avenue, 18th Floor, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 3K6 |
| Western & Northern Canada Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon Territory, North West Territories | Consulate General of India – Vancouver Address: 201–325 Howe Street, 2nd Floor, Vancouver, BC, V6C 1Z7 Phone: (604) 662-8811 Fax: (604) 682-2471 Website: cgivancouver.com | Vancouver BLS Centre Unit B-50, 850 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 1E1 Surrey BLS Centre Unit 201-8140 120th Street, Surrey, BC, V3W 3N3 Calgary BLS Centre 5120, 47 Street NE, Unit 131, Calgary, AB, T3J 4K3 Edmonton BLS Centre 3-10016, 29A Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T6N 1A8 |
Indian Medical Visa Fees from Canada
| Visa Duration | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 6 Months | $123 |
| 1 Year | $184 |
Additional Charges:
- ICWF Fee: $2
- BLS Service Fee: $7.40
💳 Fees must be paid via debit card or cash at the BLS International Centre as per jurisdiction.
Medical Visa Validity, Entry & Extensions
- e-Medical visas are triple-entry
- Regular visas allow multiple entries
- Extensions are possible through FRRO registration in India
- Extension approval depends on medical reports and hospital confirmation
FRRO Registration: Is It Required?
FRForeign Regional Registration Office administers the registration of the applicant, his/her departure, visa extension and other miscellaneous activities regarding their passports, visa and their stay in India. Registration of foreigners at FRRO offices is mandatory on their arrival in the country. Here are the documents that are necessary for FRRO registration:
- Application form.
- Photocopy of the passport and the initial visa.
- Four photographs of the applicant.
- Details of residence in India.
Contact Details of FRRO Offices in India
| City | FRRO Officer | Office Address | Telephone / Fax | Email ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | Shri A. B. Purabia FRRO Ahmedabad | Barrack No. 2, First Floor, Govt. Polytechnic Campus, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad – 380015 | Tel: 079-26306606 Fax: 079-26306607 | frroamd@nic.in |
| Amritsar | Shri Manjit Singh FRRO Amritsar | Bureau of Immigration, D-123, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar – 143001 | Tel: 0183-2500464 Fax: 0183-2500465 | frroasr@nic.in |
| Bangalore | Shri Ganesh Kumar FRRO Bangalore | 5th Floor, ‘A’ Block, TTMC, BMTC Bus Stand, K.H. Road, Bangalore – 560027 | Tel: 080-22218195 / 83 / 10 Fax: 080-22218196 | frroblr-ka@nic.in |
| Chennai | Dr. K. A. Senthil Velan FRRO Chennai | No. 26, Shastri Bhawan Annexe, Haddows Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600006 | Direct: 044-23454970 Help Desk: 044-28251721 Fax: 044-23454971 | chiochn@nic.in frrochn@nic.in |
| Delhi | Shri Prabhakar FRRO Delhi | East Block–VIII, Level 2, Sector–1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi – 110066 | Tel: 011-26711384 Fax: 011-26711348 Support: 011-26711443 | frrodli@nic.in |
| Mumbai | Mrs. Supriya Patil Yadav FRRO Mumbai | Annex–II Building, 3rd Floor, Badruddin Tayyabji Marg, CST, Mumbai – 400001 |
Visa: 022-22620446 OCI/PIO: 022-22621167 Fax: 022-22620721 | frromum@nic.in |
Medical Treatment Cost Comparison: Canada vs India
| Treatment | Canada (USD) | India (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Therapy | $150,000+ | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| Heart Bypass | $120,000+ | $6,000 – $8,000 |
| Knee Replacement | $50,000+ | $4,500 – $6,000 |
💡 Savings of 70–90%, without compromising quality.
Role of Shifam Health in Medical Visa Guidance
Shifam Health is a medical tourism facilitator, not a hospital.
We assist with:
- Medical opinion coordination
- Hospital selection (JCI/NABH accredited)
- Medical visa documentation guidance
- Travel & treatment coordination
- Attendant support planning
WhatsApp our Medical Visa Team
Request a Free Medical & Visa Consultation
(No guarantees. Ethical, transparent guidance only.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without hospital medical letter
- Selecting wrong visa category
- Inconsistent documents
- Booking flights before visa approval
- Relying on unverified agents
Avoid delays caused by small errors. Speak with our medical visa team to understand the correct process.
FAQs: Medical Visa from Canada to India
Yes, Canadian PR holders are eligible.
Up to two medical attendants
Yes, via FRRO approval.
OCI holders usually don’t need a medical visa, but treatment documentation is still required.
Up to 60 days with triple entry.
Yes, a medical letter is mandatory
No, conversion is generally not allowed.
Medical & Legal Disclaimer
Visa rules and medical regulations are subject to change. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Final decisions are made by Indian immigration authorities.
Ready to Start Your Medical Journey to India?
If you’re planning treatment in India and need trusted medical visa guidance, our experienced team is here to help.
Important Links
- High Commission of India, Ottawa, Canada
- Details of Visa Fees
- General Instructions of Consular Services
- BLS International SErvoces Contact Details
- Medical Visa Requirements
- Medical and Medical Attendant Visa Checklist
- E-tourist Visa
- Visa Applicantion Details for Pakistan Nationals
- Emergency Visa
- Contact Details of High Commission of India and Indian Consulates
- Contact Details of Mission Officials
- Location Map of High Commission of India in Ottawa