For many Indonesian citizens living in Bali, visiting the Great White North is an exciting dream, whether for a snowy holiday, university studies, or expanding a business. However, unlike trips to neighboring ASEAN countries, entering Canada requires navigating a complex immigration system that leaves little room for error.
The rigorous documentation and strict biometrics requirements often overwhelm first-time applicants, leading to unnecessary delays or heartbreaking refusals.
The reality in 2026 is that Indonesian passport holders remain visa-required nationals. You cannot simply hop on a plane with an eTA; you must go through the formal process of obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or specific permits before you travel.
Navigating the official IRCC website can be daunting, but understanding the specific pathways available to Indonesian applicants is the first step toward a successful application.
This guide acts as your central hub for mastering the process. We break down the essential categories—from tourism to study permits—and clarify the exact steps for biometrics and proof of funds.
By following this structured approach, you can confidently prepare your Canada visa application and ensure your journey from the tropical heat of Bali to the Canadian Rockies is smooth and compliant with every IRCC regulation.
Table of Contents
- Big Picture: Do Indonesians Need a Visa?
- Core Visa Categories for Indonesian Citizens
- Visitor Visa (TRV) Eligibility and Process
- Study Permits: The Pathway for Students
- Real Story: From Denpasar to Vancouver
- Work Permits and Transit Requirements
- Biometrics and Local Touchpoints in Indonesia
- Fees, Timelines, and Common Refusal Risks
- FAQ's about Canada visa
Big Picture: Do Indonesians Need a Visa?
In 2026, Indonesia is not on Canada’s visa-exempt list. This means that all Indonesian citizens, regardless of whether they are departing from Jakarta or Bali, generally need a visitor visa (TRV) to enter the country.
It is a common misconception that having a US visa automatically grants entry to Canada; while it may simplify some transit scenarios, a separate Canada visa application is usually required for a proper stay.
The application system has moved almost entirely online. Applicants must use the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal or GCKey system to submit their forms.
This digital shift has streamlined the process, but it also means that physical document submission is largely a thing of the past, except for the passport itself.
If you are planning a long trip and need to ensure your assets in Bali are looked after, consulting a trusted villa management company can provide peace of mind while you navigate the immigration requirements abroad.
Core Visa Categories for Indonesian Citizens
Before starting your application, you must identify the correct stream. Applying for the wrong category is a guaranteed way to face rejection.
For an Indonesian, the landscape is divided into four main pillars depending on your intent. The most common is the visitor visa or TRV, used for tourism, visiting family, or short business trips.
For those pursuing education, a study permit is required in addition to the TRV. This is strictly for students accepted into Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
Similarly, professionals need a work permit, which often requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from a Canadian employer approved by IRCC.
Finally, there is the transit visa, designed specifically for travelers passing through Canadian airports without leaving the secure area. Understanding which Canada visa category matches your itinerary is crucial for a valid submission.
Visitor Visa (TRV) Eligibility and Process
To qualify for a visitor visa (TRV), you must prove to the immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay.
This “dual intent” is lawful, but the burden of proof lies with you. Key documents include a valid passport, a digital photo meeting specific dimensions, and the IMM 5257 form submitted to IRCC. Crucially, every Indonesian applicant must provide robust proof of funds to cover their trip and strong ties to Indonesia, such as a job letter, business ownership documents, or property deeds in Bali.
The process involves creating an IRCC account, answering an eligibility questionnaire, and uploading your documents.
Once the application is submitted and fees are paid, you wait for a decision. If approved, you will be asked to submit your physical passport to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) to have the TRV counterfoil attached.
This multiple-entry visa is typically valid until your passport expires, though the IRCC officer at the border determines the actual length of each stay, usually up to six months.
Study Permits: The Pathway for Students
For Indonesian students, the requirements go beyond simple tourism. You must first secure a Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian DLI.
This letter is the foundation of your application. In 2026, financial requirements have become stricter; you must demonstrate enough funds to cover your first year of tuition plus a significant cost-of-living amount. This proof of funds is non-negotiable for IRCC compliance.
The application for a study permit acts as a dual request. When approved, IRCC issues a Letter of Introduction (for the permit) and automatically issues a Canada visa (TRV) in your passport to allow you to travel.
Medical exams are often required for Indonesian applicants if the intended stay is longer than six months.
Students should apply months in advance, as biometrics and digital fingerprinting processing times can vary significantly depending on the volume of applications from Southeast Asia.
Real Story: From Denpasar to Vancouver
Name: Yuni, a Graphic Designer from Indonesia. Location: Denpasar, Bali. Date: March 2026.The Challenge: Yuni wanted to attend a tech conference in Vancouver and visit her cousin.
She applied for a visitor visa (TRV) but was initially refused. The rejection letter from the official IRCC portal stated “vague purpose of travel” and “insufficient family ties.” Yuni realized she had only submitted a hotel booking and a bank statement with a lump sum deposited the week before.
The Solution: She reapplied with a clearer strategy.
She included an invitation letter from the conference organizers and a separate letter from his cousin. She also attached her business license (NIB) from Bali and six months of bank statements showing steady income, rather than a sudden deposit.
The Outcome: Three weeks later, her passport request arrived.
Yuni successfully secured a Canada visa valid for five years. He learned that transparency and proving his established life in Bali were the keys to overturning the officer’s initial skepticism.
Work Permits and Transit Requirements
Working in Canada is highly regulated. Indonesian citizens generally need a specific job offer and a positive LMIA from a Canadian employer before they can apply for a work permit. Open work permits are rare and usually reserved for spouses of skilled workers or students. Unlike the visitor visa stream, the scrutiny on your qualifications and the employer’s legitimacy is intense, and biometrics are always required.
For travelers simply passing through, the transit visa is mandatory if you are not visa-exempt.
Even if you are in the airport for only two hours, you must hold this document. The application process is similar to the visitor visa but focuses on your travel itinerary and valid visa for your final destination.
It is free of charge, but biometrics requirements may still apply, making it a logistical step that cannot be ignored for any Indonesian.
Biometrics and Local Touchpoints in Indonesia
Biometrics—fingerprints and a digital photo—are now a standard requirement for almost all Indonesian applicants aged 14 to 79.
Once you submit your online application and pay the CAD 85 biometrics fee, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) from IRCC. You must use this letter to book an appointment at the Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) managed by VFS Global.
In Indonesia, the primary VAC Jakarta is located in Kuningan City Mall. Applicants in Bali must plan for this travel, as there is currently no permanent biometrics collection point on the island. You must appear in person.
Your biometrics are valid for ten years, so if you have given them in the past for a previous Canada visa, you likely do not need to do it again. Always check the validity tool on the IRCC website to confirm.
Fees, Timelines, and Common Refusal Risks
Financial preparation is key. As of 2026, the standard visitor visa fee is CAD 100, plus the CAD 85 biometrics fee.
Study permits cost CAD 150. These fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused. Timelines are unpredictable and fluctuate based on seasonal demand; always check the current processing times online via the IRCC portal before booking flights from Bali.
Refusals often stem from typical mistakes: insufficient proof of funds, unclear travel history, or weak ties to Indonesia. IRCC officers assess risk, and if they suspect you might overstay, they will reject the application.
Misrepresentation—using fake documents or omitting information—carries a severe penalty, often resulting in a five-year ban. Honesty and thorough documentation, including valid biometrics, are your best defense against refusal for a Canada visa.
FAQ's about Canada visa
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How much bank balance is required for a Canada visitor visa?
There is no fixed minimum amount set by IRCC, but you must prove you can cover your flights, accommodation, and daily expenses. A general rule of thumb is to show access to several thousand Canadian dollars, consistent with your income.
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Can I apply for a Canada visa from Bali?
Yes, you can submit the application online from Bali. However, for the biometrics appointment, you will likely need to travel to the VAC Jakarta, as physical fingerprint collection is mandatory for every Indonesian applicant.
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How long is the visitor visa valid for?
A standard visitor visa (TRV) is usually issued as a multiple-entry visa valid up to the expiry date of your passport, or up to 10 years, whichever comes first.
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Do I need an interview?
Interviews are rare for Indonesian applicants. The decision is almost always made based on the documents you upload to IRCC. However, immigration officers reserve the right to request an interview in specific cases.
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Can I work with a visitor visa?
No. A visitor visa strictly prohibits unauthorized work. You cannot take up employment in Canada without a valid work permit. Doing so creates legal risks and can lead to deportation.
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What if my visa is refused?
If refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. You can reapply, but only if you can provide new information or documents that address the officer's concerns regarding your Canada visa eligibility.
