Canada Student Visa

Canada is a sought-after study destination for international students, thanks to its excellent academic institutions, diverse and welcoming culture, and high quality of life. With a strong reputation for academic excellence, Canada offers a wide range of programs and opportunities for students to pursue their academic and career goals.

If you want to study in Canada, obtaining a Study Permit and a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is a prerequisite for studying in Canada under the Canadian Government's regulations.

What is a study permit?

This is not a visa, it’s a permit or a document issued by the Citizen and Immigration (CIC) that allows you to study in Canada. If you hold a study permit, you must remain enrolled and make reasonable and timely progress toward completing your course.

Your study permit is always accompanied by a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Please note that a study permit is a document that allows you to study in Canada while a visitor visa or ETA allows you to enter Canada. Your counsellor will help you access the latest information and connect you with authorised migration experts.

Documents required for your study permit

To apply for your study permit, you will need:

• An acceptance letter from your education institution, and

• A valid passport or travel document

• Proof that you can support yourself or any family members who might accompany you, while you’re in Canada

You must also:

• Prove that you have enough money to pay for your:

  • tuition fees

  • living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada, and

  • return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada

• Be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada (you may have to provide a police certificate)

• Be in good health (you may need to complete a medical exam)

You will also be required to appear for a personal interview at the Canadian embassy or consulate.

To prove you can financially support yourself and any accompanying family members, you may be asked to provide:

• Documentation of a Canadian bank account in your name, if money has been transferred to Canada

• Documentation of a student/education loan from a financial institution

• Bank statements

• A bank draft in convertible currency

• Proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees

• A letter for the person or institution providing your funding

• Proof of funding paid from within Canada if you have a scholarship or are enrolled in a Canadian-funded educational program

*Please note that these are the basic requirements, speak with your IDP counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing

Applying for your Canadian study visa online

You’ll have to apply for your student visa application online using the CIC official website. You can apply up to three months before your intended date of travel to Canada. Remember, your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.

Benefits of an online visa application

How can IDP help in your visa application?

If you’re an IDP student with an offer letter from any of our partner institutions in Canada, we can advise you on how to go about the entire process. We’ll make sure you are fully informed on the latest visa requirements and conditions; also help you prepare the right documents for your submission.

Our team of experts will direct you to the official websites and to authorised immigration representatives to ensure you have the latest applications forms and guidance.

Study permit fee

As an applicant from outside Canada, you will have to pay CAD150 as your visa fee (do check the latest fee when applying here).

English language requirements

To gain your Canadian visa, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work, and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognised by more than 11,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.

If you want to pursue your undergraduate degree in Canada, then you require a minimum of 6.0 band in your IELTS with no band less than 5.5 and similarly, for a post-graduate degree, you require to score 6.5 band with no band less than 6.0.

Know more about IELTS.

You can always contact us for a free counselling session, and we can guide you on how to go about the entire visa application process.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the requirements for a study permit in Canada?

Ans. You will need to have been accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, provide proof of financial support, demonstrate that you will leave Canada at the end of your studies, and pass a medical exam if required. You may also need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photographs).

Q2. How much money do I need to show for a study permit in Canada?

Ans. You will need to show that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of your studies. The exact amount you will need to show will depend on the length of your course and where you will be studying in Canada.

Q3. What level of English proficiency is required for a study permit in Canada?

Ans. You will need to demonstrate that you can speak, read, write, and understand English or French at the required level for your course. This will usually mean passing an approved language test such as IELTS.

Q4. How do I apply for a study permit in Canada?

Ans. You can apply online through the Government of Canada's website or by paper application. You will need to provide all of the required documents, including your passport, letter of acceptance from a DLI, evidence of your finances, and language test results.

Q5. How long does it take to get a study permit in Canada?

Ans. The processing time for a study permit application can vary depending on where you are applying from and the volume of applications being processed at the time. It is recommended to apply as early as possible, as the process can take several weeks or even months.