Apply for a study permit/visa in Canada in 3 steps

First, you’ll need to apply for a study permit, which comes with a temporary residence visa, to allow you to enter Canada to study. This can take 20 days to 2 months to process.

As the semester is starting soon, we’ve simplified the study permit/visa application process into 3 steps to help get you prepared for studying towards your dream career in Canada.

Step 1: Obtain a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI)

When you apply for a study permit/visa, you’ll need to show proof that you’ve already been accepted into a course of study.

Choose your course of study at a designated learning institution (DLI)

• Speak to an IDP counsellor to help choose a DLI with the best course which suits your interests and talents

• Ensure the DLI has an approved COVID-19 readiness plan, otherwise your study permit application will be rejected

Submit an application to study at the learning institution

You’ll need to include the following documents:

• Birth certificate

• Passport

• Passport sized photos

• Most recent academic transcript or secondary school results

• School certificate or leaving certificate (if applicable)

• Work experience letter

• IELTS certificate

Quebec Acceptance Certificate

If you are planning to study in Quebec for longer than 6 months, you’ll need to apply for this and submit a copy with your application

Once you receive your letter of acceptance

You can use the original letter or an electronic copy to apply for your study permit/visa

Step 2: Apply for your study permit/visa

A study permit/visa application costs CAD $150, excluding the cost of biometrics, medical examinations and police checks.

You’ll need to apply for this before you physically travel to Canada, unless you’re a citizen or permanent resident of the US, Greenland or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.

If you’re unsure about any stage of the application process, contact an IDP counsellor for assistance any time.

Apply online through the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website

Create an IRCC account and register with a GCKey, which provides a secure portal for your application.

If your course of study is longer than 6 months, then applying online is strongly recommended because:

• It saves time due to faster processing, and additional documents can be submitted quickly without worrying about delayed postage

• It saves you money as there are no courier/postage fees

• You won’t miss any steps along the way and delay your application

• You can easily receive regular application status updates by checking your online account

Paper application

If you’re unable to access an online application, have a poor internet connection, or cannot submit documents online, you can still find a hard copy of the Canadian student visa application package through:

• The CIC website

• Your local visa office

• The Canadian embassy/consulate in your home country

Who is exempt from needing a study permit/visa

• If your course of study is less than 6 months’ duration, and you aren’t intending to stay longer or work while studying

• Family members and private staff members of accredited foreign representatives

• If you’re a visiting foreign armed forces member undergoing training through the Visiting Forces Act

• You have a Registered Indian status

Step 3: Prepare documents required for your study permit/visa application

When your application is being processed, the Canadian immigration department will request that you send through your supporting documents. You’ll then have 30 days to submit them once you’re contacted. The documents required can include any or all of the following:

Proof of acceptance

You’ll need original or electronic copy of your letter of acceptance from your DLI, or your Quebec Acceptance Certificate

Proof of identity

You must have a valid passport and 2 recent passport-sized photos with your full name and date of birth written on the back of each photo

Proof of financial support

On top of your tuition fees, you are required to show that you have CAD $10,000 for every year of your stay (CAD $11,000 Quebec), and you can support family members who are coming along.

You may also need to provide additional financial documents:

• Proof that you have enough money to travel home to your country of origin after you finish studying

• Proof of a Canadian bank account under your name if you’ve transferred money to Canada

• A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution

• Proof of a student or education loan from a bank

• Proof that you’ve paid for your tuition and accommodation fees

• Bank statements from the past 4 months

• Bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars

• A letter from the person or learning institution providing you with money

• Proof that you’re a scholarship holder or member of a Canadian-funded educational program

Letter of explanation

This document will help the border services officer to understand you, and your intentions for being in Canada to study.

• Show that you understand your responsibilities as a student

Biometrics: photographs and fingerprints

• This is a requirement if you’re from Europe, Africa or the Middle East

• Due to COVID-19 this requirement has been temporarily suspended, but double check that this is still the case before you submit your application, to avoid delays in processing

Medical examination report

To ensure that you are in good health

Police check/clearance

Your application will be rejected if you have a criminal record

When your study permit/visa is approved

You’ll receive your study permit and temporary residency visa at the airport from a border services officer at the Canadian border services agency (CBSA).

• When you arrive in Canada, you’ll need login to the ArriveCAN website, or open the latest version of the mobile phone app (available for iOS and Android). Submit your travel and contact information, quarantine plan and COVID-19 symptoms self-assessment

• You’ll need to show your passport, letter of acceptance, proof of finances and other required documentation as advised

Student Direct Stream for a study permit/visa

If you’re from China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal or Vietnam, you are eligible to have your application fast tracked to be processed within 20 calendar days, and will cost you CAD $150.

You’ll need to submit the required documents as soon as possible and meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

• You’ve paid for your first year of study

• You have a Guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) of CAD $10,000

• Quebec Acceptance Certificate

• You have an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher in each language skill: listening, reading, writing and speaking

• You have completed a medical examination

• Provided a copy of your letter of acceptance

IELTS English language requirements for the study permit/visa

How long is my study permit/visa valid for?

It is valid for your entire course of study plus 90 days. Once you’ve completed your course, you can apply for the Post-graduate Work Permit Program.

Am I allowed to travel overseas with my study permit/visa?

Yes, as long as your study permit/visa is still valid. If not, you must apply to have it extended before you leave.

Am I allowed to work while I hold a study permit/visa?

Yes, you can work on- or off-campus with a study permit/visa, after your course has started, without needing to apply for a work permit, providing that you meet the study requirements stated on your study permit/visa.

You can also take on an internship or volunteer position

How long does it take to process a study permit/visa?

An online application from outside of Canada takes around 8 weeks, though this can vary between offices. The Student Direct Stream takes 20 days.

Can I bring my family over with a study permit/visa?

Yes, you are able to bring your spouse or partner, and dependent children. They may be eligible for a study or work permit or visitor visa. You can apply for their visas in addition to your own study permit/visa application.

I want to change to another course of study or designated learning institution. Do I need to apply for a new study permit/visa?

Yes, if the conditions of your current study permit/visa are changing, then you will need to apply for a new one from within Canada.

If you’ve been thinking about studying in Canada, or you’d like to find out if you’re eligible for a study permit/visa, there are many options available for you. Speak to one of our friendly IDP counsellors today to learn more.