A Canada Student Visa, also termed a Study Permit Canada, is an essential document that allows foreign nationals to pursue studies at Designated Canadian Universities in Canada for programs lasting over six months. Obtaining a Canada Student Visa for Indians is an important step towards accessing Canada's education system. This guide tells you about the key aspects including the Canada Student Visa application process, requirements for Canada Student Visa, Canada Student Visa cost, Canada Student Visa processing time, and other crucial details.
To begin the process for Canada student visa, applicants typically must apply before arriving in Canada. However, a few exceptions allow for applications within Canada or at a port of entry, depending on eligibility.
Canada Student Visa Cost
The Embassy fee for a Canada study visa is CAD 150 for Indian students. As per the current exchange rate in February 2025, the canada student visa fees in Indian rupees is approximately INR 9,191. However, the exchange rate may change, so it's advisable to check at the time of application. In addition to the study permit fee of CAD 150, a biometric fee of CAD 85 is usually required after submitting the visa application. For families applying at the same time, the maximum total biometric fee is CAD $170. These fees can be paid online with a credit or debit card (including Visa Debit and Canadian bank debit cards using INTERAC® Online). Offline payment may be possible via demand draft (payable to the High Commission of Canada in Indian Rupees) or cash at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), along with applicable VAC service charges. Remember that the visa processing fee is non-refundable.
How to Apply for Canada Student Visa
You must apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. The recommended method is to apply online through the CIC website (now IRCC website) as it is generally faster. To apply online, you need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents and a valid credit or debit card for fee payment. You will also need to provide a finger scan at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) even if you apply online. Some individuals may be eligible to apply on paper under specific conditions, such as having a disability that prevents online application or holding a specific type of travel document. It is advisable to start your application well in advance after receiving your admission letter. For instance, if aiming for the September intake, you should begin the visa process around June. The entire process of study visa Canada can take up to three months.
The step-by-step study permit process generally involves:
- Get your acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) after being accepted into a program. If studying in Quebec, you will also need a CAQ.
- Obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from the province or territory where you plan to study (for most post-secondary students). This is often issued after paying the first-year tuition fee.
- Prepare your documents including a valid passport, proof of funds, proof of acceptance, PAL/TAL (or CAQ if applicable), proof of identity, and potentially a letter of explanation, medical exam, and police certificate.
- Prove your English language proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or CAEL, if required by the institution. (The IELTS requirement for a Canada student visa usually includes an overall band score of 0 or higher, with no individual band less than 5.5, especially for undergraduate programs.)
- Create a MyCIC account (now IRCC secure account) on the IRCC website.
- Complete the online application form and upload all required documents. You may need to answer questions to get a personalized document checklist.
- Pay the application fee and the biometrics fee.
- Submit your application
- Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a designated collection site after receiving a letter of instruction. Book your appointment as soon as possible to avoid delays.
- You may be required to attend an interview at your local visa office.
- Once your application is approved, if you applied from outside Canada, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and potentially an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa.
- Upon arrival in Canada, present your passport, Letter of Introduction, and other required documents to a border services officer who will then issue your study permit if everything is appropriate for canada education visa
Requirements for Canada Student Visa
To be eligible for a Canadian study permit, you must:
- Have been accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Prove that you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members, and return transportation. As of 2020, this was estimated to be CAD$10,000 per year plus tuition fees. Current minimum amounts are specified.
- Have no criminal record and be able to provide a police clearance certificate if required.
- Be in good health and undergo a medical exam if required. International students from India are typically required to undergo an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) from empanelled doctors.
- Prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires.
- Hold a valid passport that covers your intended stay in Canada. For example, if planning to study until September 2027, your passport should be valid until at least January 2028.
- Provide a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL) unless an exception applies.
- You may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).
- A Statement of Purpose (or Letter of Explanation) explaining the reason for studying in Canada and your understanding of your responsibilities as a student is strongly recommended. You SOP should aim to explain why you need study permit Canada .
Ensure you adhere to these visa requirements for Canada student visa to make the process faster.
Proof of Funds for Canada Student Visa
Applicants need to demonstrate that they have enough money to pay for their tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation. As per present standards, the Minimum bank balance for Canada student visa is at least CAD 20,635 for each year of stay outside of Quebec, excluding tuition fees. If accompanied by a spouse, an additional CAD 5,055 is required, and for each additional family member, a further CAD 5,893 is needed (outside Quebec). The minimum required funds are different for studies in Quebec. For one person (18 years or above) studying in Quebec, the requirement is CAD 15,078 annually (excluding tuition). Acceptable proof of funds includes:
- Canadian bank account.
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution.
- A student loan or education loan.
- Bank statements for the past 4 months.
- Bank draft convertible to Canadian dollars.
- Proof of paid tuition and housing fees.
- A letter from a person or school providing funds.
- Proof of funding paid from within Canada (e.g., scholarship).
The list provided above include documents required for Canada student visa.
Conclusion
Getting a student visa is the last step in your education journey abroad. Understanding the costs, application process, eligibility requirements, and the necessity of proving sufficient funds is essential for a successful application. The Canada student visa success rate varies by country, but recent trends show an average approval rate of about 60–70% depending on the applicant's profile and documentation.
It is important to start the application process early and ensure all required documents are accurately prepared and submitted. Always refer to the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the most up-to-date information and guidelines. Recent changes, such as the end of the SDS program and the reduction in approved study permits, highlight the importance of careful planning and timely application.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. How much is Embassy fees for Canada study visa ?
A. The embassy fee for a Canada study visa (study permit) is CAD 150. Biometric fee, if applicable, is an additional CAD 85.
Q. How to get student visa for Canada?
A. You need a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), pay the visa fee, submit required documents, and apply online or through a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Q. Which exam is required for Canada student visa?
A. You must take an English proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE; IELTS is most commonly accepted.
Q. What are the documents required for Canada student visa?
A. Key documents include a valid passport, letter of acceptance from a DLI, proof of funds, passport-sized photos, medical exam (if required), and language test results.
Q. Can I apply for asylum on student visa in Canada?
A. Yes, but applying for asylum while on a student visa is complex and requires strong grounds under Canadian refugee laws.
Q. Does Canada student visa accept dependent?
A. Yes, you can bring dependents (spouse and children), and your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit.
Q. Does Canada student visa require IELTS?
A. Yes, IELTS is commonly required to prove English language proficiency for both admission and visa purposes.
Q. Does Canada student visa require interview?
A. Usually, there is no interview, but an interview may be requested at the discretion of the visa officer.
Q. How long does Canada student visa take?
A. Processing times vary by country but typically range from 4 to 12 weeks.
Q. Is study permit and student visa same in Canada?
A. The student visa allows entry to Canada, while the study permit allows you to study; both are issued together in most cases.
Q. What is the proof of funds for Canada student visa?
A. You must show at least CAD 10,000 per year (excluding tuition), through bank statements, GIC, or financial sponsorship.
