Studying in Canada is a popular choice for international students, and obtaining a Canada student visa, officially known as a study permit, is a crucial step in this journey. The study permit allows you to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. It’s important to note that while the study permit allows you to study, you will also typically receive a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) automatically, which permits your entry into Canada.

Canada student visa:

1. Key Requirements for a Canada Student Visa

To be eligible for a study permit, you must meet several criteria:

• Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): You must have an official acceptance letter from a Canadian educational institution that is on the government’s Designated Learning Institutions list. This DLI number is essential for your application.

• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL): As of early 2025, most international students applying for an undergraduate program will need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study. Quebec has its own equivalent, the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). There are some exceptions to this requirement.

• Proof of Financial Support: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your:

• Tuition fees for your first year of study.

• Living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members. As of September 1, 2025, the living expense requirement for a single applicant is CAD 22,895 (up from CAD 20,635). This amount increases for each additional family member.

• Return transportation costs for yourself and any accompanying family members.

• Acceptable forms of financial proof include Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) from participating Canadian financial institutions, bank statements (typically for the past 4-6 months), proof of a student loan, a bank draft convertible to Canadian dollars, a letter from a person or institution providing financial support, or proof of scholarship/funding.

• Proof of Identity: A valid passport or travel document is required, which must be valid for the entire duration of your intended study program. You’ll also need two recent passport-sized photos.

• Clean Criminal Record: You must provide a police clearance certificate to prove you have no criminal record.

• Good Health: You may need to undergo a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician, especially if you’re staying for more than six months or are from a specific country.

• Intent to Return: You must convince the visa officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay. This can be demonstrated through strong ties to your home country, such as property ownership, family commitments, or job offers.

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Letter of Explanation: A well-written SOP is crucial. It should clearly explain your academic goals, why you chose Canada and your specific program/institution, how it aligns with your previous education or work experience, your financial plan, and your post-study plans, emphasizing your intent to return home.

• Language Proficiency: While your DLI acceptance letter usually confirms your language proficiency (English or French), some programs or specific visa streams (like the Student Direct Stream – SDS) might require minimum scores from tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

2. Application Process

The most common way to apply for a study permit is online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The general steps include:

• Get Accepted: Obtain an acceptance letter from a DLI.

• Gather Documents: Collect all the required documents, ensuring they are accurate and complete.

• Create an IRCC Online Account: Register on the official IRCC website.

• Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the online study permit application form accurately.

• Pay Fees: Pay the application fee (CAD 150) and the biometrics fee (CAD 85) online.

• Submit Application: Upload all supporting documents and submit your application.

• Provide Biometrics: After submitting your application, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter. You must then visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country to provide your fingerprints and photo within 30 days.

• Medical Exam (if required): If a medical exam is necessary, you will be instructed to complete it with an IRCC-approved panel physician.

• Wait for Decision: IRCC will process your application. You can track the status through your online account.

• Receive Passport and Visa: If approved, you will receive your passport with the visa stamp, and your study permit will be issued upon arrival in Canada.

3. Processing Time

The processing time for a Canada study permit can vary significantly based on several factors:

• Country of Application: Processing times differ by country due to varying application volumes and local visa office capacities.

• Completeness of Application: Incomplete applications or missing documents will lead to delays or even refusal.

• Response Time: How quickly you respond to any requests for additional information from IRCC.

• Application Volume: Peak application periods (e.g., before Fall intake) can lead to longer processing times.

• Student Direct Stream (SDS): If you are from an SDS-eligible country (e.g., India, China, Philippines), and meet specific criteria (including a higher GIC amount and proof of full tuition payment), your application may be processed much faster, often within 20 calendar days.

It is highly recommended to apply for your study permit as soon as you receive your acceptance letter, ideally 3-4 months before your program’s start date, to account for potential delays.

Navigating the Canada student visa process requires careful attention to detail and thorough preparation of all required documents.