Student Visa for Canada - Complete Guide for 2025

Latest Update: The Canadian government has formally ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which previously provided a faster processing option for student visa applicants from select countries. This change is effective immediately and will apply to all future applicants who were considering this route.

Canada remains one of the most sought-after destinations for international education, welcoming over 800,000 students globally each year.

Known for its high-quality institutions, diverse campus life, post-study work options, and PR pathways, it’s especially popular among Indian students.

If you're planning to study in Canada, you'll need to secure a valid Student Visa for Canada, commonly referred to as a study permit.

This comprehensive guide covers everything—from eligibility and documentation to fees, application timelines, and what to expect after arrival.

What is a Canada Study Permit?

A Canada study permit is a legal document that authorizes international students to pursue academic, vocational, or professional courses at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).

While it allows you to live and study in Canada, it is not a visa—you'll also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter the country.

Key Features of the Canada Study Permit:

• Valid for the duration of your program plus an additional 90 days to prepare for departure or apply for an extension
• Required for all programs longer than six months
• Must be obtained after receiving an acceptance letter from a DLI
• Automatically includes a TRV or eTA, depending on your nationality
• Permits students to:
  • Work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) during academic sessions
  • Work full-time during scheduled breaks (e.g., summer or winter holidays)

📌 Note: A study permit may not be required for short-term programs (less than 6 months). However, obtaining one is highly recommended if you plan to extend your stay or pursue further education in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for Canada Student Visa

To apply for a Canada student visa, students must meet eligibility requirements related to admission, finances, academic background, and intent.

These criteria help Canadian authorities assess whether you’re a genuine temporary resident with adequate resources and a clear academic purpose.

Requirement	Explanation
Acceptance from DLI	You must have an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution
Proof of Funds	Sufficient to cover tuition + CAD 20,635 (INR 12L) for living expenses
English Proficiency	IELTS/TOEFL score required by your chosen university (IELTS 6.0–7.5 usually)
Immigration Medical Exam	Required if staying for 6+ months or from a high-risk country
Background Check	A police clearance certificate may be requested to verify character
Intent to Leave Canada	You must show ties to your home country unless you’re applying for PR later

🛂 The Canadian government reserves the right to reject your application even if all documents are in order, especially if your SOP lacks clarity or financial proof is inconsistent.

Canada Student Visa Requirements – Document Checklist

Your visa application depends heavily on the accuracy and completeness of your documents. Missing even a single form or financial paper can lead to delays or rejection. 

Here’s a detailed checklist:

Essential Documents:

• Valid Passport (with at least 12 months’ validity)
• Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian DLI
• Proof of Payment for Tuition Fee (first-year fee receipt)
• GIC certificate of CAD 20,635
• Passport-sized photos (2, recent, white background)
• Visa application form (IMM 1294)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Letter of Explanation
• IELTS/TOEFL test scores
• Biometrics confirmation letter
• Medical examination confirmation

Financial Documents:

• Education loan sanction letter (if applicable)
• Bank statements for 4–6 months
• Income tax returns (ITRs) or Form 16
• Affidavit of support from parents or sponsor

Additional Documents:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Work experience letter (if you have a gap year)
• Police clearance certificate
• Custodian declaration (for students under 18)

📁 Always scan documents in high resolution and keep backups. Check IRCC’s file size limits before uploading.

How to Apply for a Canada Student Visa – Step-by-Step Process

The Canadian student visa application process is mostly online and can be completed in a few weeks if done correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide from receiving your LOA to getting your visa approved.

Steps to Apply

1. Get Accepted by a DLI
   Apply and receive your Letter of Acceptance from a recognized institution.
2. Gather Financial Documents
   Pay your tuition fee, buy a GIC, and prepare your proof of funds.
3. Medical Exam & Biometrics
   Schedule your medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician. Later, book biometrics.
4. Create IRCC Account & Apply Online
   Go to IRCC website and start a new application under "Study Permit."
5. Upload Documents
   Carefully upload all required files. Recheck formats (PDF, JPG).
6. Pay Visa Fee
   • Application fee: CAD 150 (INR 9,000)
   • Biometrics fee: CAD 85 (INR 5,000)
7. Attend Biometrics Appointment
   Visit your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) within 30 days.
8. Wait for Processing
   You’ll receive updates via the IRCC portal. If approved, you’ll get a Port of Entry (POE) Letter and a TRV/eTA.

Canada Student Visa Processing Time in 2025

Visa processing times vary depending on your stream, country, and the time of year. It’s always advisable to apply well in advance, especially before the September (Fall) intake, which is the most competitive.

Application Type	Average Processing Time
Online (Standard Stream)	6 to 12 weeks
Paper-based	Longer than online

🕒 Delays may happen due to holidays, biometrics backlog, or additional verification. Keep checking the IRCC processing tool for updates.

Canada Student Visa Fees and GIC Requirements

Canada’s student visa cost structure includes the application fee, biometric fee, and the GIC investment for applicants. Budgeting for these costs is crucial before submitting your application.

Fee Type	Amount (CAD)	INR Equivalent
Visa Application	CAD 150	INR 9,036
Biometrics Fee	CAD 85	INR 5,000
GIC Requirement	CAD 20,635	INR 12L

💡 GIC is refunded in monthly installments after arriving in Canada. This helps you manage living expenses in your first year.

Reasons for Canada Student Visa Rejection

Understanding why student visa applications get rejected can help you proactively avoid mistakes. Rejections are often due to unclear academic intent, poor documentation, or weak financial proof.

Common Reasons

• Unclear SOP: Doesn’t explain why you chose the course, university, or Canada
• Inadequate Funds: Proof of funds doesn’t meet IRCC standards
• Low IELTS Score: Below 6.0 in any band
• Academic Gaps: Unexplained breaks or poor academic performance
• Weak Home Ties: Cannot prove strong ties to India (e.g., family, job prospects)
• Suspicious Documents: Inconsistent or unverifiable records

📌 Rejected once? You can reapply with stronger documentation and a revised SOP.

Avoid common mistakes—master the do's and don'ts of applying for a Canadian student visa. Start your journey the right way!

Canada Student Visa Rules for Part-Time Work

A Canadian study permit allows you to work part-time while studying and full-time during breaks. Understanding the rules can help you manage expenses and gain work experience.

Part-Time Work

• Up to 20 hours/week during academic sessions
• Must be enrolled in a full-time program at a DLI
• No separate work permit needed

Full-Time Work

• During summer/winter breaks or scheduled holidays
• Can work more than 20 hours/week legally

PGWP Eligibility

Graduates can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit valid up to 3 years. It's an excellent path to Canadian PR through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

What to Do After Receiving a Canadian Student Visa?

Once your student visa is approved, your journey is just beginning. Preparing well for departure and arrival is essential for a smooth transition to life in Canada.

Post-Visa Checklist

• Book flight tickets (ideally 2-3 weeks before class starts)
• Organize documents for immigration: LOA, POE letter, passport, GIC, tuition receipt
• Arrange airport pickup and initial housing
• Activate GIC after landing and open a local bank account
• Attend orientation week and register at your university

Conclusion

Applying for a Student Visa for Canada is the first step toward unlocking world-class education, global exposure, and promising career opportunities.

With the right documents, a strong SOP, and proper financial planning, your chances of approval can significantly improve. Stay informed, stay prepared — and turn your study-abroad dream into reality.