Student Visa

Student Visa for Canada: Overview

Those who wish to study in Canada in a program longer than six months require a study permit. This applies to nationals of all countries, including those from visa-exempt nations. There are a few exceptions for minors in school who may study without a permit for some time; however, it is recommended to apply for a study permit.

Each Canadian province is allowed to accept a certain number of international students to study in their educational institutions in 2024 and 2025. This cap may be removed in subsequent years.

Everyone should apply online, except for those who are eligible to apply at the port of entry. Spouses and partners of international students enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program can accompany them and obtain open work permits.

Study Permit: Eligibility Requirements

• ‍Nationality: Citizens of any country can apply for a Canadian study permit. Following the termination of the Student Direct Stream, legal residents of certain countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam), who were previously eligible for expedited processing, should now apply under the regular stream.‍
• Accepted to the study program: A prerequisite for a study permit is acceptance by an institution authorized to enroll international students. These institutions are called Designated Learning Institutions. All Canadian schools are designated, but not all colleges and universities.‍
• Financial ability: In addition to the first year's tuition fees and travel costs, students must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover living expenses. This requirement varies based on the number of family members accompanying the student to Canada. For a single person (the student themselves), the minimum required funds would be CAD $20,635 per year.‍
• Genuine study purpose and establishment: The selected study program and the applicant’s educational and career path should align. Changing careers is normal but requires justification, especially if a study program does not fit the applicant's profile. It is common for international students to seek Canadian work experience after graduation or aspire to settle in Canada as permanent residents. However, this should not overshadow the primary goal of obtaining a Canadian education. In most cases, demonstrating strong ties to one’s home country helps officers assess the study permit application and is considered a favorable factor, indicating opportunities for the applicant back home and reducing the likelihood of staying in Canada without authorization after completing the study program.

Study Permit: Documents, Application Process, and Timeline

The Study Permit application will require the following main documents:

• Immigration application forms.
• Passport.
• Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from an educational institution.
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province or territory where the study will take place.
• Proof of funds, or Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) with an amount meeting the minimum funds for a student and accompanying family, if applicable.
• Proof of the tuition fee payment for the first year of study, if applicable.
• Language test result.
• Proof of progress in studies, if applicable.
• Proof of establishment in a home country.
• Immigration status documents, if applicable.
• Medical examination, if applicable.
• Police certificate, if applicable.
• Digital photo.
• Receipt for application processing fee payment.

This list represents the basic set of supporting documents required. Depending on the unique circumstances of each case, a specific set of additional documents may be advised.

Applicants must submit the study permit application online. Processing times vary depending on the workload at the Canadian case processing center or the visa office abroad.

The study permit is typically valid for the duration of the course or study program, plus 90 days, but cannot extend beyond the passport validity date. For primary school students (grades 1 to 8), the validity of a study permit will be restricted to the respective academic year unless they accompany a parent on work or study; in which case, the primary student’s permit will be linked to the validity of the parent’s permit and may be issued for a longer period than one year.

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