Study Visa Canada 2025 - Permit, Requirements, How to Apply, Cost

Canada Student Visa 2025: Many international students aspire to go to Canada for higher education as the country offers an excellent alternative to the USA, UK, and other countries require a Canada study visa to be a part of Canadian university. High Canada student visa success rate, affordability, availability of top universities, and the presence of the international community are reasons why this is happening. Just like with other countries, studying there requires a Canada student visa. However, a study visa canada 2025 is actually known as a study permit. Though both documents are different regarding study in Canada, both words are used interchangeably to refer to Canadian study permits. A visitor visa is usually issued along with a study permit Canada without a separate application that serves as permission to enter the country.

Latest: Canada Country Guide

This Story also Contains

1. Latest Updates Study Visa Canada 2025
2. Why Canada Study Visa?
3. Study Visa Canada vs Study Permit
4. Student Visa Canada Requirements 2025
5. IELTS Requirement for Study Visa Canada 2025
6. Documents Required to Apply for a Canada Study Visa
7. Tips to Gather Canada Student Visa Documents
8. How to Apply for a Canada Study Visa 2025?
9. After Applying for a Canada Student Visa 2025
10. Sample Study Visa Canada 2025/Study Permit
11. Study Visa Canada Cost
12. Canada Student Visa Processing Time
13. Student Direct Stream (SDS)
14. Restoring Canada Study Visa Status
15. Renewing Study Permit Canada 2025
16. Canadian Embassy and Consulates Address India
17. VFS Centres in India

Study permit Canada /Study visa Canada is a document issued by Canada immigration that allows international students to stay and study in the country for a specified period. Conditions of stay, deadlines, work-permit status, etc are listed on it. International students must ensure they have a valid study visa Canada 2025 for the total duration of their study in the country.

With a Canada student visa success rate of around 54% for January to May 2024, obtaining the visa is slightly challenging for international students. An approximate Canada student visa processing time is 3-6 weeks; however, the exact time to process the study permit varies depending on the individual case and application profile. This article is dedicated to various aspects of applying for a study permit Canada /study visa, the application process, student visa Canada cost, etc. Read the full article to understand how to obtain a study visa in Canada.

Latest Updates Study Visa Canada 2025

• As of November 8, 2024, Canada has increased the weekly off-campus working hours for international students from 20 to 24 hours per week. These changes in the off-campus work hours can help students to work more and hereby strengthen the integrity of the International Student Programme. Eligible students must fulfil any of the conditions mentioned:
  • Full-time students at a DLI
  • The course is post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training programme
  • The course must be a degree, diploma, or certificate of at least 6 months
  • Students must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• The Canadian immigration authorities have officially announced the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme for international students, effective November 8, 2024. Following this date, all applications submitted to the Canadian government are processed under the standard Canada study permit stream rather than the SDS.
• As of May 1, 2024, international students with a valid study permit can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus from September while studying in Canada. The earlier COVID-19 limitation on working hours has been terminated which allows international students to cover their living expenses in Canada.
• Canadian government has recently announced a two-year cap on international student visas. There will be a reduction of 35% in the new study visas in the year 2024.
• Canada has decided to reject 606,000 study permits in 2024. Canada has finally revealed details about its plan to retain the number of study permits issued to international students for the next two years. The country has plans to reduce the number of new international student permit Canada.
• From September 1, 2024, students who attend the study program which is a part of curriculum licensing agreements, are no longer eligible for a postgraduation work permit.
• Starting from January 22, 2024, students seeking study permits in Canada are also required to submit a provincial attestation letter.
• The Canada Immigration Authority has announced an increase in the financial requirement for study permit applicants. Starting from January 1, 2024, international students are required to show CAD 20,635 as Canada GIC amount 2024 to support the cost of living in Canada for one year.
• Canada Immigration to introduce “Trusted Institutions Framework” by 2024 that divides the existing Designated Learning Institutions in Canada into two tiers. All post-secondary institutions in Canada will be added to the list based on sustainable intake, identification of genuine students, compliance monitoring and reporting, and ensuring a safe and enriching experience for international students. Consequently, Indian students who get admission from “Trusted Institutions” will get Canada education visas more easily.

Watch this video to learn more about the latest changes in Canada student visa requirements 2024

Why Canada Study Visa?

1. International students who want to study in Canada for more than 6 months need a Canada study visa.

2. A study visa Canada or study permit Canada is a mandatory document to be produced at the Canadian border. Its status is retained during the entire period of study in Canada.

3. A Canadian study visa contains details of its holders regarding the designated learning institution of enrolment, field of study, terms of stay, period of stay, work permit, expiry date, and date of departure from Canada.

4. A study permit Canada from India allows students to work while studying in Canada.

5. A study visa for Canada from India increases the chances of getting a post-graduate work permit in Canada after graduation.

6. Travel in and out of Canada during the validity period of the study permit without losing the status.

Study Visa Canada vs Study Permit

Unlike the case of other study-abroad countries, a study visa Canada is not enough to study in Canada. Prospective students also need study permits to legally stay and enrol in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada for more than six months. There is no separate application process for a Canadian student visa as it is part of a student permit Canada application.

Study Visa Canada vs Study Permit

Student Visa Canada Requirements 2025

Applicants must satisfy the following Canada student visa requirements before applying for a study visa Canada 2025.

• Enrolled in a designated learning institution in Canada.

• Proof of financial support to cover

  • Tuition fees

  • Living expenses in Canada for themselves and their family members coming to Canada.

  • Return travel expenses for themselves and their members coming along to Canada.

• Proof of absence of any criminal records in the form of a police certificate.

• Health certificate proving that they are in good health.

• Applicants must convince Canada visa officers that they will leave Canada after their study permit expires, at the time of Canada education visa interview.

• English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS requirement for student visa in Canada).

IELTS Requirement for Study Visa Canada 2025

English language proficiency is one of the most important requirements of a study permit Canada for international students. IELTS is one of the most accepted tests by Canadian universities for this purpose. IELTS requirements for a Canadian student permit is 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. However, the actual IELTS requirement for study in Canada varies depending on the university, course, and level of study.

A canada study visa is not needed in the following cases:

• To study a program in Canada that is less than 6 months in duration.

• Family or staff members of foreign representatives to Canada as approved by Global Affairs Canada (GAC). Such candidates may directly contact GAC to find out if a Canada education visa is needed.

Documents Required to Apply for a Canada Study Visa

Obtaining a study visa Canada takes up to 10 weeks or more. So, the ideal time to apply for a student visa in Canada is 2 months in advance. 3 months is the best for Fall intake aspirants. Gathering documents for study visa Canada is the biggest time taking factor in the whole process. Most delays are caused due to this. The following documents are required to apply for a Canada study visa. Please pay attention to the checklist.

Passport: A copy of a valid international passport must be submitted along with the Canada education visa online application. The High Commission of Canada mandates that a study visa Canada must be valid during the entire period of study in Canada. A passport that has expired or is about to expire must be renewed.

Proof of Admission in a DLI Canada: This is a precondition for a Canada education visa. After receiving an admission offer from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada, proof of the same must be sent along with the Canada student visa application form.

Candidates who are accepted in Quebec must produce (Québec Acceptance Certificate) in addition to the above document, which is issued by the Quebec government. A QAC is not required for studies less than 6 months, and guidance for QAC application will be provided by the respective university in Quebec, where admission is confirmed.

Passport Size Photographs: study visa Canada applicants must get at least two passport-size photographs that are not more than 6 months old. They must adhere to the following specifications for uploading to the online visa application:

• Size should not exceed 4MB.

• Dimensions must be a minimum of 35 mm x 45 mm.

• Neutral facial expressions must be maintained with a plain background. No headgear or goggles must be there.

• Name and date of birth must be written on the backside of the photos (for offline application).

Proof of Finances: Candidates must demonstrate that they have a minimum bank balance for a study permit Canada from India. This is CAD 20,635 per year as suggested by the Canada immigration department. These finances usually are related to tuition fees and living expenses in Canada.

• For studying less than one year, proof of minimum bank balance for Canada student visa for the entire duration of the study in Canada.

• For studying more than a year, the minimum bank balance for Canada student visa for the first year of study.

Acceptable documents as proof of financial support for Canada education visa:

• Proof of student loan or education loan from a bank.

• Proof of scholarships or other funding awards received from Canada university or any other sources.

• Bank statements of the last 4 months that prove the minimum bank balance for Canada student visa.

• Tuition fee payment receipts and receipts of housing deposits.

• Having a Canadian bank account with sufficient funds.

• A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian bank/financial institution.

• A bank draft convertible to Canadian dollars.

Cost of living and tuition fees are variable depending on the location and university in Canada. However, the following figures are suggested by the Canada immigration department regarding holding of adequate finances.

Minimum Bank balance For Canada Student Visa (Outside Quebec)

Minimum Bank balance For Canada Student Visa (Inside Quebec)

Source: Canada.ca

English Language Proficiency Band: Scores obtained in ELP tests (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo) must be submitted along with a study visa Canada application.

Essay of Purpose: This is an optional document to be produced along with a study visa Canada application. So, students can take advantage of submitting a strong statement of Purpose explaining why they need a Canadian student visa, the purpose of the trip, how their studies can benefit the country, etc. It increases the success rate of obtaining a study visa Canada.

Immigration Medical Examination: International students may have to undergo an immigration medical examination by a panel of physicians who are approved by Canadian immigration. The list of paneled physicians in India is available at secure.cic.gc.ca/PanelPhysicianMedecinDesigne/en/Home.

Student visa Canada applicants must book an appointment with panel physicians at least a week before submitting a visa application for medical examination. Medical examinations may include X-ray and laboratory diagnosis. The results will be sent to the Canada immigration Council by the physicians themselves.

Proof of Character: Applicants must get a character certificate from police stating that they have no criminal records.

Marriage Certificate: Married applicants must produce a photocopy of their marriage certificate.

Birth Certificate: Photocopies of the birth certificates of applicants and accompanying children must be provided.

Credit Card: Applicants must arrange for a credit card that is their own, their parents’, or owned by relatives or acquaintances, to pay the requisite fees of a Canada education visa when applying online. No debit card transactions are accepted. Only credit cards of Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, JCB® and UnionPay® are accepted. study visa Canada application fee is CAD 150.

*Additional documents may be requested at the time of the interview as required by the responsible visa office.

For online application for a study visa Canada, candidates must arrange for a high-quality camera or a scanner to upload digital copies of the above documents. It is also required to download any forms, such as a police certificate or character certificate, from the IRCC website, fill, sign, and upload them again as digital copies. So a scanner is recommended rather than a camera.

When applying for a Canada education visa on paper, candidates must ensure that they have original copies of the above-mentioned documents. Photocopies are accepted for certain documents like marriage certificates, academic certificates, etc. An original copy of the latest passport must be submitted to the Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Also Read:

• Cheapest Universities in Canada

• Things to Know Before Studying in Canada

Tips to Gather Canada Student Visa Documents

• Required Canada student visa checklist of documents varies from country to country and mode of application. Applicants must know the document checklist for their home country as given on the IRCC website before applying.

• Arrange all the required documents in advance without missing anything.

• Candidates who are in doubt/confusion may consult the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to know the list of documents required from them.

• Documents that are in regional languages must be translated into English or French by a certified translator.

• No document substitutes are accepted. For example, applicants must not provide a passport as proof of date of birth.

• If a spouse or children are accompanying on the trip, they must submit separate application forms.

• Missing or anomalies in documents may result in a delay in visa processing or refusal.

• Applicants may have to attend an interview during the application process.

• Canada immigration recommends applying for a study visa Canada at least three months before the scheduled date of travel, in case of applying to fall intake in Canada.

How to Apply for a Canada Study Visa 2025?

There are three ways to apply for a Canadian student visa: Online, paper application, and at the port of entry. Most Indian students choose to go for Masters in Canada. Indian students may choose either of the options for which they meet eligibility criteria.

Applying Online

Online mode of application for a Canada education visa is the most used method. To apply online, applicants need access to a camera or scanner to create electronic copies of their documents and a valid credit/debit card to pay the requisite fees.

Steps to Apply Online

Before applying online, study visa Canada applicants must check eligibility for online application by answering the “Check your eligibility to apply” questionnaire at onlineservices-servicesenligne.cic.gc.ca/c2c/eapp.

Eligible applicants will get a personalised reference code on the top of the personalised Canada student visa checklist of documents. Both of these are needed to start an online application.

• Step 1: Create IRCC Account Online

  • Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/apply.html

  • Create an account by submitting an email and a new password.

• Step 2: Complete “Application for a Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1294)” online.

• Step 3: Gather all the supporting documents and upload them online.

• Step 4: Pay study visa canada fees of CAD 150 through a credit card. Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, JCB® and UnionPay® credit cards are accepted.

Offline Application (On Paper)

Applying on paper for a Canada education visa is allowed only in the following cases:

1. Applicants have a disability that prevents them from applying online.

2. Applicants are holders of an identity or travel document for non-national residents, refugees, or stateless persons.

*All other applicants must apply through online application whether they are inside or outside Canada.

For applying on paper, application packages can be downloaded at the IRCC website. Instruction guides are provided on the website for every country separately. It contains a country-wise Canada student visa checklist, study permit conditions, and a guide to completing the Canada student visa application form. Candidates are advised to download an instruction guide pertaining to their country and carefully read the instructions.

Steps to Apply on Paper

• Step 1: Visit the IRCC Canada website and read the instruction guide at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5269-applying-study-permit-outside-canada.html.

• Step 2: Candidates must select the country/territory they are applying from to know their local Visa Application Centre (VAC) details where further instructions are available.

• Step 3: Download “Application for a Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1294)”, complete and “validate” the Canada student visa application form. A validated form will have “validated” in the top right-hand corner and barcodes at the end of the form.

• Step 4: Now Print and sign the form.

• Step 5: Candidates must check the common document checklist and include them along with the completed Canada student visa application form. They may contact their local visa application center to know if any additional documents are needed and include all of them beforehand.

• Step 6: Pay the application canada study visa fee of CAD 150 via credit card. “Official receipt” of the payment must be enclosed along with the application package.

• Step 7: The completed Canada student visa application form along with all the documents may be submitted in person at the local Visa Application Centre (VAC). VAC will then forward the application to the Canada Embassy or High Commission for processing.

Applying at a Port of Entry in Canada

Candidates who fulfill the following criteria may apply for a Canada education visa at a port of Entry in Canada:

1. Citizens of the United States.

2. Nationals of Ukraine.

3. Permanent residents of the United States.

4. Candidates who have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.

5. Residents of Greenland, Saint-Pierre, and Miquelon.

To apply at a port of entry airport in Canada, Citizens of the United States must get an electronic Travel authorization before boarding a flight to Canada.

After Applying for a Canada Student Visa 2025

Submitting the application and payment of fees is not the end of the study visa Canada application process. The following steps are relevant after applying for a study visa Canada offline or online.

Submission of Biometrics: Applicants must book an appointment with the nearest Visa Application Centres (VACs) to submit fingerprints and passport-size photos along with payment of Biometric fees of CAD 85, for both paper-based and online applications. Non-payment of fees results in the delay of application processing.

Visa Application Processing: Canada immigration officers check if all the study visa Canada documents are present. Incomplete applications may be returned requesting submission of missing documents. Candidates who couldn’t submit some of the documents at the time of submitting the application may submit them through their IRCC online account. Any change of address or contact information post-applying must be updated in the application.

Applicants may have to attend an interview at this stage with Canadian immigration officials in their home country. A medical examination and police certificate may be necessary.

Upon successful visa application processing, candidates will receive an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) or visitor visa depending on their home country. One of these serves as authorisation of entry to Canada. Along with an eTA/visitor visa, candidates have to produce a letter of introduction, which is not a study permit, saying that they are allowed to study in Canada. The letter of introduction document will be sent to candidates by Canadian immigration.

A study visa Canada will be issued after landing in Canada by officers at the airport.

Sample Study Visa Canada 2025/Study Permit

Study Visa Canada Cost

The standard visa cost for Canada for a single person is CAD 150. Along with the visa cost for Canada, biometric fees are also applicable for each candidate. Refer to the following table for various student visa Canada costs.

Cost of Student Visa in Canada

Canada Student Visa Processing Time

Student visa Canada processing time refers to the time period it takes to receive a decision of approval for a Canada study visa. As per the Canadian immigration department, the usual processing time for a student visa in Canada is 10 weeks for Indian students. It starts from the day the application reaches the Canadian immigration department. Applicants can track the status through their IRCC account. Canada study visa processing time through the SDS route is 20 days.

While the processing time of a Canada education visa also depends on the type of visa and mode of application, students who are not expecting any delays must ensure the following conditions:

• All the documents required are submitted along with the Canada visa application form.

• All the information presented along with the visa application is easily verifiable.

• Quickly respond to any requests or concerns made by the Canada immigration department during visa processing.

Also Read: Accommodation in Canada for Foreign Students

Student Direct Stream (SDS)

Effective November 8, 2024, the SDS permit is discontinued by the Canada government. Any application for SDS post this date are considered as a regular Canada student visa application.

Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a fast-track way to get a Canada study visa for international students from the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, People's Republic of China, Peru, Pakistan, the Philippines, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.

Student direct stream has been put in place to ensure that genuine applicants are not disadvantaged by a long-drawn visa process. Canada study visa processing time through SDS is only 20 days. The application process, documents required, and fees remain the same. Indian students who have the following study visa Canada checklist of documents may apply directly through SDS.

• Proof that first-year tuition fees have been paid.

• A guaranteed investment certificate of CAD 10,000.

• Taking a medical exam.

• A police certificate.

• Academic Certificates of the most recent study qualification.

• English language proficiency proofs.

• Study plan.

The above conditions make candidates prove their strong intent and preparedness to study in Canada, with reduced need for doubt. So such candidates benefit from the student direct stream method of applying for a study visa Canada.

Restoring Canada Study Visa Status

Candidates who are taking a new course, transferring DLIs, or awaiting their final results after graduation in Canada may need to extend their study permit status, in case it expires. Previous study permits also expire if international students in Canada change any conditions mentioned on their study permit regarding studying in Canada. It will also expire in case of violation of study permit rules. Such candidates must immediately apply for an extension of their study permit Canada or drop from their study programs thereon.

• Candidates inside Canada must submit an application for restoration of their study permit within 90 days of losing it.

• Provide an explanation of all the facts and circumstances that led to the violation of study permit conditions.

• Must continue to meet study permit Canada requirements to be eligible for restoration.

• Pay student visa Canada cost of CAD 350– CAD 200 for restoration service and CAD 150 for a new study permit.

Renewing Study Permit Canada 2025

International students whose Canada education visa has expired or is about to expire, but the study program has not finished, must renew their study permit Canada at least 30 days before the expiry date. Staying in Canada without a valid study permit is illegal.

Canadian Embassy and Consulates Address India

When applying on paper for a study visa Canada, applicants may send the completed application form along with documents directly to Canadian embassies in India via post or courier instead of going through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or Visa Facilitation Services Global (VFS).

Canadian Embassy Addresses in India

VFS Centres in India

VFS centers serve as a medium between Canada Embassy and study visa Canada applicants. VFS Global centers are there in all major cities in India. Candidates can find the nearest visa facilitation services global center from the following table.

Visa Facilitation Services Global Centres in India

Indian students must apply for study visa Canada at least 3 months in advance of the departure date to accommodate visa application procedures. Fall intake aspirants must apply in June. Check eligibility for student direct stream before applying. The key step to reduce processing time is to prepare all necessary documents without missing anything.