Canada Student Visa 2025: Requirements, Fees & Steps to Apply

It is crucial for international students to obtain a Canada student visa before starting their academics in the country. In 2025, there are many updates on Canada student visa 2025 requirements which must be clear for aspirants. Canada is the most popular study abroad destination after US and UK for Indian students seeking higher education abroad. To be a part of a Canadian designated learning institution or universities and colleges, Indian students require a valid Canada student visa. It 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. The increased GIC amount for Canada student visa 2025 is 20,635 (INR 12.34 Lakhs approx).

This Story also Contains

1. Canada Study Visa 2025 New Rules
2. Canada Student Visa Eligibility Requirements For Indian Students
3. What is GIC Canada?
4. Documents Required to Apply for a Canada Student Visa
5. Proof Of Funds for Canada Student Visa
6. How to Apply for a Canada Student Visa 2025?
7. Canada Student Visa Fees 2025
8. Canadian Embassy in India
9. VFS Centres in India
10. Canada Student Visa Processing Time 2025
11. Part Time Work On Canada Student Visa
12. Restoring Canada Study Visa Status
13. Renewing Study Permit Canada 2025
14. Post-Study Work Permit Canada (PGWP Canada) 2025
15. Key Changes on Canada PGWP Eligibility in 2025
16. PR in Canada 2025
17. Why Canada Student Visa is Important?
18. When is Canada Student Visa Not Required?
19. Canada Student Visa And Study Permit: Which are Required?
20. End Of Student Direct Stream (SDS)

A few of the reasons why students are attracted to Canada are higher chances of Canada student visa success rate, affordability, availability of top universities, and the presence of the international community. However, a study visa Canada 2025 is known as a study permit. Though both documents are different regarding study in Canada, both terms are used interchangeably to refer to Canada study permits. A visitor visa is usually issued along with a study permit in Canada without a separate application that serves as permission to enter the country.

IRCC authorised around 207,000 new study permit applicants in 2025, down 26% from 2024. Canada's study permits target in 2025 is 437,000. An approximate Canada study visa processing time 2025 is 3-6 weeks; however, the exact time to process the Canada study permit application varies depending on the individual case and application profile. This article includes a comprehensive guide to various aspects of applying for a study permit or a study visa in Canada. It also includes information such as GIC amount for Canada student visa 2025, student visa Canada cost, Canada student visa 2025 requirements, etc. Read the full article to understand how to obtain a study visa in Canada. Also, check the new rules of the Canada education visa 2025.

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• Reasons for Canada Student Visa Rejection
• Difference Between Student Visa and Study Permit in Canada
• Canada vs India: Which is Better for Indian Students?

Canada Study Visa 2025 New Rules

We have mentioned the Canada study visa new rules 2025 that impact the international students planning to study in Canada:

Off Campus Work: November 8, 2024

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 a 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)

SDS Scheme Discontinued: November 8, 2025

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.

Cap On Canada Student Permit for 2025

Canada's national study permits target for 2025 is 437,000. 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 permits in Canada.

PAL/TAL Requirements For Canada Study Permit

Started January 22, 2024, students seeking study permits in Canada are also required to submit a provincial attestation letter. For 2025 Canada study permit cap, the Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letters issued from January 22, 2025, to December 31, 2025, are valid for submission. It is a mandatory requirement for Indian students seeking to obtain a Canada study visa from India. Check, What is a Provincial Attestation Letter for Canada?

New Financial Requirements For Canada Study Permit: January 1, 2024

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 GIC amount for Canada student visa 2025 to support the cost of living in Canada.

Changes in Canada Study Visa Application Process: Mar 25, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025

The old version of the IRCC portal used for study visa application submission and other processes is officially closed by March 25, 2025. All study visa applications submitted after this expiry date are null and void. The new applications for Canada study visa from India must be submitted via the IRCC Secure Account. Effective from March 25, 2025, all new applications must be submitted through the IRCC secure accounts instead of IRCC portal as that is closed for now.

Related Reads:

• Canada Announces a New Cap on Study Visa for 2025
• Canada Ends Conversion of Study Permit to PR
• New Visa Rules for International Students in 2025

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

Canada Student Visa Eligibility Requirements For Indian Students

It is crucial for international students to comply with the Canada study visa requirements to obtain it successfully and start the academic hassle free. We have you covered. Check the below mentioned requirements for a study visa Canada for compliance. Applicants must satisfy the following Canada student visa 2025 requirements before applying for a study visa Canada 2025.

• Proof of Admission: Admission to DLI in Canada

• Financial Capacity: Financial documents proving that students can cover tuition fees, living expenses in Canada, travel costs, and more through a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).

• PCC: A valid Police Clearance Certificate that shows that there is no criminal activity associated with the student.

• Health certificate: Students must undergo through a complete medical check up to ensure that they are completely healthy

• Genuine Intent: 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 Proficiency: English language proficiency through IELTS/TOEFL is mandatory to obtain a Canada study permit in 2025. Generally, students require a band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each section of the IELTS exam or its equivalent scores.

Also Read: Documents Required for Canada Student Visa

What is GIC Canada?

GIC is an important element of the Canada student visa application from India. GIC is mandatory for Indian Students to pursue studies in Canada. This investment includes the yearly living cost in Canada for a student. This liquid fund scheme provides two benefits to foreign students. The first benefit is, that students can withdraw a predetermined amount monthly to pay the cost. The second advantage is that students will receive a fixed rate of return on the remaining amount invested. The GIC Canada rate of return is not uniform in all banks.

The new GIC amount for Canada student visa 2025 is CAD 20,635 (INR 12.34 Lakhs). Previously, the GIC amount for Canada student visa was CAD 10,000. The increase in living costs in the country and the rising inflation rate are the reasons for this.

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

Sample Study Visa Canada Sample 2025

Documents Required to Apply for a Canada Student Visa

Obtaining a study visa in 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 student visa 2025. 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.
• 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.

Admission Letter From DLI Canada

• 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.
• A QAC is not required for studies less than 6 months

Passport Size Photograph

• Altleast 2 photographs are required
• Specification: Size smaller than 4MB, right dimensions:35 mm x 45 mm.
• Photographs must contain neutral facial expressions, plain background with no headgear/goggles.

• The photograph's back must include the name and date of birth (Offline application)

English Test Scores

• A copy of English proficiency test scorecard is mandatory
• Students can appear for one of the English tests, such as IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo.

Statement Of Purpose (SOP)

• Short essay (300-500 words)
• Statement of Purpose must include the reason for getting the study permit, genuine intent, purpose, and how their studies can benefit the country, etc.

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 panel physicians in India is available at secure.cic.gc.ca/PanelPhysicianMedecinDesigne/en/Home.
• Applicants must book an appointment with panel physicians at least a week before submitting a visa application for medical examination.

Supporting Documents

Students must also submit some crucial documents along with the application. These includes

• PCC: Applicants must get a character certificate from the police stating that they have no criminal records.
• Birth Certificate: Photocopies of the birth certificates of applicants and accompanying children must be provided.
• Marriage Certificate: Married applicants must produce a photocopy of their marriage certificate.
• Current Immigration Status: If required
• Re-Entry Permit: If required

Financial Documents For Canada Student Visa From India

Candidates must demonstrate that they have a minimum bank balance for a study permit Canada from India. As per the latest financial requirements for Canada student visa, it is 20,635 per year as suggested by the Canadian immigration department. These finances are usually related to tuition fees and living expenses in Canada. Hence, international students seeking studies in Canada for less than 1 year require an amount equal to the entire duration of the course. For those considering studies in Canada for more than 1 year is required to demonstrate an amount to cover the first year of study. Check out the minimum bank balance required for a Canada study visa from India in the tables below:

Minimum Bank Balance for Canada Student Visa (Outside Quebec)

Minimum Bank Balance for Canada Student Visa (Inside Quebec)

Source: Canada.ca

Proof Of Funds for Canada Student Visa

• Education loan certificate.
• Proof of scholarships or other funding awards.
• Bank statements of the last 6 months.
• 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.

Also Read: Proof of Funds for Canada Student Visa

How to Apply for a Canada Student Visa 2025?

There are two ways to apply for a Canadian student visa for Indian students in 2025: Online and offline applications. Indian students may choose either of the options for which they meet the eligibility criteria. We have mentioned the application process for both ways. Hence, students can check the information below for the detailed Canada study visa process.

Online Application Process: Step By Step Guide

It is the most common way to apply for a Canada student visa. The online mode of application for a Canada education visa is the most used by Indian students. 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 study visa canada fees. For clarity, 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.

• Step 1: Create an IRCC secure Account Online by visiting the official site and adding personal and academic informtaion

• Step 2: Complete the application form and attach the soft copies of all the supporting documents and upload them online.

• Step 3: Pay the study visa canada fees of CAD 150 through a credit card. Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, JCB® and UnionPay® credit cards are accepted.

• Step 4: Receive the confirmation on the registered email.

• Step 5: 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.

• Step 6: Appear for the interview. 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.

Offline Application Process: Step By Step Guide

*All other applicants must apply through an online application, whether they are inside or outside Canada. However, in some special cases, applying on paper for a Canada education visa is allowed, which are as follows:

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

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

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 about India and carefully read the instructions.

• Step 1: Visit the IRCC Canada website

• Step 2: Candidates must select the country/territory as India and check the 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.

Also Read:

• Cheapest Universities in Canada

• Things to Know Before Studying in Canada

• Masters in Canada

Canada Student Visa Fees 2025

The standard visa cost for Canada for a single person is CAD 150. The Canada study visa fees in indian rupees 2025 is approximately INR 9,000. Along with the visa cost for Canada, biometric fees of CAD 85, which is approximately around INR 5,100 are also applicable for each candidate. The embassy fees for Canada study visa with biometrics are the total of both. Refer to the following table for various student visa Canada costs.

Cost of Student Visa in Canada

How to Pay Embassy Fee For Canada Student Visa?

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. The study visa Canada application fee is CAD 150.

Additional Cost Related To Canada Study Visa

Although the expenses we have mentioned below are not directly incurred towards the Canada visa. However, these are mandatory to process the Canada student visa application. Check the table below for more information regarding the costs.

Canadian Embassy in 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 the Canada Embassy and the 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 a 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 before applying. The key step to reduce study visa canada processing time is to prepare all necessary documents without missing anything.

Canada Student Visa Processing Time 2025

Canada student visa processing time 2025 refers to the time period it takes to receive a decision of approval for a Canada student visa 2025. As per the Canadian immigration department, the usual Canada student visa processing time 2025 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 student visa processing time 2025 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.

Related Reads: Canada Student Visa Processing Time From India

Part Time Work On Canada Student Visa

Students with a Canadian student visa 2025 can work for up to 24 hours per week in the country. Moreover, several part-time jobs in Canada provide international students with flexibility and extra money. A few of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Canada 2025 include:

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 in Canada or drop from their study programs thereon.

• Candidates inside Canada must apply for the 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 the study permit Canada requirements to be eligible for restoration.

• Pay the 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 in Canada at least 30 days before the expiry date. Staying in Canada without a valid study permit is illegal.

Post-Study Work Permit Canada (PGWP Canada) 2025

Post Work Study Visa Canada allows international students to work and live for up to 3 years. Students generally must have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI), hold a valid study permit, and be motivated to work in the country. One can apply for a Post-Study Work Permit Canada within 180 days of graduation.

Key Changes on Canada PGWP Eligibility in 2025

Canada has introduced the latest updates for candidates seeking a Post-Graduation Work Permit in the country. The new changes to the PGWP requirements are only for international students in non-degree programs (excluding bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs). As per the new Canada PGWP eligibility, candidate who completes their studies in Canada with the eligible PGWP courses are eligible for the work permit.

Recently, 178 programs have been removed from the PGWP-eligible list in Canada. However, 119 new study fields have been added to the list. It is also crucial for international students to complete their course of study in Canada with a valid CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) code. Moreover, students who attend the study program, which is a part of the curriculum licensing agreements, are no longer eligible for a post-graduation work permit, effective from September 1, 2024.

Related Reads:

• Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada
• Comparison of Post-Study work visa for US, UK and Canada

PR in Canada 2025

Check the points below to obtain Permanent Residency in Canada:

• Choose the immigration courses such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Express Entry system, and Family Sponsorship.
• Explore the eligibility and meet the permanent residency and study visa Canada requirements, such as qualifications, English proficiency scores, age, work experience, and more.
• Gather relevant documents before applying.
• Enhance your CRS score by participating in additional work experience, excellent language scores, and more. One of the most crucial things is to get a job offer from a verified Canadian employer to increase your CRS score.

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Why Canada Student Visa is Important?

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.

When is Canada Student Visa Not Required?

A Canadian 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.

Canada Student Visa And Study Permit: Which are Required?

A study permit in Canada is a legal document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows international students to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Students who want to study in Canada for more than six months need a study permit. A Canadian student visa allows international students to enter Canada; however, a student permit allows admission to universities.

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. Both documents are important to obtain a Canada student visa and then study there.

Study Visa Canada vs Study Permit: Key Differences

Also Read: Accommodation in Canada for Foreign Students

End Of 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 2025 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.