Canada Study Visa

Canada Study Visa (Study Permit) – A Complete Guide

Canada is one of the top destinations for international students, offering world-class education, diverse cultural experiences, and excellent job opportunities. To study in Canada, most international students need a Canada Study Visa (Study Permit).

What is a Study Permit?

A Study Permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows international students to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements for a Canada Study Visa:To qualify for a Canada Study Permit,you must meet the following criteria:

Letter of Acceptance (LOA):You must have an official acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to cover:

Tuition fees

Living expenses ($10,000 per year for a single student)

Return transportation costs
No Criminal Record:You may be required to provide a police clearance certificate.
Medical Exam:You may need to undergo a medical examination to prove you are in good health.
Intent to Leave Canada:You must show that you will leave Canada once your studies are complete.

Canada Study Visa Application Process:

Step 1: Get a Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

Apply to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and get accepted.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Valid passport
Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI
Proof of funds (bank statements, scholarship proof, GIC, etc.)
Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Explaining your study plan
Medical exam report (if required)
Police clearance certificate (if required)

Step 3:Apply for the Study Permit Online

Submit your application through the IRCC website.
Pay the study permit fee:CAD 150.
Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if required (CAD 85 fee).

Step 4:Receive a Decision

If approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and, if required, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA.

Step 5:Travel to Canada and Get Your Study Permit

Show your Letter of Introduction to the immigration officer upon arrival in Canada to receive your Study Permit.

Processing Time for Canada Study Visa:

Processing times vary by country but generally take 4 to 12 weeks.

Student Direct Stream (SDS): Faster processing (around 20 days) is available for students from certain countries, including India, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Brazil, etc.

Work While Studying in Canada

On-Campus Work:You can work on-campus without a work permit if you are enrolled in a full-time program.

Off-Campus Work

As of 2024, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during scheduled breaks.

Temporary Change (2024-2025): Some students may be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week due to labour shortages.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

After graduation, you can apply for a PGWP to work in Canada for up to 3 years, depending on your program length.

Benefits of Studying in Canada:
World-Class Education–Canada has top-ranking universities and colleges.
Affordable Tuition Fees–Lower than in the USA, UK, and Australia.
Work Opportunities–Earn while studying and get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Pathway to PR–Many immigration programs,such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), allow students to apply for permanent residency (PR).
Safe & Multicultural Environment–Canada is one of the safest and most welcoming countries for students.

What Makes Canada Special for Students?

Canada offers a unique combination of high-quality education, affordability, and pathways to build a future in one of the most student-friendly countries in the world. Whether it’s pursuing academic excellence or exploring immigration opportunities, Canada continues to be a preferred choice for Indian students.
Canada Student Visa Processing Time:The processing time for a Canada student visa is approximately 7 weeks.However, this does not include the time required for submitting biometrics, which may add additional time depending on appointment availability.
Cost to Study in Canada:The cost of studying in Canada depends on the program type and institution.Tuition fees typically range between CAD 15,000 to CAD 35,000 per year, but specific costs vary by field and level of study:
Humanities,Education,and Arts:Generally more affordable.
Medicine and Engineering:Higher tuition fees due to the specialized nature of these programs.
Postgraduate Programs:Typically more expensive than undergraduate studies.
MBA Programs: Among the most costly,with fees ranging from CAD 30,000 to CAD 42,000 or higher.     

Average Annual Tuition Fees by Program Type: