Canada Student Visa 2026: Eligibility, Fees, Steps to Apply, Processing Time

Want to study in Canada? Then you have to apply for a Canada student visa and get it approved before you land there. It is a legal document that is required for every international student to study in Canadian universities. Top universities and affordable tuition fees are some of the reasons why Canada is a popular study destination.

Canadian student visa is typically valid for the duration of your study program. You can apply for Post Study Work Permit in Canada only if you are studying a course which fall into "Labor Shortage" field. Before applying for a Canadian student visa, make sure you have selected one of the most demanding courses in Canada offered by Canadian universities. The Embassy fee for a Canada study visa is CAD 150 for Indian students. 

Academic transcripts, proof of funds, language proficiency test scores, and letters of recommendation are some important documents for a Canadian student visa. This blog will guide you through the Canadian student visa application process, helping you make your dream of studying in Canada a reality. 

What is a Canada Study Permit?

Canadian study permit is an important document issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). International students must get a study permit before entering Canada. It is not a regular visa. It allows you to enter and stay in Canada as a student. Check out checklist for International Students Going to Canada.

Latest Canadian Student Visa Updates for Indian Students

Here are some latest updates and new rules for international students in Canada 2026:

Canada Student Visa Eligibility Requirements

Just like getting a study permit is mandatory to study in Canada. It is important to fulfill the Canada Student Visa Requirements announced by the official authorities. No student will get a Canada study permit without fulfilling the required eligibility criteria. Below, we have mentioned point-wise Canada Student Visa requirements:

• You have been accepted by a designated learning institute (DLI).
• You need to prove that you have enough money to cover your living and studying expenses in the form of GIC.
• Aspirants need to produce a police verification certificate if requested by Immigration officers. However, it is not mandatory.
• You need to go through a medical check up and produce a medical certificate that certifies that you are in good health.
• Also at the time of the Canada Student Visa interview, you need to convince the visa officer that you will leave Canada once you complete your studies.

List of Documents Required for Canada Study Visa

The following are the documents required to apply For Canada Student Visa.

Financial Requirements at a Glance

To get your student visa approved, you need to keep a fixed budget. It may vary depending on whether you are traveling alone or with dependents:

• Primary applicant: CAD 22,895 per year (Earlier it was CAD 20,635)

• With one family member: CAD 28,502

• Each additional dependent: add ≈ CAD 6,170 ( Earlier, it was CAD 5,900)

These figures exclude tuition fees. Québec students have separate thresholds; check your province’s IRCC guide.

The minimum bank balance for a Canadian student visa depends on whether you stay in Quebec or outside of Quebec. In addition, it also depends on how many people accompany you during your stay in Canada.

Minimum Bank Balance for Canada Student Visa (Outside Quebec)

The table given below provides the minimum bank balance for Canada Student Visa (outside Quebec):

Note: If you want to come with your wife and a kid (other than Quebec), then, for a year, you’ll need CAD 35,040 for living expenses.

Minimum Bank Balance for Canada Student Visa (in Quebec)

The table given below provides the minimum bank balance for Canada Student Visa (in Quebec):

Eligibility for Canadian Student Visa

Qualifying for a Canada Student Visa in 2026 demands strict attention to new rules. With the fast-track SDS stream now closed, all applicants must use the Standard Stream. This requires detailed financial proof and perfect documentation, as immigration officers are enforcing these standard eligibility criteria more rigorously than ever.

1. Immigration Medical Examination (IME)

Indian students must complete an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) before applying. Book an appointment with a CIC-approved panel physician. The doctor will conduct a full exam (X-rays, lab tests) and send results directly to IRCC.

• Who needs it: All international students from India.
• When to book: Recommended to do an "Upfront Medical" before submitting your visa application to avoid delays.

2. English Language Proficiency

Most Canadian universities require proof of English ability (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE) for admission. While your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) confirms you meet these standards, including your score report with your Canada Student Visa application helps the officer verify your ability to succeed in the course.

3. Statement of Purpose (SOP)

The SOP (or "Letter of Explanation") is your opportunity to speak directly to the Visa Officer. Since the standard stream involves higher scrutiny, a strong SOP explaining your study plan and career goals in India is critical for approval.

4. Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

The PAL proves your spot is counted within Canada's international student cap.

• For College/Undergrads: This is MANDATORY. You cannot apply without it.
• For Master's/PhD (Public Universities): You are EXEMPT from this requirement for the 2026 intake.

5. Scanning & Uploading Documents

Ensure all scans are clear and legible. Blurred documents are a common cause of delays in the Canada Student Visa process.

How to Apply for a Canadian Visa for Study

Follow the below-mentioned steps to apply for the Canada student visa process:

• Fill up the application form on the official IRCC website
• Fill out all details correctly in study visa application
• Upload all required documents such as acceptance letter, proof of funds, and other docs
• Pay the study permit processing fee and biometrics fee online
• Review and submit your completed application through your secure account
• After submission of the application, receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter via your account.
• Visit the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to give fingerprints and a photograph.
• Login to your IRCC account to check the progress and respond to any queries made by IRCC authorities.

Note: The Government of Canada announced the end of Student Direct Stream (SDS program) on 09 November 2024. 

Can Indians Apply Offline for Canadian Study Permit?

The answer is yes, they can apply for Canadian study visa offline only if they do not have internet access. The paper application route is almost never used by Indian students unless under exceptional circumstances, such as disability or special status. In short, the online application is the standard and strongly recommended process for Indian applicants.

In case your application is approved you will receive notification from the Government of Canada requesting your passport. You can submit the passport and passport request letter in person or through VFS. You would be provided with a Temporary Resident Visa and a Letter of Introduction.

Canada Student Visa Fees

Study Permit Renewal

To stay and study, students need to have a valid student visa. If in case, your Canadian student visa expires before the completion of your studies (program) then you need to apply for renewal of your study permit. Ideally, you should apply at least 30 days before your current permit expires. Candidates can submit their applications through mail or online.

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VFS Center Addresses in India

What to Do After Applying for Canada Student Visa?

Once you have applied for the Canada student visa, your application will be processed. If your Canada student visa application is approved, you will receive your Canada study visa either at the port of entry or via email. In case you have applied for your Canada student from outside of Canada, you need to follow these steps:

• You will receive a letter of introduction, which needs to be brought and shown to a border services officer. Your Canada study permit will be issued on the basis of this letter of introduction.
• You will receive an eTA (electronic travel authorization) or a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) depending upon your country.
• You need to present the required documents to the border services officer: such as Passport, Letter of introduction and other documents you have submitted at the time of study permit application.

It is important for students to know the reasons for Canada student visa rejection to avoid it.

Part Time Work in Canada

You are permitted to work part-time in Canada for 24 hours per week at a paid job while you are a student. You are only permitted to work for this many hours per week, though. Universities advise students who are enrolled in challenging or demanding courses to work a maximum of 12 hours per week. It is advised that students should take their documentation for their student visa Canada very seriously and with utmost care. Make sure to follow all the precise requirements and instructions.

New PGWP Rules for 2026: What Indian Students Must Know

If you are applying for a Canada student visa in 2026, the rules for getting a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) have changed completely. You can no longer assume that graduating from any Canadian college will get you a work visa.

The new system splits students into two categories. Your PGWP eligibility now depends on where you study and which course you study.

New Language Requirements (CLB Levels)

You now need to prove your language skills again when applying for your work permit, even if you already took IELTS for your original Canada student visa application.

• University Grads: Need CLB 7 (IELTS General: ~6.0 in all 4 abilities).
• College Grads: Need CLB 5 (IELTS General: ~5.0 in Reading/Speaking/Listening, 4.0 in Writing).

Which Fields are "Safe" for College Students?

If you must study at a college, ensure your program falls into one of these 5 labor-shortage categories:

1. Agriculture & Agri-Food
2. Healthcare (Nursing, Pharmacy Tech, etc.)
3. STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)
4. Skilled Trades (Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing)
5. Transport (Logistics, Heavy Equipment)