Canada Student Visa 2025: 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'll have the option to extend for PGWP. 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. 

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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. 

Related Read: Checklist for International Students Going to Canada

Latest Canadian Student Visa Updates for Indian Students (2025)

Here are some latest updates and new rules for international students in Canada 2025:

Getting your Study Visa Canada

You are required to carry the Letter of Introduction along with all the specified documents to Canada. At the airport, you would meet with an Immigration Officer. Present the Passport and the Letter of Introduction to the border control agency officer who would then validate the same and if found adequate, issue you the student visa of Canada.

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

You should apply for your student visa Canada after you get your college acceptance letter. You should begin with the visa process around June if aiming at the September intake. 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):

Canadian Student Visa - Eligibility Requirements

Immigration Medical Examination (IME)

Indian students must complete an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) before applying. Book an appointment with a CIC approved panel physician at least one week before applying. If needed, the physician will conduct a full exam with chest X-rays or lab tests. The physician sends the results directly to IRCC.

• Who needs it: All international students from India.
• When to book: Book your appointment at least one week before your visa application.
• How it works:

1. Find a CIC-approved (“empanelled”) doctor near you.

2. Book and attend a full medical exam.

3. You may be referred for chest Xrays or lab tests.

4. The physician uploads your results directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

English Language Proficiency

IRCC doesn’t require an English score at visa application as you would have already submitted it to the university for admission. This prevents IRCC from flagging a missing document.

• Why it matters:

  • Most Canadian universities require proof of English ability (even if IRCC doesn’t insist at submission).

  • Your university offer letter likely already asked for it.

• Accepted tests (university admission): TOEFL, IELTS, CAEL etc.

3. Statement of Purpose (Letter of Explanation)

Statement of Purpose or Letter of Explanation outlines your study purpose and your responsibilities as a student. IRCC labels it optional, but including it strengthens your application.

4. Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

5. Scanning & Uploading Documents

Scan or photograph documents clearly for online IRCC applications. Print, sign, and rescan forms requiring signatures. For offline applications, use attested originals and clear photocopies. Avoid blurry or incomplete files to prevent delays or rejection during submission. Be prepare to avoid any visa approval delays.

How to Pay Embassy Fee for a Canada Study Visa

To pay the CAD 150 processing fee for a Canadian study permit (approx INR 9,300), use IRCC’s secure online portal and an accepted payment card. IRCC accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay credit or prepaid cards, as well as Visa Debit and Debit MasterCard®. Your card need not be in your name, you can even use your parent's card - just ensure you have the holder’s explicit permission before using it.

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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.

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

All IRCC fees are non-refundable. INR figures assume ~₹62.90 per 1 CAD and may vary at the time of payment.

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.

Canadian Embassy and Consulates Addresses in India

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 candidates to know the reasons for Canada student visa rejection to avoid it.

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Scholarships for Studying in Canada

Studying in Canada here can be expensive for some. Therefore, we have listed some popular scholarships available for those who need financial support to pursue their education in Canada. Check out some popular scholarships for studying in Canada:

• Shastri Research Student Fellowship
• IDRC Research Awards
• Hani Zeini Scholarship
• UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award

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.

Canada PR

You may apply for a Canada PR through Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Programme, Federal Skilled Trades Programme), PNP, etc. Getting Canadian work experience will help you obtain extra points (70 if you have a spouse and 80 if do not have a spouse) on the Comprehensive Ranking System. Moreover, there is no requirement for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) once you have a PGWP. The LMIA demonstrates that a foreign worker is necessary to fill the open position. An LMIA application must be submitted by the employer. A PGWP, on the other hand, negates the requirement for an LMIA.

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.