Canada Study Visa: Requirements, Eligibility, Process & Documents for Indians
Everything you need to know about Canada study permits — eligibility, PAL/TAL, cost-of-living funds, top programs, and step-by-step application process.
8–14 weeks
CAD 150
Duration of study + 90 days
Canada Study Visa — officially the study permit — allows international students to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada for the duration of their program. Canada hosts more than 800,000 active study permit holders and remains the top global destination for Indian students, offering world-class universities, regulated tuition, and clear post-graduation pathways.
It is designed for students enrolled in eligible bachelor's, master's, MBA, PhD, and diploma programs at DLIs across Canada. Applicants must show proof of acceptance, a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) for most post-secondary programs, language proficiency, and cost-of-living funds of CAD 22,895 per year (single applicant, outside Quebec). Key benefits include the right to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus, an open Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years, and a strong CRS-points pathway to permanent residency.
Eligibility
Who can apply for Canada Study Visa?
- Students with a valid letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) on Canada's published DLI list
- Post-secondary applicants with a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) from the destination province (mandatory for most programs since January 2024)
- Applicants who can prove first-year tuition and cost-of-living funds (CAD 22,895 per single applicant outside Quebec, plus dependants where applicable)
- Students who meet the language requirement of their chosen program — typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or equivalent TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic scores
- Applicants with a clean criminal record who can provide a police clearance certificate where requested by IRCC
- Students medically admissible to Canada based on a medical exam by an IRCC-approved panel physician
- Applicants who can demonstrate genuine intent to study and ties that support a return after the program (Statement of Purpose)
Specific requirements vary by DLI, province, and program. Visit individual program pages for exact admission criteria, language minimums, and tuition ranges.
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Requirements
What are the requirements and key details of Canada Study Visa?
- Acceptance Requirement: Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) on Canada's official DLI list
- Provincial Attestation: PAL or TAL from the destination province, mandatory for most post-secondary programs since 22 January 2024
- Language Test Required: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CAEL, or CELPIP — exact requirement set by each DLI
- Typical Language Score: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall (with no band below 5.5–6.0); 7.0+ for top universities and competitive programs
- Cost-of-Living Funds: CAD 22,895 per single applicant outside Quebec, in addition to first-year tuition (effective 1 September 2025)
- Medical Exam Required: Yes — by an IRCC-approved panel physician for stays longer than 6 months or specific countries of residence
- Police Clearance Required: On request — IRCC may ask for a police certificate from any country lived in for 6+ months since age 18
- Biometrics Required: Yes — fingerprints and photograph at a designated VFS Visa Application Centre
- Standard Processing Time: 8–14 weeks for Indian applicants (varies by IRCC office and time of year); SDS fast-track was discontinued on 8 November 2024
- Government Fee: CAD 150 study permit application fee
- Biometrics Fee: CAD 85
Documents
What are the documents required for Canada Study Visa?
- Valid passport with validity at least as long as the intended period of study in Canada
- Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) listed on Canada's official DLI list
- Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) from the destination province (mandatory for most post-secondary applicants)
- Proof of cost-of-living funds (CAD 22,895 per single applicant outside Quebec) via Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), bank statements, or education-loan disbursement letter
- Proof of paid first-year tuition (where applicable) or scholarship / funding letter from the DLI
- Language test results (IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CAEL, or CELPIP) meeting the program's stated minimum
- Academic transcripts, mark sheets, and degree or graduation certificates from previous institutions
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your program choice, career goals, and ties supporting a return after studies
- Two recent passport-size photographs meeting IRCC photo specifications
- Medical examination results from an IRCC-approved panel physician
- Police clearance certificate from every country where you lived for 6+ months since age 18 (if requested by IRCC)
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a designated VFS Visa Application Centre
- Family information form and proof of relationship documents for any accompanying spouse or dependent children
- Additional documents and requirements may vary based on the specific DLI, applicant profile, or province of study
Application Process
How to Apply for Canada Study Visa: Step-by-Step Process
Get Your Letter of Acceptance
Apply to Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and secure a letter of acceptance. Research programs that match your career goals, language scores, and budget. Most universities accept applications 6–12 months before program start.
Obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL)
For most post-secondary programs since January 2024, you must request a PAL or TAL from the destination province. The DLI typically initiates this on your behalf once you accept the offer; PAL/TAL is then included with your study-permit application.
Gather Required Documents
Prepare your passport, letter of acceptance, PAL/TAL, proof of funds (GIC, bank statements, or education loan), language test results, transcripts, Statement of Purpose, and medical exam results.
Apply Online via the IRCC Portal
Create an account on the IRCC portal, complete the study-permit application forms (IMM 1294), upload all documents, and pay the CAD 150 application fee. Applications are processed under the standard study-permit stream — the SDS fast-track ended on 8 November 2024.
Provide Biometrics and Medical Exam
Visit a VFS Application Centre in India to provide fingerprints and photograph (CAD 85). Complete a medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician. Standard processing time is currently 8–14 weeks.
Travel to Canada and Activate Your Permit
Once approved, you receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. Present it to a Canadian border officer on arrival; the officer issues your physical study permit. Comply with permit conditions throughout your studies, then transition to a PGWP after graduation.
Understanding the Canada Study Visa requirements is essential to avoid delays or rejections. Each DLI, province, and program has specific conditions, eligibility factors, and documentation expectations. Review these carefully before submitting your application.
Apply early — at least 3–4 months before your program start date — to allow time for biometrics, medicals, and any IRCC requests for additional documents. For program-level guidance on Masters, MBA, Bachelors, PhD, or Diploma study visas, explore the individual program guides above.
For detailed insights on eligibility, document checklist, visa validity, and common refusal reasons, explore Canada Study Visa FAQs to find answers to common questions.
Related Resources
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