Canada Study Visa: Requirements, Eligibility, Process & Documents for Indians
Check whether you need a PAL/TAL, CAQ or exemption, prepare CAD 22,895 living funds, and choose a program that supports your post-study plans.
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CAD 150
Duration of study + 90 days
Canada Study Visa — officially a study permit — lets international students study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Your Letter of Acceptance is the starting point. Before accepting an offer, confirm that the school and program support your academic goals and, if post-study work matters to you, whether they meet Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) rules. A study permit alone does not guarantee a PGWP.
Most post-secondary applicants need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL). Since January 1, 2026, applicants to degree-granting master's or doctoral programs at public DLIs are exempt; Quebec study-permit applications normally use a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) instead. Applicants must show first-year tuition, transportation, and CAD 22,895 in annual living expenses for one person outside Quebec. Students who meet all work conditions may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions, and eligible graduates may later apply separately for a PGWP.
Eligibility
Who can apply for Canada Study Visa?
The key 2026 decision is not only whether you can get a study permit, but which PAL/TAL, work-right, and PGWP rules apply to your exact program.
- Students with a valid Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) on Canada's published DLI list; the school must validate the letter when IRCC asks
- Most post-secondary applicants with a PAL/TAL from the destination province or territory. Beginning January 1, 2026, applicants to degree-granting master's or doctoral programs at public DLIs are exempt; Quebec applicants normally use a CAQ instead
- Applicants who can prove first-year tuition, transportation, 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
- Students who plan to work off campus and are enrolled full time in an eligible program of at least 6 months that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate, have started the program, and have work conditions on their permit
- Students who want a PGWP after graduation and confirm before applying that the DLI and program are PGWP-eligible; program length, full-time status, and language or field-of-study rules may also apply
- Applicants who provide a police certificate or medical exam if IRCC requests one, and should include a letter of explanation that clearly explains why they want to study in Canada
Specific requirements vary by DLI, province, program, and applicant profile. Confirm current rules with IRCC and your school before paying tuition or submitting an application.
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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
- PAL/TAL, CAQ or Exemption: Most post-secondary applicants need a PAL/TAL. Degree-granting master's and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt from 1 January 2026; Quebec applicants normally need a CAQ instead
- 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 and transportation costs (effective 1 September 2025)
- Off-Campus Work Eligibility: Up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions only when you are a full-time student in an eligible 6+ month program, have started studying, and your permit includes the work condition
- PGWP Planning: A PGWP is a separate post-graduation application, not an automatic study-permit benefit. Confirm that both your DLI and program are PGWP-eligible and check current duration, language, and field-of-study rules before accepting an offer
- Medical Exam: Required only in specific situations; complete it with an IRCC-approved panel physician if it applies to your stay, country of residence, or intended work
- Police Clearance Required: On request — IRCC may ask for a police certificate from any country lived in for 6+ months since age 18
- Biometrics: Usually required for Indian applicants at a designated VFS Visa Application Centre unless you have valid biometrics on file
- Processing Time: Use IRCC's processing-time tool for the current estimate; it varies by application type, office, and time of year. SDS fast-track ended 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
- PAL/TAL from the destination province or territory unless you qualify for an exemption, or a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) where applicable
- Proof of first-year tuition, transportation, and 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 PAL/TAL, CAQ or Proof of Exemption
Most post-secondary applicants need a PAL/TAL from the destination province or territory, usually after accepting the offer and paying tuition in part or in full. Applicants to degree-granting master's or doctoral programs at public DLIs are PAL/TAL-exempt from January 1, 2026. Quebec applicants normally use a CAQ instead. Include the applicable document or evidence of exemption with your application.
Gather Required Documents
Prepare your passport, Letter of Acceptance, PAL/TAL, CAQ or proof of exemption, proof of funds (GIC, bank statements, or education loan), language test results, transcripts, and letter of explanation. If post-study work is important, confirm now that your DLI and program are PGWP-eligible rather than assuming a study permit will lead to a PGWP.
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 Complete a Medical Exam if Needed
Visit a VFS Application Centre in India to provide fingerprints and photograph (CAD 85) if IRCC requires new biometrics. Complete a medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician only if it is required for your situation. Check IRCC's processing-time tool for the current estimate.
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. Use the official IRCC pages below as the final source for PAL/TAL, financial support, work hours, fees, and PGWP rules before submitting. 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.
Last updated August 20, 2026
Official IRCC sources used for this study permit hub
Updated for current IRCC study permit hub guidance
Source-backed by Canada.ca and IRCC fee pages
Immigration rules and processing times change often. Use these official pages as the final authority before paying fees or submitting documents.
Editorial reviewer
Settle in Canada editorial team
Canada immigration content reviewers
Reviews study permit guidance against current Canada.ca and IRCC sources before publication.
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