Question 1

What is a Canada study visa (study permit)?

Accepted Answer

A Canada study visa, officially called a study permit, is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. The study permit itself is not a visa — most Indian students also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

Question 2

How much does a Canada study visa cost?

Accepted Answer

The IRCC application fee for a Canada study permit is CAD 150 (approximately INR 9,300). You will also pay a biometrics fee of CAD 85. Beyond government fees, applicants must show proof of cost-of-living funds — currently CAD 22,895 per year for a single applicant outside Quebec — plus tuition for the first year.

Question 3

How long does it take to get a Canada study visa from India?

Accepted Answer

Standard study permit processing for Indian applicants currently takes 8–14 weeks, depending on time of year and the IRCC office handling the file. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) fast-track was discontinued by IRCC on 8 November 2024, so all Indian applicants now use the regular study permit stream. Apply at least 3–4 months before your program start date to allow for biometrics, medicals, and any IRCC requests for additional documents.

Question 4

Is the Student Direct Stream (SDS) still available?

Accepted Answer

No. IRCC ended the Student Direct Stream on 8 November 2024 to standardise study permit processing and strengthen application integrity. Indian students who previously would have applied through SDS now apply through the regular study permit stream. The change does not affect already-issued SDS permits, but new applications no longer benefit from the SDS-style fast-track timeline or the dedicated GIC pathway.

Question 5

Can I work while studying in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Eligible study permit holders may work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks (summer, winter holidays). On-campus work has no hour cap. You do not need a separate work permit for on-campus or off-campus work as long as your study permit shows the relevant condition. After graduation, eligible students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years.

Question 6

What IELTS score do I need for a Canada study visa?

Accepted Answer

Most Canadian universities require an IELTS Academic score of 6.0–6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5–6.0 depending on the program. Top universities and competitive programs may require 7.0+. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic are also accepted by most DLIs. Confirm the language requirement on each program's official admissions page before booking your test.

Question 7

How much money do I need to show for a Canada study visa?

Accepted Answer

As of 1 September 2025, IRCC requires a single applicant outside Quebec to show CAD 22,895 in cost-of-living funds for the first year, in addition to first-year tuition. The amount increases with each accompanying family member. Acceptable proof includes a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian bank, recent bank statements, education-loan disbursement letters, or proof of paid tuition where applicable. The figure is updated annually in line with Canada's Low Income Cut-Off (LICO).

Question 8

Can I get permanent residency (PR) after studying in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and it remains one of the strongest reasons international students choose Canada. After graduating from an eligible program, you may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years. Canadian study credentials and Canadian work experience earn significant points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), making PGWP holders highly competitive for permanent residency through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.

Question 9

What documents do I need for a Canada study visa application?

Accepted Answer

Core documents include a valid passport, letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) for most post-secondary programs, proof of cost-of-living funds (GIC, bank statements, or education loan), language test results, Statement of Purpose, academic transcripts and certificates, passport-size photographs, medical examination results from an IRCC-approved panel physician, and police clearance where requested.

Question 10

Can my spouse come with me to Canada on a student visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but eligibility for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) was tightened in 2024–2025. Spouses of master's degree (16+ months), doctoral, and select professional-program students remain eligible for an open work permit; spouses of students in shorter programs may apply only for a visitor visa. Dependent children may accompany you on a study or visitor permit and attend Canadian primary or secondary schools. Confirm SOWP eligibility for your specific program on the IRCC website before applying.

Canada Study Visa FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Common questions.
Clear answers.

What is a Canada study visa (study permit)?

How much does a Canada study visa cost?

How long does it take to get a Canada study visa from India?

Is the Student Direct Stream (SDS) still available?

Can I work while studying in Canada?

What IELTS score do I need for a Canada study visa?

How much money do I need to show for a Canada study visa?

Can I get permanent residency (PR) after studying in Canada?

What documents do I need for a Canada study visa application?

Can my spouse come with me to Canada on a student visa?

Ready to apply for a Canada Study Visa?

Canada Study Visa FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Common questions. Clear answers.

What is a Canada study visa (study permit)?

How much does a Canada study visa cost?

How long does it take to get a Canada study visa from India?

Is the Student Direct Stream (SDS) still available?

Can I work while studying in Canada?

What IELTS score do I need for a Canada study visa?

How much money do I need to show for a Canada study visa?

Can I get permanent residency (PR) after studying in Canada?

What documents do I need for a Canada study visa application?

Can my spouse come with me to Canada on a student visa?

Ready to apply for a Canada Study Visa?

Common questions.
Clear answers.