Canada Study Visa for Masters
Eligibility, Requirements, Fees & Process — everything Indian students need to know about getting a Canada Masters study permit from official IRCC sources.
Varies by country — check IRCC tool
CAD 150
Program duration + 90 days
Planning to apply for a Canada Study Visa for Masters? The study permit for Master's programs is designed for individuals who want to pursue postgraduate education — research-based or course-based — at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. This program falls under the Temporary Resident immigration category and allows eligible applicants to study full-time at an IRCC-approved institution, with the right to work part-time during their studies.
This guide covers complete details about the Canada Masters Study Visa, including eligibility criteria, document checklist, government application fees, processing times, validity, and the step-by-step application process. It also explains the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and PR pathway available after graduation, helping applicants from India understand requirements clearly and prepare a compliant application.
Program Details
Canada Masters Study Visa: Full Program Specifications & Immigration Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Study permit |
| Official Program Name | Study permit for post‑secondary studies |
| Program Stream | Master's degree programs at a Designated Learning Institution (research‑ or course‑based) |
| Visa Category | Temporary resident – study |
| Points Based | No (study permit itself is not points‑based) |
| CRS Applicable | No for study permit; CRS applies later for PR (Express Entry, if used) |
| Province Specific | No – study permit is federal and valid for all DLIs; PR pathways can be provincial (PNPs) |
| Leads to PR | Possible, typically via PGWP + Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program; not guaranteed |
| Leads to Citizenship | Possible, after obtaining PR and meeting Canadian citizenship residence requirements |
| Minimum Age | No specific minimum age in IRCC rules; 18+ is typical for master's admission (set by universities, not IRCC) |
| Maximum Age | No formal maximum age in IRCC rules; older applicants must show strong study/return intent |
| Education Requirement | Admission to a master's program (normally a bachelor's or equivalent, often ~16 years of education, set by the institution) |
| Language Test Required | Must meet DLI admission requirements. IRCC does not prescribe a fixed minimum language score; proof depends on institution and application strength |
| Minimum Language Score | No fixed minimum score required by IRCC; language requirement depends on the Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Universities typically require IELTS Academic 6.5+ overall |
| Work Experience Required | Not required by IRCC for a study permit; some master's programs may require experience for admission |
| Minimum Work Experience (Years) | 0 for IRCC study‑permit eligibility (subject to program admission rules) |
| Job Offer Required | No job offer required for a study permit |
| LMIA Required | No LMIA required for a study permit |
| Admission Required | Yes – Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is mandatory |
| Investment Required | No specific "investment" requirement; you must show proof of funds, not business investment |
| Minimum Investment Amount (CAD) | Not applicable; focus is on tuition + cost‑of‑living proof |
| Financial Proof Required | Yes – proof you can pay tuition, living costs, and travel |
| Settlement Funds Required | Yes – must meet IRCC cost‑of‑living financial requirement plus tuition |
| Settlement Funds Amount (CAD) | For single applicant: at least 22,895 CAD per year for living expenses (effective September 1, 2025) + tuition and travel; amount is updated annually with LICO |
| Medical Exam Required | Required if staying more than 6 months and meeting IRCC health criteria; not automatically mandatory for all applicants |
| Police Clearance Required | May be required depending on applicant's history and IRCC request; not automatically required for all study permits |
| Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirement | Required for most applicants under study permit cap. Exempt for Master's and Doctoral students (as per IRCC rules) |
| Biometrics Required | Yes – fingerprints and photo for most applicants, given at a VAC |
| Interview Required | Not normally; only if IRCC specifically requests one |
| Government Application Fee (CAD) | 150 CAD for a study‑permit application or extension (per person) |
| Biometrics Fee (CAD) | 85 CAD for biometrics (per person) |
| Additional Fees (CAD) | eTA: 7 CAD for visa‑exempt nationals; Visa Application Centre and other service charges are extra and vary by country (often 30–100+ CAD) |
| Average Processing Time | Processing times vary by country. Check the IRCC processing times tool for current estimates |
| Application Mode | Online via an IRCC secure account (most applicants must apply online) |
| Visa Validity | Normally for the length of your study program plus 90 days, as indicated on the study permit |
| Extension Allowed | Yes – you can apply to extend your study permit before it expires if you meet conditions |
| Work Rights | If conditions are met: up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full‑time during scheduled breaks, without a separate work permit |
| Study Rights | Full‑time study at the DLI named on the study permit, subject to permit conditions |
| Spouse Can Apply | Spouse/partner may be able to apply, but eligibility depends on your program and status |
| Spouse Can Work | Open work permit eligibility is conditional; for most master's programs it applies only if the program is 16+ months, doctoral, or eligible professional degree — always check current IRCC SOWP rules (effective Jan 21, 2025) |
| Children Can Apply | Dependent children can normally apply for visas/status to accompany you |
| Children Can Study | Many minor children can study in Canada without a study permit when accompanying a parent with valid status; public K–12 schooling is typically funded provincially |
| PR Eligibility After | Common route: complete an eligible program, obtain a PGWP, gain at least 1 year of qualifying Canadian skilled work experience, and then apply under CEC or a PNP; PR is not automatic or guaranteed |
| Citizenship Eligibility After | If you become a PR, you may apply for citizenship once you have at least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada within the last 5 years and meet all other citizenship requirements |
| Minimum Physical Presence Required | Not applicable to study permits; for citizenship, at least 1,095 days in the 5 years before applying, subject to detailed rules |
| PR Pathway Name | Common options: Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry) and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for those with Canadian education and work experience |
| Minimum PR Points Required | Federal Skilled Worker eligibility threshold: 67 points out of 100 (selection grid). CRS cut‑off scores for Express Entry draws fluctuate; there is no fixed 450–550 requirement |
| Official Source URL | canada.ca/study-permit |
* Data sourced from official IRCC publications. Fees and processing times subject to change — verify at canada.ca before applying.
Key Benefits
Why Apply for a Canada Masters Study Visa?
Earn a globally recognised Canadian Master's degree from QS-ranked universities like UofT, UBC, McGill, and Waterloo — boosting your international career prospects.
Work up to 24 hours per week on or off campus during your studies — plus full-time during winter and summer breaks — helping offset living costs.
Qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years after a Master's program — no job offer required — to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
Canadian education and skilled work experience earn significant Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, putting you on a fast track to Express Entry Permanent Residency.
Your spouse may qualify for an Open Work Permit if your Master's program is 16+ months, allowing them to work full-time in Canada — reducing overall household costs.
Document Checklist
Documents Required for Canada Masters Study Visa: Complete Checklist & Preparation Guide
Basic Documents
- Valid passport (minimum 2 years validity recommended)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs(white background, IRCC specs)
- Completed application form IMM 1294
- Letter of Acceptance from a DLI
Educational Documents
- Bachelor's degree certificate
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of reference(if required by university)
- ECA – Educational Credential Assessment(for PR pathway later, not IRCC study permit)
Work Documents
- NA – work experience not required for study permit
- Employment letters(if submitting as supporting ties to home country)
Financial Documents
- GIC of CAD 22,895(if applicable, effective Sept 2025)
- First-year tuition payment receipt
- Bank statements — last 6 months
- Fixed deposit certificates(if applicable)
- Education loan sanction letter(if applicable)
Language Documents
- IELTS Academic score report(min. 6.5 overall recommended)
- TOEFL iBT score report(accepted alternative)
- PTE Academic score report(accepted alternative)
Additional Supporting Documents
- Medical Examination Report from IRCC-approved panel physician
- Police Clearance Certificate from India (and any other country of residence)
- Biometrics — fingerprints and photo at VFS
- Proof of ties to home country(property, family, employment — to show intent to return if not settling)
Note: Document requirements may vary by university and IRCC processing stream. Always verify the latest checklist at canada.ca before applying.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Canada Masters Study Visa Application Process
Secure Admission to a Canadian DLI
Apply to Canadian universities offering Master's programs that match your academic background. Ensure the institution is an IRCC-approved Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Obtain your official Letter of Acceptance before proceeding.
Check Your Eligibility
Verify eligibility based on your Bachelor's degree, language test scores (IELTS 6.5+ recommended), and available financial resources to cover tuition plus CAD 22,895/year for living expenses.
Gather Required Documents
Assemble all documents per the IRCC checklist: passport, DLI acceptance letter, proof of funds (bank statements or GIC + tuition receipt), language score report, Statement of Purpose, medical exam (if required), and police clearance (if requested by IRCC).
Create an IRCC Account & Submit Online
Create an account on the IRCC secure online portal, complete the application form (IMM 1294), upload all required documents, and submit. Pay the CAD 150 study permit application fee at this stage.
Biometrics & Medical Examination
Visit a designated VFS Application Centre in India to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) — fee CAD 85. Complete a medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician. Both are mandatory for Indian applicants.
Application Processing & Review
Processing times vary by country — check the IRCC processing times tool for current estimates. IRCC may request additional documents. Track your application status via your IRCC account.
Receive Decision & Travel to Canada
On approval, you'll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. Present this at a Canadian airport or land border — a border officer will issue your study permit on arrival. Your spouse and children can travel with you.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions – Canada Masters Study Visa
Ready to apply for your Canada Masters study permit?
Check your eligibility for free and get expert guidance on documents, financial proof, and the fastest route to your Canadian university.