🇨🇦 Canada Study Visa – Complete Guide for Indian Students (2025)

    Canada is one of the top destinations for international students, offering world-class education, affordable tuition, safe communities, and excellent post-study work opportunities. To study in Canada, Indian students must apply for a Canadian Study Permit (Student Visa).

    📝 What is a Canadian Study Permit?

    A study permit is an official document issued by the Government of Canada that allows foreign students to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

    👉 Most students also require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, which is usually issued automatically once your study permit is approved.

    🎓 Eligibility Criteria

    To apply for a Canada Study Visa, you must:

    • ✅ Have a Letter of Acceptance from a DLI (Designated Learning Institution)

    • ✅ Prove you have enough funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel

    • ✅ Have no criminal record (may require a police clearance certificate)

    • ✅ Be in good health (may require a medical exam)

    • ✅ Convince the visa officer that you will leave Canada after your studies end

    • ✅ Meet language proficiency requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic)

    📌 Step-by-Step Canada Study Visa Application Process

    Step 1: Get Acceptance Letter

    • Apply to a DLI-approved college or university in Canada.

    • Once accepted, you’ll receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA), required for your visa.

    Step 2: Gather Required Documents

    • Valid Passport

    • Letter of Acceptance from a DLI

    • Proof of Funds (Bank statements, GIC, loan sanction letters, etc.)

    • Passport-size photos (as per Canadian specifications)

    • Immigration Medical Exam results (if applicable)

    • Police clearance certificate (if required)

    • Academic transcripts, IELTS/PTE/TOEFL scorecards

    • SOP (Statement of Purpose) / Letter of Explanation

    Step 3: Create an Online IRCC Account

    • Visit the official Create a GCKey account and fill out the Study Permit application form.

    Step 4: Pay the Visa Fees

    Fee TypeCost
    Study Permit ApplicationCAD 150
    Biometrics FeeCAD 85

    • Pay online using a credit/debit card.

    Step 5: Submit Biometrics

    • Schedule an appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).

    • Provide fingerprints and a photograph.

    Step 6: Visa Processing & Decision

    • The average processing time is 4–8 weeks (may vary by season).

    • If approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and, if required, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) in your passport.

    🧾 Documents Checklist for Canada Study Visa

    • ✅ Valid Passport

    • ✅ Letter of Acceptance from a DLI

    • ✅ Proof of Financial Support (GIC, bank statements, etc.)

    • ✅ Passport-size Photos

    • ✅ Immigration Medical Exam (if required)

    • ✅ Academic Documents & English Test Scores

    • ✅ Statement of Purpose / Letter of Explanation

    • ✅ Police Clearance (if applicable)

    • ✅ Proof of Visa Fee Payment

    💰 Financial Requirements (Minimum)

    RequirementAmount
    Tuition FeesVaries by course (approx. CAD 15,000–30,000/year)
    Living Expenses (outside Quebec)CAD 20,635 per year for a single student
    Return TransportationAdditional funds to cover travel

    🚀 Student Direct Stream (SDS) – Fast Track Option

    Indian students can apply under SDS for faster visa processing (usually within 20 working days) if they meet the following:

    • Have a valid Letter of Acceptance from a DLI

    • IELTS score of 6.0 or higher in each band

    • Purchase a GIC of CAD 20,635

    • Pay first-year tuition upfront

    • Apply online from outside Canada

    ✅ SDS is the most popular pathway for Indian students because of its speed and high approval rate.

    ⏰ Processing Time

    • SDS Applications: 20–30 days on average

    • Regular Applications: 6–12 weeks depending on volume and season

    • Apply 3–6 months before your program start date for best results.

    🛬 After Visa Approval

    • You will receive a POE Letter to present when entering Canada.

    • At the airport, you will be issued your Study Permit.

    • Attend orientation, open a bank account, and complete university registration.

    🌟 Why Study in Canada?

    • 🏫 Top-ranked institutions & globally recognized degrees

    • 💼 Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) up to 3 years

    • 🌐 Multicultural environment & high quality of life

    • 💰 Affordable compared to other major countries

    • ✈️ Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) for eligible graduates

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