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).
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.
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 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.
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
Visit the official Create a GCKey account and fill out the Study Permit application form.
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Study Permit Application | CAD 150 |
| Biometrics Fee | CAD 85 |
Pay online using a credit/debit card.
Schedule an appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Provide fingerprints and a photograph.
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.
✅ 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
| Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Varies by course (approx. CAD 15,000–30,000/year) |
| Living Expenses (outside Quebec) | CAD 20,635 per year for a single student |
| Return Transportation | Additional funds to cover travel |
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.
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.
🏫 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
🏆 Top 10 Universities in Canada (2025)
University of Toronto
🇨🇦 #1 in Canada, Top 25 globally; excellent for Engineering, Business, Medicine, Computer Science
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Known for research, sustainability, and global diversity
McGill University
World-renowned for Medicine, Law, and Research; located in vibrant Montreal