11 minsICEF Monitor reports that Indians comprise nearly 6% of the Canadian population. Every year, Canada welcomes over 20,000 international students from around the world. 33 institutions from Canada made it to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025. The high-quality education system, international student-friendly policies, post-study work opportunities, residency options and the quality of life it offers make Canada one of the most preferred destinations by Indian students.
This article offers information on all aspects of the Canadian Study Permit and details about Canadian embassies in India.
Requirements for a Canadian Study Permit
- Acceptance by a DLI: You should have received and accepted the offer from an authorised Canadian university. It should ideally be a full-time programme that will eventually get you a degree or diploma.
- Financial ability: You should be able to prove that you have enough finances to support:
- Your education in Canada
- Your life in Canada (and support the living expenses of your family members who came to Canada with you)
- The return transport from Canada for yourself and your family members who accompanied you to Canada.
- Good character: You should not have any criminal records against you. If there is any existing criminal record, you will have to get a Police Clearance Certificate.
- Good health: You should be in good health to be eligible to come to Canada. If your course is longer than 6 months, you should get a medical exam done in India. Only a Panel Physician has the right to do your medical exam. Check the list of Panel Physicians available on the Canadian government website. All the major Indian cities have Panel Physicians. The visa authorities will be the final decision makers even if your doctor clears your medical examination.
- Prove your intention to return to India: You should be able to prove to your visa officer that you intend to return to India after completing your studies or if your study permit expires.
Documents you need for Canadian study permit application
The major documents that you require for Canadian study permit application include:
- Offer letter from a Canadian institution: You should include the original or an electronic copy of the letter along with your study permit application.
- Passport and copies: It is a given that you and all your family members accompanying you should have a valid passport.
- Photographs: Two recent colour photographs as per specifications with the name and date of birth written behind them should be submitted.
- Proof of fees paid: Copy of invoice of fees paid to the Canadian institution
- English language proficiency test scores: Though this is not mandatory, it is advisable to carry it.
- Academic transcripts: This too, is not mandatory, but it is good to carry, just in case the visa officer would like to see it.
- Proof of financial ability of self/parents/sponsor: You should be able to prove that you can support yourself and any family member who comes with you to Canada, for the duration of your stay.
- Income tax returns: They should be submitted for the student and their parents for the past 2 years.
- Reference letter: This is required from individuals sponsoring your education. The letter should state their occupation, relationship with the student, details of their dependents and their full contact details.
- Proof of employment: If you were employed, you should have a letter from your past employer as well as three months’ payslips. The letter should indicate your job description, position, salary and allowances, years of employment etc.
- Study permit questionnaire: The filled questionnaire should be attached along with your application. The questionnaire will have questions about the agent who supported you with the application, your parents’ address and occupation, income etc.
- Letter of explanation: The purpose of this letter is to give a more complete picture of yourself to the immigration authorities. It should talk about your circumstances and motivation for studying in Canada.
- Medical examination form: The authorised doctor will give you a copy of the form IMM 1017 after completing your medical examination. It should be included along with your application.
- If you are married, a photocopy of your marriage certificate is also required.
- If you are a minor, you should have a letter of authorisation signed by both parents.
More points to keep in mind:
Will you be issued a Canadian study permit if you receive a conditional offer letter?
Conditional acceptance in most cases will mean that the candidate has to take pathway courses or prerequisite courses which should be successfully completed before enrolling for the main course. In such cases, the study permit issued to you will be valid only for the duration of the pathway course plus one year. Once you successfully complete the course, you have to apply for a new study permit and extend your stay in Canada as a student.
How can you submit your passport during online student permit applications?
If you are raising your student permit request online, upload the information page of your passport. Once your study permit is approved, you will have to send the original passport.
What documents are accepted as proof of finances for a Canadian study permit application?
- Document proving that you received a student loan or an educational loan.
- Bank statement for the past 4 months.
- Receipts from paying the tuition fee and accommodation fee.
- Proof of other funding received – such as a government or institution scholarship.
- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) for a Canadian study permit application?
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate is a type of investment made for a fixed period of time which guarantees fixed returns. This should be set up to ensure that you have enough money to live in Canada.
You should hold the GIC in an investment account or a student account in Canada that you can’t access until you are in Canada.
Once you are in Canada, you will receive an initial lump sum amount and the rest will be given to you in instalments over a period of 10 to 12 months.
The Canadian Deposit Insurance Company website lists the financial institutions that are authorised to give GIC to international students. SBI Canada, ICICI Bank and HSBC Bank of Canada are some of them.
How much money should I show as proof of finances for the Canadian study permit purposes?
The cost of living requirement for study permit applications has been revised. Applicants will have to show that they have CAD 20,635 to support their life in Canada. This is approximately INR 12,35,000, as per the exchange rates on 26 November 2024.
How to apply for a Canadian study permit
To start with your application, you should have this letter of acceptance from a DLI and also a valid passport. Students should also prove through bank records that they have the required funds to complete their studies in Canada. If you are applying to study in Quebec, you must have all other documents ready, including the Quebec Acceptance Letter.
It is best to apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. Here are the steps for online application:
First, make sure you have the following ready:
- A scanner or camera to make electronic copies of the documents to be uploaded.
- A valid credit or debit card to pay the visa fee.
Next, get ready for the online application:
Students can apply online to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). IMM 1294 is the form that you have to fill out while applying for a study permit.
For online application, you should create an IRCC secure account called the MyCIC account’ on the Canadian Immigration Website.
- The Canadian government website suggests two ways to register – one using a GCKey and another by registering with a sign-in partner. (Sign-in partners are banks or credit unions). The most popular way of registering is with the GCKey (GC = Government of Canada).
- Click ‘Register with GCKey’ on the IRCC website. Click on ‘sign up’ and follow the steps to create a username and password.
- Next, sign in with the GCKey username and password on the secure access page.
Before you start with the application, read through all the instruction guides and document checklists.
- Once you sign in, you will have to answer some questions before you upload the forms.
- submit scanned copies of all the required documents.
- Pay the fees which will include the processing fee and the biometrics collection fee.
Should the visa application be submitted online or offline?
- The Canada Study Permit application should be done online.
- If you have a disability that prevents you from applying online, you can opt to apply on paper.
Have more questions?
Filling up forms can be a bit perplexing at times and inadvertently one may make errors. Prospective students are advised to visit the Help Centre online resource for any queries about visa rules and visa requirements before applying online. Once students go through the FAQs, it will be easier to complete and submit the form.
Appointment at VAC
Once you apply for the Canadian study permit and pay the fees, you have to book an appointment with the VAC. You will receive the following for scheduling your appointment:
- a confirmation email
- the appointment letter
The visit to the visa application centre is mainly for enrolling your biometrics. Once you submit your application, make sure you pay the biometric fee too. This will ensure that you receive a letter with instructions on what to do next. Carry this letter as well as your passport when you visit VAC to give your biometrics.
Make sure your hands do not have any cuts, cracks henna or other designs. If you opt to submit the application in person, you’ll have to pay the application fee at VAC.
Remember that if your address or telephone number changes, you must update your application to reflect the changes.
What happens after you apply and complete all the procedures?
If your Canadian study permit application is approved, you will get your study permit. It will be given to you at the port of entry when you reach Canada.
Are you wondering how you will travel to Canada without a study permit?
If your Canada Study Permit application is accepted, you will receive a port of entry Letter of Introduction. It is a letter that confirms the acceptance of your study permit application.
Your visitor visa will be stamped in your passport. This is what will allow you to enter Canada.
What is the processing time for Canadian study permits?
The time taken to process the study permit varies from country to country. From the time you submit the complete application and give your biometrics, it takes around 10 weeks to process Canadian Study Permit applications.
- Students will receive a notification about the status of their application along with further instructions on contacting the college/university and when they can fly to Canada.
- You can also log in to your IRCC account to check the status of your application.
- The Student Direct Stream was the option to fast-track student visa applications. However, the Canadian government discontinued this feature in November 2024.
What are the costs associated with Canadian study permit applications?
Study permit application costs CAD 150 which is approximately 8965 rupees as per the conversion rates on 26 November 2024.
Once you submit your application, you have to pay the biometrics fee too, which is CAD 85 (approximately INR 5080).
Coming to Canada and post-arrival requirements
Once the student receives the study permit, the student should coordinate with the institution for clarity on when to reach the institution, the date of the student orientation event and the date of commencement of classes and plan the travel accordingly.
- Once you get your visa, there is no restriction on when you can come to Canada.
- Make sure you are carrying the ‘Letter of Introduction’ which is the authorised document confirming that your study permit application is approved.
- Carry all important documents with you, and not in the checked-in luggage. These include your passport, letter of acceptance from your university, proof of funds etc.
- Formalities at the Canadian border might take time. Plan accordingly.
- You will be directed to an immigration office to collect your study permit. Once you get it, make sure the details are correct before leaving the premises.
Keep in mind that you cannot work on or off campus until your classes begin.
Things to remember as you study in Canada on a Study Permit
As an international student on a study permit, you should remain enrolled in your programme at the Canadian university. Meeting the conditions of your study permit is necessary.
Always be aware of the period up to which you are eligible to legally remain in Canada.
What is the validity of a study permit?
Your study permit will be valid for the length of your study programme and an additional 90 days. If you intend to, there are options to extend your stay within these 90 days. But if your course ends earlier than expected, you will be eligible to stay only for another 90 days. This is irrespective of the validity end date mentioned on your study permit.
You will also be expected to stop your studies if you do not meet the requirements at any point.
When will your studies be considered completed?
When you get your completion letter, transcript or degree/diploma from the institution, your course is considered to be completed.
How can you renew the Canadian study permit?
If your study permit has not expired, you can apply for an extension.
If your study permit has expired, you can apply for a new study permit or restore your status as a temporary resident in Canada.
How to extend your study permit?
The application for extending your study permit should be submitted at least 30 days before the expiry date mentioned on the study permit. The application can be submitted online. The added advantage is that you will be able to check the status of the application in your online account.
Once you submit the application, you can study under the same conditions until the authorities make a decision, provided you continue to stay in Canada.
How to apply for a new study permit?
You can restore your status as a student by marking ‘Restore my status’ when you submit your application.
The fee for restoring your status as a student is CAD 379 (approximately INR 22,680).
Documents such as proof of payment, photocopies of passport pages, proof of financial ability, proof of acceptance of enrolment etc. are required to make the application. You can refer to the personalised document checklist sent to you at the time of online application.
Remember that a study permit is not a visa. It is not an acceptable document for your entry into Canada. However, if your study permit application is accepted, you will be automatically issued a visitor visa.
Glossary
Study Permit: What you know as the Canadian Student Visa is actually called the Study Permit.
DLI: DLI stands for Designated Learning Institution. As per the Canadian government website, a DLI is a school approved by the provincial or territorial government to host international students.
eTA: eTA stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation. It is an online document that permits visa-exempt foreign nationals to come to Canada.
Panel Physician: A doctor who is authorised to carry out your medical examination for Canadian visa purposes.
Accommodation options for international students
International students have several accommodation options in Canada. Some universities offer accommodations on campus or near the campus.
Dormitories: Large buildings, housing several students with shared rooms.
Townhouses: Single occupancy rooms with 3 to 6 such rooms in a unit. Spaces like the kitchen and living area will be shared.
Homestays: If you prefer a homely atmosphere, you can opt for homestays offered by Canadian citizens.
Shared apartments: Much like the shared apartments you find in India, you will have access to a single room with a common living area and kitchen shared with occupants of the other rooms.
Health insurance requirements for international students in Canada
Health insurance should be organised by the individual, but some universities in Canada will provide cover for international students. If the university or province is not arranging them, students will have to get private health insurance coverage.
Check with your institution before proceeding to get one.
Work permit and job opportunities for Canadian study permit holders
International students, enrolled in a full-time course and on a valid study permit can work on campus. Off-campus, you can work for up to 24 hours a week during academic sessions and work full-time during breaks/holidays.
Within 180 days of your graduation, you can apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit. Just make sure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your PGWP. The PGWP is an open work permit that will allow you to gain experience working in a foreign country. With this work permit, you can work part-time, full-time or be self-employed in Canada.
The validity of the PGWP depends on the length of your study programme. It could vary from 8 months up to 3 years.
Canadian consulates in India
In India, Canada is represented by the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi. Canada also has Consulates General in Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai.
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Addresses |
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New Delhi The High Commission of Canada, |
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Bengaluru Consulate General of Canada |
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Chandigarh |
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Mumbai One International Center, Tower 2, 21st Floor, Senapati Bapat Marg, Elphinstone Road (West), Mumbai 400 013 Phone: +91 22 6749 4444 |
Latest updates from Canada
- As part of the Canadian government's measures to reduce the temporary resident population, they plan to cap the number of international students allowed in the country. Under this plan, the number of study permits issued in 2025 will be capped at 437,000.
- Starting 1 November 2024, applicants will have to prove their English proficiency to be eligible for a Postgraduate Work Permit.
- Also, international graduates from public college programmes will only qualify for a three-year PGWP if their work aligns with areas of high labour market demand.
- Regarding work permit eligibility, only spouses of master’s students in programmes lasting 16+ months will qualify.
- Canada ends the SDS visa initiative as of November 8, 2024.
- Starting 8 November 2024, international students are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week, without a work permit.
Editor's note: This article was originally published in January 2016. We have included up-to-date information and made it comprehensive.
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