A Canada Student Visa or Study Permit is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. It’s not just a visa, it’s also acts as permission to stay in the country for the duration of your studies.
If you’re planning to pursue any academic, vocational, or professional training program in Canada lasting more than 6 months, you must apply for a study permit before traveling.
Why Study in Canada?
Canada has become one of the top 3 destinations for international students. Here’s why:
High-quality education with globally ranked universities
Multicultural society that welcomes immigrants
Post-study work opportunities (up to 3 years)
Affordable tuition and living costs
Pathway to permanent residency (PR) after graduation,
Types of Student Visas in Canada
Canada issues study permits along with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a temporary resident visa (TRV) depending on your country of origin.
Regular Study Permit – For students attending DLIs full-time.
Student Direct Stream (SDS) – Fast-track visa processing for students from select countries (e.g., India, Nigeria, Philippines, Vietnam, etc.).
Short-term Study Visa – For programs less than 6 months.
Note: A study permit is not a visa, it doesn’t let you enter Canada. You also need a valid visitor visa or eTA.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Canada student visa in 2025, you must:
- Have a letter of acceptance from a DLI
- Show proof of financial support (at least CAD $20,635/year for living expenses, plus tuition)
- Have no criminal record
- Pass a medical exam if required
- Intend to leave Canada after studies (unless applying for PR)
- Be able to prove English or French proficiency if required.
Documents Required
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:
Letter of acceptance from a DLI
Valid passport
Proof of financial support (bank statements, GIC, scholarships)
Passport-sized photographs
Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
Custodian declaration (for minors)
Police clearance certificate (if required)
Visa application fee payment (CAD $150)
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Get Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
Apply and get accepted into a Canadian university or college that’s a DLI.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Collect all required documents (listed above).
Step 3: Apply Online
Create an account at IRCC portal and apply for a Study Permit.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
CAD $150 for the Study Permit + CAD $85 biometrics (if required)
Step 5: Biometrics Appointment
Book an appointment and provide fingerprints and photo.
Step 6: Attend Interview (if required)
You may be invited for an interview at a local Canadian Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Step 7: Wait for Decision
You’ll receive a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction if approved.
Step 8: Travel to Canada
Carry your POE letter, valid passport, and LOA when entering Canada.
Canada Study Permit Processing Time
Processing times vary by country and application stream.
| Country | Regular Processing | SDS Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 10–12 weeks | Not eligible |
| India | 4–6 weeks | 20 days |
| Philippines | 4–5 weeks | 20 days |
| Kenya | 8–10 weeks | Not eligible |
| Ghana | 9–11 weeks | Not eligible |
| Pakistan | 8–10 weeks | Not eligible |
Working While Studying in Canada
International students with a valid Study Permit can work:
Up to 20 hours/week during academic sessions
Full-time during scheduled breaks
No separate work permit is required. Your Study Permit will state your eligibility to work.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
After graduation, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid up to 3 years.
| Length of Study | PGWP Validity |
|---|---|
| Less than 8 months | Not eligible |
| 8 months – 2 years | Equal to length of program |
| 2+ years | Up to 3 years |
Reasons for refusal:
❌ Insufficient funds
❌ Weak ties to home country
❌ Unclear study plan
❌ Incomplete documents
❌ Language barrier
What to do:
Re-apply with stronger documentation
Address the visa officer’s concerns
Consult a licensed immigration consultant if needed.
Visa Renewal or Extension
If your study permit is about to expire, you must:
Apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry
Submit extension application online via IRCC portal
Stay in Canada under “implied status” while application is pending.
Costs Involved
| Item | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Study Permit Application | $150 |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 |
| Tuition Fee (per year avg.) | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| Living Expenses (GIC) | $20,635 |
| Medical Insurance | $600 – $1,000/year |
| IELTS Test | $300 – $320 |
Top Universities in Canada for International Students
University of Toronto
University of British Columbia (UBC)
McGill University
University of Alberta
McMaster University
University of Ottawa
Western University
University of Waterloo
Dalhousie University
Queen’s University.
Eligible Countries
Canada welcomes students from over 170 countries including:
🇳🇬 Nigeria
🇮🇳 India
🇵🇭 Philippines
🇵🇰 Pakistan
🇧🇩 Bangladesh
🇰🇪 Kenya
🇬🇭 Ghana
🇨🇳 China
🇧🇷 Brazil
🇲🇽 Mexico
🇲🇾 Malaysia
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇿🇦 South Africa
🇺🇬 Uganda
🇳🇵 Nepal
🇻🇳 Vietnam
🇲🇦 Morocco
🇷🇺 Russia
🇪🇬 Egypt.
Tips for a Successful Student Visa Application
Choose a genuine course aligned with your background
Maintain transparent financial documents
Write a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Show clear ties to your home country
Apply well in advance (at least 3–6 months early)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I bring my family to Canada?
A: Yes. Spouses can apply for an open work permit, and children can study in Canada.
Q: Can I apply for a Canada student visa without IELTS?
A: Some DLIs may waive IELTS if you studied in English. But SDS stream requires it.
Q: Can I change schools or programs after arriving?
A: Yes, but you must notify IRCC and ensure the new DLI is approved.
Q: Is GIC mandatory?
A: Only for SDS applicants. For regular stream, other financial proofs are accepted.
Q: How long can I stay in Canada after my study permit expires?
A: You can stay under implied status while awaiting renewal or PGWP.
Final Thoughts
The Canada Student Visa opens doors to a world-class education and a life-changing international experience. Whether you’re aiming to upskill, gain work experience, or become a future permanent resident, studying in Canada in 2025 is a smart move.
From globally ranked universities to pathways for work and PR, Canada offers international students more than just a degree, it offers a future.
Ready to apply?
Visit www.canada.ca to start your application or consult a certified immigration consultant.