Study Permits and Student Visas in Canada – 2025 Update
International students planning to pursue academic programs in Canada must secure a study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Along with a study permit, a student visa—or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for visa-exempt nationals—is essential for entering and residing in Canada for study purposes.
A study permit is required for nearly all academic endeavors, with the exception of preschool attendance, full distance-learning programs, non-academic courses, or programs lasting six months or less.
Eligibility Requirements for a Canadian Study Permit
Letter of Acceptance
Applicants must obtain a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Under the most recent updates, DLIs are now required to authenticate acceptance letters directly with IRCC to ensure document integrity.
Minimum Fund Requirements
Prospective students must demonstrate adequate financial resources to cover the first year’s tuition fees, living expenses, and transportation costs. As of January 2024, the minimum proof of funds threshold has increased to CA$20,635 (excluding tuition), reflecting Canada’s updated financial benchmarks.
Admissibility
To be deemed admissible, candidates may need to provide Police Clearance Certificates and undergo medical examinations. These measures help ensure that applicants meet Canada’s public health and safety standards.
Purpose and Intent
Applicants should clearly establish their intent to leave Canada upon completing their studies—or after the expiration of their Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), if applicable. Demonstrating ties to your home country remains a critical component of your application.
Steps to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit
Step 1 – Document Preparation
Gather the necessary documents using a reliable scanner or camera along with a valid payment method. Essential documents include:
- A valid passport
- A verified Letter of Acceptance from a DLI
- Proof of funds (such as a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), bank statements covering the last four months, and receipts for tuition payments)
- A Letter of Explanation outlining your purpose and study plans in Canada
Step 2 – Generate Your Document Checklist
Answer the online questionnaire provided by the IRCC portal to receive a customized document checklist tailored to your application.
Step 3 – Create Your IRCC Account
Register on the IRCC website to start your application process and manage your submissions online.
Step 4 – Pay the Required Fees
Submit payment for all related fees, which may include those for biometrics, processing, language testing, medical examinations, and police certificates. Fee amounts are updated periodically, so be sure to check the current fee schedule.
Step 5 – Complete and Submit Your Application
Fill out the necessary forms accurately and upload all required documents through your IRCC account.
Step 6 – Await Application Approval and Passport Request
After reviewing your submission, IRCC will notify you of the approval and send a request to submit your passport to the nearest Visa Application Centre.
Study Permit Extensions
A study permit is generally valid for the duration of your academic program plus an extra 90 days, which grants you time either to extend your stay or to depart Canada.
Understanding Student Visas in Canada
While a study permit authorizes you to remain in Canada as a student, it does not grant entry. To enter Canada, you must also possess a valid visitor visa or eTA.