Canada Canada Student Visa (Study Permit)

A Canadian Student Visa, officially known as a Study Permit, is required for international students intending to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada for more than 6 months.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Canada Student Visa

✅ Step 1: Get Admission & Letter of Acceptance

• Apply to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.

• Upon acceptance, you will receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA).

• Ensure the college/university is on the official DLI list.

✅ Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Personal & Educational Documents

• Valid passport

• Passport-size photographs

• Educational transcripts & certificates

• IELTS/TOEFL score (as required by the institution)

Visa-Specific Documents

• Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI

• Proof of funds (tuition + living expenses)
  Minimum: CAD 10,000/year (more for certain provinces)

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Letter of Explanation

• Tuition fee payment receipt (recommended)

• GIC Certificate (for SDS applicants – CAD 10,000)

• Medical exam (if required)

• Police clearance certificate (if applicable)

✅ Step 3: Apply for the Visa (Online or Paper-based)

• Apply online via the IRCC website:
  https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html

You will need to:

• Create an IRCC account

• Upload all documents

• Pay the application fee (CAD 150) and biometric fee (CAD 85)

✅ Step 4: Provide Biometrics

• Book and attend a biometrics appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC)

• Biometrics are valid for 10 years

✅ Step 5: Wait for Decision

• Visa processing time: 2 to 8 weeks, depending on country and application type

• You may be asked to attend an interview or submit additional documents

✅ Step 6: Receive Port of Entry (POE) Letter

• If approved, you’ll receive a POE Letter (Introduction Letter) and, if required, a temporary resident visa (TRV) or eTA.

✅ Step 7: Travel to Canada

• Show your POE letter and documents to the immigration officer at the Canadian port of entry.

• The Study Permit will be issued at the airport.

What is SDS (Student Direct Stream)?

A faster visa processing option for eligible students from countries like India, China, Philippines, etc. If the student meets the following requirements, they can apply through the SDS (Student Direct Stream).

• • IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each band

  • Full payment of 1 year’s tuition fee

  • Purchase of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth CAD 10,000

Visa Processing Time

• Standard: 4–8 weeks

• SDS route: 20 calendar days (if eligible and documents are complete)