What are the eligibility requirements for Canada Student Visa (Study Permit)?
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada
- Valid passport or travel document
- Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel
- Be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record (police certificate may be required)
- Be in good health (medical exam may be required)
- Convince the visa officer that you will leave Canada after your studies, unless eligible to stay
- Complete IMM 1294 form (Application for Study Permit)
- Pay the study permit application fee (CAD $150)
What are the required documents?
Letter of Acceptance
Must have a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Valid Passport
Hold a valid passport or travel document
Proof of sufficient funds
Show proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and return travel
Good Health
Be in good health (medical exam may be required)
No Criminal Record
Have no criminal record (may need police clearance)
Leave Canada
Prove intent to leave Canada after study (unless eligible for further stay)
Complete Application
Submit a complete application with all required documents
Language Requirements
Meet language requirements (IELTS/TOEFL – especially under SDS route)
What is the application process for the Canada Student Visa ?

01.Apply and receive Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
02.Take an English language test (IELTS/TOEFL – especially for SDS route)
03.Gather all required documents (passport, financial proof, transcripts, etc.)
04.Complete Immigration Medical Exam (IME) (if applicable)
05. Fill and submit the Study Permit application (IMM 1294) online or via VAC
06.Pay the application fee (CAD $150) + biometrics fee (CAD $85 if applicable)
07.Submit biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
08.Wait for visa processing and respond to any requests from IRCC
09.Once approved, receive your POE Letter of Introduction
10.Travel to Canada and get your Study Permit issued at the port of entry
The application process for the Canada student visa
A Canada study visa (study permit) not only allows international students to pursue education at designated institutions but also offers multiple pathways for legal employment during and after studies. While studying, students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks without the need for a separate work permit, provided their study permit includes the work condition. This helps students earn income, gain Canadian work experience, and manage living expenses. Many institutions also offer co-op and internship programs, where students can work in roles related to their academic field.
After graduation, students are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to work full-time in Canada for up to 3 years, depending on the length of their study program. This post-study work experience can help students qualify for permanent residency through pathways like Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system. Thus, a Canadian study visa acts as a stepping stone not just for education but for long-term career and immigration opportunities.

After visa approval
Processing time varies by country and application stream. For the Student Direct Stream (SDS), it usually takes about 20 calendar days, while non-SDS applications may take longer.
Yes. If your study permit includes a work condition, you can work up to 20 hours/week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Yes, for SDS applicants, IELTS is mandatory (minimum 6.0 in each band). For non-SDS, other proof of English proficiency may be accepted depending on the institution.
Yes, you can apply for a spouse open work permit and dependent study permits for your children, subject to approval.
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is required under the SDS stream as proof of funds (~CAD $10,000). It ensures students have money for living expenses.
Yes. After gaining Canadian work experience via the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you may be eligible for PR through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Possibly. A medical exam is mandatory if you are from a country with high health risks or if you intend to work in healthcare, childcare, or education sectors.
If refused, IRCC will provide reasons. You can reapply with corrections, provide stronger documentation, or seek professional help (e.g., from a consultant like Radvision).
