- The path to studying in Canada begins with securing a student visa, which is officially called "study permit".
- Before applying, secure a university offer and gather your required documents. You must be accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and prepare proof of funds.
- Timing is everything. Study permit processing can take several weeks or longer, and some students may need to complete biometrics and medical examinations before approval.
- This guide covers everything you need to know about the application process, required documents, and key deadlines.
If you're planning to study at a university in Canada, you’ll likely need a study permit – Canada’s version of a student visa. Here's everything you need to know to get yours.
Canada is one of the most popular destinations for studying abroad, offering prestigious universities, a diverse culture, and a welcoming environment. By 2025, over one million international students are expected to be studying in Canada. With thousands of Bachelor's and Master's programmes available, it ranks just behind the United States and the United Kingdom as a top study choice.
- Students from India are one of Canada's largest international student community. If you are from India, check out our Student Visa Guide for Indian Students.
As inviting as Canada is, the student visa process in Canada has some strict rules. The government requires a study permit for stays longer than six months. Understanding the application process and preparing early is the best way to ensure a smooth transition.
What is a study permit for Canada?
A study permit in Canada is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows international students to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for longer than six months.
The study permit outlines conditions such as the duration of stay, work eligibility, and any restrictions on part-time employment or study location. Students must maintain full-time enrolment and study progress to keep their permits valid.
- Note: A study permit does not serve as a visa, so students may also need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa to enter the country. Once your study permit has been approved, you will receive an eTA automatically.
How long will your study permit be valid?
- If you receive a conditional acceptance, meaning you need to take preparatory courses before starting your programme, your permit will cover the duration of these courses plus one year.
- If your permit expires before you complete your studies, you will need to apply for a renewal.
Steps to apply for a Canada study permit
Here are the Canadian student visa requirements and some advice on language proficiency proof and on some country-specific requirements.
1. Get accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Before applying for a study permit, you must be accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)—a school approved to host international students.
- You can find a list of Designated Learning Institutions here and check if your desired university constitutes a DLI.
If you haven’t chosen a programme yet, use the StudyPortals search tool to find a programme and school that meets your criteria. To search, select the type of degree you’re looking for - Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. - type in your field of study followed by “Canada,” and hit search.
2. Check if you need a study permit
Not everyone needs a student visa. There are agreements between Canada and certain countries that exempt students from obtaining a permit. If you’re unsure whether you will need a study permit for your stay in Canada, you can find out by answering a quick questionnaire detailing your situation.
In short, you don’t need a Canadian study permit if:
- Your study programme lasts six months or less;
- You are a family or staff member of a foreign representative accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC);
- You are a member of a foreign armed force on official duties in Canada;
- You have Registered Indian status in Canada;
- You are a temporary resident and asylum seeker taking French language and culture courses in Quebec.
To learn if you need a study permit (student visa) or not, you can also check the Student Visa tab on our Canada country page and select your home country.
3. Prepare your student visa documents
Prepare all the necessary documents for your permit before beginning your online application. According to the Canadian government, you will need the following:
- The original or electronic copy of your letter of acceptance from a DLI;
- Proof of identity (a valid passport or travel document, plus two recent passport-sized photos);
- Proof of funds guaranteeing you will be able to financially support yourself during your studies (enough to cover your tuition fees and living costs, or a minimum of $10,000 CAD per year of study);
- A letter of explanation detailing your reasons for studying in Canada and assuring your understanding of your responsibilities as an international student;
- A Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) if you are planning on studying in Québec;
- A Custodian Declaration, if you are under 17 years old;
- The receipt for your payment of the $150 CAD study permit fee.
The Canadian government may require other documents depending on your country of origin. Check the official Government of Canada website for country-specific requirements.
4. Start your application
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can start your online application for a study permit. During your application, you will need to:
- Read the instruction guide to make sure you know the steps of the process;
- Create an online account and sign in (you will use your account to pay your fees, submit your application, and check your status);
- Fill out the forms online with your detailed personal information (name, address, background, and education);
- Upload the required documents (acceptance letter, identity, proof of funds, letter of explanation, and others);
- Pay your fees at the end of the application;
- Regularly check your application status for updates or extra requests.
If your application is approved, your student visa will be valid for the duration of your studies, plus 90 days. You can use this extra time to prepare for your departure from Canada or apply for a visa extension if you wish to stay.
5. Provide biometrics and pass a medical exam
Suppose you are applying from outside of Canada and have never given your biometrics before. In that case, you will be required to:
- Collect your fingerprints and photo at an official Visa Application Centre.
- Pay an $85 CAN fee (in addition to the $150 CAN study permit fee).
- Set an appointment at an official biometric collection site.
In specific cases, you may be exempt from this requirement. To be sure, you can answer a quick questionnaire and find out if you need to give biometrics when you apply.
Residents from certain countries will also be required to provide a medical examination conducted by an approved panel physician to complete their application. You can check here to find out if you need to submit a medical exam.
6. What is the Canadian study visa application timeline
The processing time varies by country. On average, it takes 8–13 weeks, but delays are common. Apply at least 4–6 months before your departure.
If you’re eligible, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) offers a faster processing option, with a decision made in just 20 days if you're from an eligible country.
- Countries that benefite from SDS: Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.
In addition to the documents required by the regular study permit stream, to qualify for the Student Direct Stream, you must have:
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate of $10,000 CAN
- Proof of language proficiency obtained through IELTS (scoring score of 6.0 or higher in each skill) or Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) (scoring 7.0 or higher in each skill).
7. Prove your English proficiency
While the study permit does not require proof of English skills, universities do. The most commonly accepted tests are:
Specific Country Requirements
The requirements and processing time may vary depending on your country of origin. For example:
- If you are from the United Kingdom or the USA, all of the instructions previously detailed will apply to you, but you will not need to submit a medical exam.
- Applicants from the UK will need to pay an additional $7 CAN eTA fee and wait up to 21 days after final approval to receive their permit.
- Applicants from the USA won’t need to pay any extra fees but will wait up to 35 days to obtain their permit.
- If you are applying from Nigeria, you will have to pay the $85 CAN fee to collect your biometrics. You may wait up to 112 days to receive your permit.
For more detailed information, please visit this page and select your country of origin to learn about the application process tailored to your specific country.
You can find more information about the study permit and student life in Canada on their official international student website.
Our partners in Canada
We recommend you also explore degrees offered by some of our partners in Canada:
- Centennial College offers over 160 full-time programmes, emphasising practical, hands-on learning and strong industry connections to prepare students for successful careers.
- University Canada West specialises in business-oriented education, offering accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees designed to advance careers in a dynamic global market.
These institutions offer excellent programmes and are known for their international student support and vibrant academic environments.
Start your journey today!
Applying for a Canada study permit takes time, but careful planning ensures a smooth process. Start exploring your options on StudyPortals and find the best programme for you!
- Browse top Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Canada now!
FAQs
1. How long does it take to get a study permit for Canada?
The processing time for a Canada study permit varies by country but typically takes 8–13 weeks. Applying 4–6 months in advance is recommended to avoid delays.
2. What are the financial requirements for a Canada study permit?
You must prove you can cover tuition and living expenses, with a minimum of $10,000 CAD per year (or $11,000 CAD in Québec), plus additional funds for dependents.
3. Can I work while studying in Canada with a study permit?
Yes! A valid study permit allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during breaks without needing a separate work permit.
4. How can I get my study permit faster?
If you’re from an eligible country, you can apply through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which processes applications in 20 days, provided you meet financial and language requirements.
