Canada Student Visa From India: Fees and Requirements in 2027

This guide explains everything Indian students need to know about getting a study permit for Canada.
You’ll find clear steps to apply, a complete list of required documents, details on how much money you need to show, and what has changed recently.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS), which used to offer faster processing for Indian students, ended in late 2024. Everyone must use the regular study permit process, which takes longer.
Costs have also increased—not necessarily tuition fees, but you must now prove you can cover higher living expenses to get your visa approved.

Canada has made several important changes to its student visa rules in the last few years. Becoming a student here has become stricter, with higher financial requirements and new application steps. Some fast-track options that Indian students used before are no longer available. These changes are meant to ensure that students who come to Canada are capable of successfully pursuing their degrees.

Like all international students, most Indian students who want to study in Canada must get a study permit, which is the document that allows you to study (while an entry visa allows you to travel to Canada).

Let’s explore the key requirements and steps.

Study permit in Canada for Indian students

How much does it cost for Indian students to get a Canadian student visa?

The Canadian study permit application fee is CAD 150. If you also need to provide biometrics, the combined government fees are CAD 235. Medical examinations and other services cost extra.

Tuition and the funds you must show for living expenses are separate.

Item	Cost
Study permit application	CAD 150
Biometrics, if required	CAD 85
Government-fee total when both apply	CAD 235
Medical examination, if required	Confirm with your approved panel physician
Other services, such as translations or courier delivery	Costs depend on the services you need

These application expenses are separate from tuition, living expenses and travel. Proof of funds is evidence that you can afford your studies, not an additional payment to the Canadian government.

* Fees checked on 16 October 2026. Your payment provider’s exchange rate and charges determine the amount you pay in Indian rupees.

How to apply for a Canadian study permit from India

Get accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI). You need its letter of acceptance before applying. Explore Master’s programmes in Canada.
Check whether you need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL). Since 1 January 2026, applicants to degree-granting Master’s and doctoral programmes at public DLIs are exempt. Other exemptions exist. If you need a PAL/TAL, ask your institution how to obtain it. Quebec’s provincial requirements still apply.
Prepare your documents. Follow your personalised IRCC checklist and the India-specific visa office instructions. Prepare your passport, academic records, financial evidence and any additional documents requested.
Apply online through IRCC. Complete the forms and upload your supporting documents.
Pay the applicable fees. The study permit application costs CAD 150. Biometrics cost an additional CAD 85 if you need to provide them.
Complete your biometrics and medical requirements. If new biometrics are required, follow your instruction letter to book an appointment. If you need a medical examination, IRCC recommends completing it before applying through an approved panel physician.
Track your application. Check your IRCC account and respond to requests for additional information.

Study permit in Canada for Indian students

Proof of funds for a Canadian study permit

To get a Canadian study permit, you must prove you have enough money to pay for tuition and living costs—without depending on work. Visa officers need to see that your funds are real, available, and from trusted sources.

Minimum funds needed

As checked on 16 October 2026, IRCC lists CAD 23,448 for one applicant’s annual living expenses outside Quebec. This excludes tuition and transportation. You must demonstrate sufficient funds for your first year and explain how you will finance the remainder of your programme. Accompanying family members increase the amount required. Quebec has separate financial requirements.

What you can use as proof of funds

You must show clear, trusted documents to prove you have enough money to study in Canada. It's best to use more than one source of proof. These are the most common options for Indian students:

Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): A GIC from a Canadian financial institution is one accepted way to demonstrate funds. It is not compulsory for every applicant and is not an application fee.
Bank statements: Provide statements for the past six months, including the month you apply or the preceding month, together with documents explaining the source of the money.
Education loan letter: A loan approval letter from your bank showing the amount and that it’s for overseas studies.
Tuition or accommodation receipts: Proof you’ve already paid some or all of your fees or housing.
Sponsor’s letter: If a parent or family member funds your studies, include a signed letter and their financial documents.
Other income proof: Documents like tax returns, salary slips, or rental income to show steady finances.
Scholarships: An official letter if you’ve received funding from a school or organisation.

Do you need an English language test?

Your university or college sets its own English or French language requirements. Check which tests or alternative evidence it accepts.

For your study permit, follow your personalised IRCC document checklist and the India-specific visa office instructions. IELTS is not listed as a universal requirement in the India checklist reviewed on 16 October 2026. However, IRCC may request additional supporting documents. A university acceptance letter does not replace the other evidence required for your application.

Biometrics and medical examination requirements for students from India

Biometrics:

Check whether you need to provide new fingerprints and a photograph. Biometrics previously provided for a visitor visa, study permit or work permit are generally valid for ten years.
If new biometrics are required, pay the CAD 85 fee and follow your IRCC instruction letter to arrange an appointment at a Visa Application Centre. Bring the documents specified in your appointment instructions.

Medical examination

You generally need an immigration medical examination if you plan to stay in Canada for more than six months and have lived in or visited India for six consecutive months during the year before arriving. Other circumstances can also trigger this requirement.
IRCC recommends completing the examination before applying. Use an approved panel physician and confirm the current cost directly with the clinic.
Bring your identification, glasses or contact lenses, relevant medical records and medication details. You will need photographs if the clinic does not use eMedical. X-rays and laboratory tests depend on your age and circumstances.
The physician sends your results to IRCC. If you complete an upfront examination, upload the confirmation document with your application.

Canada study permit processing time from India

Processing times change. Check the IRCC processing-time tool for study permit applications submitted from India.

The India-specific visa office checklist recommends applying at least three months before your planned travel date. This is planning guidance, not a guarantee that your application will be completed within three months. Missing documents or requests for further information can cause delays.

Recent changes in Canada’s study permit rules for Indian students

The main changes relevant to your application are:

SDS has closed. The Student Direct Stream ended on 8 November 2024. You can no longer apply through this route.
Financial requirements have increased. Check the current living-expense threshold alongside tuition and transportation costs.
Some graduate applicants are exempt from PAL/TAL requirements. Since 1 January 2026, this exemption covers degree-granting Master’s and doctoral programmes at public DLIs.
Canada continues to limit study permit intake. IRCC’s 2026 target is 408,000 permits, including new arrivals and extensions within Canada. This is not a quota solely for new overseas students.

FAQs

1. How much money do Indian students need to show for a Canada study permit?

One applicant outside Quebec needs CAD 23,448 for annual living expenses, plus tuition and transportation. If family members plan to join you, this amount will increase. Quebec has separate rules.

2. Is IELTS required for a Canadian study permit?

Your university decides how it checks your level of English or French. IELTS is one of the options available.

3. Do Indian students need a provincial attestation letter?

Many applicants need a PAL/TAL, but exemptions apply. Since 1 January 2026, applicants to degree-granting Master’s and doctoral programmes at public DLIs are exempt. Quebec’s provincial requirements still apply.

4. How long does it take to get a Canada study permit if you're from India?

Check IRCC’s live processing-time tool for the current estimate. The India-specific checklist recommends applying at least three months before planned travel, but this does not guarantee a decision within that period.

5. Is a GIC compulsory for a Canadian study permit?

No. A Guaranteed Investment Certificate is one accepted way to demonstrate funds, but it is not compulsory for every applicant. Other evidence can include bank statements, an education loan or scholarship funding. Follow the financial-document requirements for your application.

Sources used for documenting this guide:

* Official sources checked on 16 October 2026. Requirements, fees and processing times may change.

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