- There have been big changes to how Indian students apply to study in Canada. 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 two years. The process 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, Indian students who want to study in Canada must own a study permit. Let’s explore the key requirements and steps.
Basic requirements for Indian students to get a study permit:
- Acceptance from a DLI: You must have a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada (a university or college approved by a provincial government to host international students).
- Proof of sufficient funds: You need to prove you have enough money to pay for your first year of tuition, living expenses, and return transportation. Details on financial proof are covered in the next section.
- No criminal record: You must obey the law and have no serious criminal convictions. The visa office might ask you for a clearance certificate issued by the Indian Police, to show good conduct.
- Good health: You must be in good health and undergo a medical examination if required. Students from India planning to stay more than 6 months typically need an immigration medical exam by an approved panel physician.
- Intent to leave after studies: Importantly, you must convince the visa officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires unless you legally extend it. This doesn’t bar you from applying for post-graduate work permits or immigration later, but it means your current application should show your primary intent is to study and not to stay illegally.
Steps Indian students must take to apply for a Canadian study permit
- Get accepted and collect documents. Apply to a Canadian university or college and get your acceptance letter. You’ll also need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province where your school is. This is required before applying.
- Prepare financial and supporting papers. Get your proof of funds, tuition payment receipt, passport, photos, and test scores (like IELTS). It’s also smart to write a Statement of Purpose explaining your study goals and why you chose Canada.
- Apply online via IRCC. Create an account on the IRCC website, fill in the forms, and upload your documents for the study permit.
- Pay your fees. Pay the visa fee (CAD 150) and the biometrics fee (CAD 85) online when you apply.
- Give biometrics. After applying, visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India to give your fingerprints and photo.
- Do your medical exam. If you didn’t take a medical exam before applying, IRCC may ask you to do it after. You’ll need to visit an approved doctor. Doing it early can save time.
- Wait for your result. Once everything is submitted, IRCC will process your application. Most Indian files are handled in New Delhi or Bangalore. You can track progress in your IRCC account.
Financial requirements for Indian students applying to Canada
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 of 2024, Indian students must show at least CAD 20,635 (about INR 12–13 lakhs) for living costs alone—plus their first-year tuition fees. This is a big change from the older CAD 10,000 rule. Your visa may be refused if you can’t show this amount properly.
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:
- GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate): A deposit of the minimum required amount in a Canadian bank. You’ll get a certificate to include in your application.
- Bank statements or certificate: Your or your parent’s bank statements from the last 4 months, plus a bank balance certificate if available.
- 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?
To get into a Canadian university or college, you must show proof of English (or French) skills. However, Canada does not require you to submit IELTS, TOEFL, or other language test scores for the study permit. Your acceptance letter is enough because it shows the school has already checked your language level.
Still, many Indian students choose to include their IELTS score with their visa application, even if it’s not required. A strong score can help support your case and show the visa officer that you're ready to study in English.
Biometrics and medical examination requirements for students from India
Biometrics are required for almost all Indian students applying to study in Canada. This means you’ll need to give your fingerprints and photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) run by VFS Global. These centres are in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and others.
- After you apply online, you’ll get a letter from IRCC telling you to book your appointment.
- Bring your passport, appointment confirmation, and the letter.
- The process takes about 10–15 minutes.
- You’ll pay a biometric fee of CAD 85 when submitting your visa application.
- Once done, your biometrics stay valid for 10 years.
Medical exams are also needed for most Indian students, since you’ll stay in Canada for more than six months. You can take the exam before applying (called an upfront exam) or wait for IRCC to ask you.
- Book your appointment with a Canadian-approved doctor (called a panel physician) in your city.
- The exam includes a basic health check, blood test, and chest X-ray.
- Bring your passport, glasses (if you wear any), and passport-size photos.
- The cost is around INR 5,000–9,000, paid directly to the clinic.
- The doctor will send your results to IRCC electronically, and if you took the exam early, you’ll get a form to upload with your visa application.
How much does it cost for Indian students to get a Canadian student visa?
| Cost | Approximate value (INR/CAD) | Where you pay | Covered by Scholarship/Sponsor |
| Study Permit Application Fee | CAD 150 (~INR 9,200) | Canadian Government | No |
| Biometrics Fee | CAD 85 (~INR 5,200) | Canadian Government | No |
| Medical Examination Fee | INR 5,000 - INR 9,000 | Indian Clinic (Panel Physician) | No |
| IELTS or Other Language Test Fee | INR 15,000 - INR 17,000 | Indian Test Centre (IELTS, PTE, etc.) | Sometimes |
| Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) | CAD 20,635 (~INR 1,260,000) | Canadian Bank | Sometimes |
| First-Year Tuition Fee | CAD 10,000 - 25,000 (~INR 610,000 - INR 1,525,000) | Canadian Institution | Yes |
| Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Processing (if any) | Usually Free (Varies by Province) | Indian/Provincial Government | No |
| Police Clearance Certificate (if requested) | INR 500 - INR 1,000 | Indian Police Authorities | No |
| Document Translation/Notarisation (if required) | INR 500 - INR 1,500 | Indian Translation/Legal Services | No |
| Courier Charges (e.g. passport submission) | INR 1,000 - INR 2,000 | Courier Services (India) | No |
| VFS VAC Service Fee (for biometrics/processing) | INR 1,000 - INR 2,000 | VFS Global (on behalf of Canada) | No |
| Travel Insurance (optional, for pre-arrival) | INR 500 - INR 3,000 | Indian Insurers (Optional) | Sometimes |
| Flight Ticket to Canada | INR 70,000 - INR 120,000 | Airlines | Sometimes |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~INR 2,466,650 |
How long does it take to get a Canadian study permit from India?
The processing time depends on the IRCC visa office workload. According to IRCC’s online processing time tool, the average processing for study permits from India in late 2024 was around 8 weeks (2 months), which means waiting time can be longer in peak season.
- Upfront planning: Because of these timelines, Indian students are strongly advised to apply well in advance of their program start. For instance, if your program starts in September, aim to apply by May or June at the latest (earlier if possible, especially if not using SDS). Applying 3-4 months in advance gives a buffer for any delays or reapplications if needed.
Tip: For the January (winter) start, try to apply by September/October of the previous year. IRCC does process some late applications quickly, but it’s risky to bank on that.
What changed in Canada’s study permit rules for Indian students
In 2023 and 2024, Canada introduced major changes to its student visa process—directly affecting Indian students, who make up the largest group of international students in the country.
- One key change was the 2024 study permit cap, which cut the number of visas Canada plans to issue from 436,000 in 2023 to just 231,000. This was meant to slow down the rising number of incoming students and reduce pressure on housing and services.
- Another big shift was the closure of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) in November 2024. This fast-track visa route helped Indian students get approvals in about 20 days—now all applicants must go through the regular, longer process.
- Canada also doubled the financial requirement for study permits. Students must now show proof of at least CAD 20,000 for living expenses, on top of tuition, to prove they can support themselves.
- Most rejections in 2023–24 happened because of low funds, unclear study plans, or doubts about a student’s intention to return home. Students with strong finances, a solid academic plan, and admission to recognised institutions had better chances of approval.
In conclusion
The last two years have seen big changes for student visas in Canada. Indian students need to adapt to the new requirements, which essentially means being better prepared financially and paperwork-wise.
Canada sees Indian students as an important part of its culture and economy. International students bring in around $22 billion, and Indian students make up a big part of that. The new rules aren't meant to stop students from coming—they're meant to ensure those who come are ready and can succeed. If you stay up to date and plan carefully, you’ll have a better chance of getting your visa.
Sources used for documenting this guide:
- Government of Canada (IRCC) – Study Permits
- IRCC News Release – End of Student Direct Stream (2024)
- India Today – Report on 2024 Visa Approval Drop (ApplyBoard/Globe)
FAQs
1. How much money do Indian students need to show for a Canada student visa in 2024?
You must show proof that you can support yourself while studying in Canada by paying at least CAD 20,635 for living expenses and first-year tuition fees.
2. Is IELTS required for a Canadian study permit?
No, IRCC doesn’t require IELTS for the study permit, but most universities and colleges in Canada do. Including a strong IELTS score can still help your visa application.
3. What is a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), and do Indian students need it?
Yes. As of 2024, most Indian applicants must include a PAL with their application. This letter confirms your spot is approved by the province where your school is located.
4. Can Indian students still use the Student Direct Stream (SDS) for faster visa processing?
No. The SDS pathway ended in November 2024. All Indian students now have to apply through the regular study permit process.
5. How long does it take to get a Canada student visa from India?
On average, it takes around 8 weeks, but it can be longer during busy seasons. It’s best to apply 3–4 months before your course starts.
