India continues to send a stream of students to Canada. While exceptional academic performance is still required for admittance to Canada's Top Universities, authorization to study is certified by Canada Study visa. You will need a study visa before entering Canadian territory, if you want to pursue an academic, professional, or vocational training at a university, college, or other educational institution. Students are given this study visa when they arrive in Canada. To get there, a student must first apply for a Temporary Resident Visa from the Canadian High Commission, which is aided by Visa Application Centers. The designated VACs for Canadian Visas are VFS Global Services.
- The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was officially discontinued on November 8, 2024 — all Canada study permit applications now go through the standard stream, taking approximately 4 to 16 weeks
- The proof-of-funds requirement rose to CAD 23,448 for living expenses (outside Quebec) from 1 September 2026
- Quebec students must show CAD 24,617 from January 1, 2026
- The study permit fee remains CAD 150 plus CAD 85 biometrics.
How Long Does Canada Study Visa Processing Take in 2026?
Canada study permit processing in 2026 takes approximately 4 to 16 weeks, with Indian applicants averaging around 9 weeks. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) fast-track was discontinued on November 8, 2024, so all applications now follow the standard stream. Apply at least 3 to 4 months before your intended start date to account for processing and biometrics.
Before you apply for a Canada Study visa, you should know how long it will take to receive final approval. It will make the process of applying for a visa easier and less stressful. Since the Student Direct Stream closed on November 8, 2024, all applications follow the standard stream, which typically takes about 4 to 16 weeks, with applications from India averaging around 8 to 9 weeks. However, this is only an estimate. Many factors can affect the time it takes for an Indian student visa to be processed in Canada.
Criteria for obtaining a Canada Student Visa in 2026
You can apply for a student visa in Canada if you meet the following criteria:
- You have been admitted into a specific educational institution (DLI).
- You must prove that you have the required amount of money to pay for your tuition and living expenses.
- You must show that you have no criminal background and a clean record. Candidates must produce a police verification certificate to prove this.
- A physical examination and a medical certificate certifying that you are in good health are required.
- During the visa interview, you must also persuade the visa officer that you will leave Canada after your studies are done.
How to write an SOP for Canada study visaRead →
What Is the SOP for a Canada Study Visa?
The Statement of Purpose (SOP) for a Canada study visa is a personal essay explaining why you chose Canada, your selected institution, your academic background, career goals, and why you will return home after completing your studies. A strong, specific SOP clearly addresses genuine intent to study and is a critical document for visa officers assessing your application in 2026.
When you’re applying for a student visa to study in Canada, the SOP, or Statement of Purpose, is an essential document that comprises a 1000-1500 word essay. It's an essay written by applicants to highlight their academic and professional achievements in order to acquire admission to the programme of their choice.
An SOP is an essay letter written by students seeking admission to international institutions of the world that highlights their career goals, motivations for choosing specific programmes, academic and professional achievements and other factors that motivate them to seek admission to international institutions of the world. The SOP lets the admissions committee evaluate your goals, ambitions, topic knowledge, and future plans. It provides information to the admissions committee.
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Canada study visa requirements in 2026 include: a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), proof of funds covering CAD 23,448 for living expenses plus first-year tuition, a valid passport, biometrics, a medical exam for Indian applicants, IELTS or equivalent, an SOP, and a credit card for the CAD 150 application fee.
After you have received your college admission letter, you should apply for a student visa. If you want to apply for the September intake, you should start the visa procedure around June. The materials required to apply for a Canada Student Visa are listed below.
1. A current passport
To apply for a Study visa, you must have a current passport. According to the Canadian High commission, you must have a passport that is valid for the duration of your anticipated stay in Canada. For instance, if you plan to travel to Canada in 2026 for a two-year degree, then your passport must be valid until at least September 2028.
2. Proof of Acceptance From a Designated Learning Institution
Acceptance Letter from the university/institute you intend to attend is required. The Immigration Department recognises a Designated Learning Institute as a university.
3.Proof of Funds
Upon applying for your Study Permit, you will be needed to show proof of funding. You must demonstrate that you have the financial means to fund both your tuition and living expenses, according to current standards. International students applying outside Quebec must now show proof of funds of at least CAD 23,448 for living expenses for the first year, raised from CAD 22,895 on 1 September 2026, in addition to first-year tuition, according to IRCC. Apart from the requirements listed above, the student must additionally show that he or she has enough money to return home.
4.Photographs in Passport Size
You'll need two passport-sized images that match the standards if you're sending your application by mail. For an online application, you must obtain a digital copy of the photograph that is no larger than 4MB. A neutral facial expression, a plain background, and no headgear are also required (unless for religious purposes). Note:
- Size of the photo should be at least 35 mm x 45 mm.
- The photo must be current ( not older than 6 months)
5. Medical Exam for Immigration (IME)
Canadian Immigration requires international students from India to complete a necessary Immigration Medical Examination administered by empanelled doctors. Students should schedule a medical examination with one of the following doctors at least one week before beginning their Visa application. This gives the doctor enough time to double-check and upload the necessary paperwork. It is normally recommended that you schedule an appointment with the nearest facility/ practitioner from the list of empanelled doctors in advance.
Physicians will conduct medical examination and may advise you to get chest x-rays and laboratory tests. When your checkup is finished, the doctor will send the results to CIC.
6. English Language Proficiency Test Score
We recommend that you to take the English Language Proficiency Test and acquire your score before beginning with the Visa Application Process, even if it is not needed at the time of application. You would have had to submit your English language proficiency score to confirm your entrance to the Canadian university. The TOEFL, IELTS, and other comparable tests are accepted.
7. Statement of Purpose
When you're applying for a Canadian Study visa, you are requested to submit an essay explaining why you are visiting Canada and why you have picked the specific university. On the checklist, you will be prompted to submit this as an optional document, although we strongly advise you to do so.
8. Payment card
You pay the CAD 150 study permit fee and the CAD 85 biometrics fee online in your IRCC account. Have a card ready that works for international online payments. It does not have to be your own card; a parent's card can be used with their consent.
The interviewer may ask for extra documentation during the personal interview. These could be documents proving academic or financial standing. Some examples are:
- Transcripts, , degrees, or certificates from universities you attended
- Test results such as the SAT, GRE,TOEFL, and GMAT
- Your intention to leave Canada once your studies are completed
- How will you pay for all of your educational, living, and travel expenses?
How to get PR in Canada after studyingRead →
What Are the Canada Study Visa Fees in 2026?
The Canada study permit application fee is CAD 150 in 2026, confirmed by IRCC. Most applicants also pay a biometrics fee of CAD 85, bringing the total to CAD 235. The fee is paid online by credit card. In Indian rupees at current rates, CAD 150 is approximately INR 9,150 and the total is approximately INR 14,335.
The charge for a Canada study permit is CAD$ 150, according to the CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) website (including extensions). Value added and service expenses are not included in the visa fee.
The cost of a student visa to Canada in Indian rupees is as follows:
| Fee Item (2026) | Amount (CAD) | Amount (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Study permit (including extensions) | CAD 150 | approx. INR 9,150 |
| Biometrics fee | CAD 85 | approx. INR 5,185 |
| Total (permit + biometrics) | CAD 235 | approx. INR 14,335 |
Pay the fees online when you submit your application through your IRCC account, and save the payment receipt, because you must include it with your application. The VFS Global visa application centre may charge its own service fee when you give your biometrics. Check current fees on the IRCC website before you pay.
Canada Study Visa Process 2026
The Canadian study permit application process :
- Obtain a letter of acceptance from a recognised educational institution (DLI)
- Download an application packet or apply for the permission online.
- Pay the application cost and retain the receipt.
- Obtain a medical examination from a panel physician licenced in your country.
- Get a response to your application
Can You Get a Canada Study Visa Without IELTS in 2026?
Yes, some Canadian universities accept English proficiency evidence other than IELTS, such as TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo English Test, or a medium-of-instruction letter confirming prior English schooling. Institutions vary in their requirements, so always check the specific university policy. A study permit application must still demonstrate adequate English proficiency for your chosen program.
Various indicators are used by Canadian universities to evaluate the English language proficiency of applicants. It is possible to study in Canada without taking the IELTS exam if you meet the university's alternative language competency standards. Many Canadian colleges additionally require candidates to submit a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from any previous educational institution. Additionally, a number of overseas students from specific nations are excluded from giving English language competence ratings. Furthermore, English language competency exams other than IELTS are routinely accepted by Canadian academic institutions during the admissions process.
Why Canadian Study Permits Get Refused and How to Avoid ItRead →Do You Need a Provincial Attestation Letter in 2026?
Most study permit applicants need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they will study, or a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for Quebec. From 1 January 2026, master's and doctoral students are exempt from the PAL requirement. Your college or university usually arranges the PAL after you accept its offer.
Without a PAL when one is required, IRCC returns or refuses the application, so do not submit until you have it. PALs are issued against each province's share of Canada's study permit allocation, which is 309,670 spaces in 2026, so apply to your institution early in the cycle.
Can You Work While Studying in Canada?
Yes. Eligible full-time students with a study permit can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during academic sessions and full time during scheduled breaks such as the summer holidays. On-campus work is also allowed. After graduating, you may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit if your program and institution are eligible.
Check the condition printed on your study permit, because it states whether you are allowed to work. Working more than the limit during term can put your status at risk. Keep records of your hours and pay, especially if you plan to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit or permanent residence later.
How Long Is a Canada Study Permit Valid?
IRCC says a study permit is usually valid for the length of your study program plus an extra 90 days. The extra time lets you prepare to leave Canada or apply to stay longer, for example for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. If your studies run past the expiry date, apply to extend before it ends.
If you finish your program early, your permit stops being valid 90 days after you complete your studies, even if the printed expiry date is later. Keep your passport valid too, because a study permit is not issued for longer than your passport is valid.
Do You Need a Visa as Well as a Study Permit?
Yes. A study permit is not a travel document. If IRCC approves your study permit, it also issues the visitor visa or electronic travel authorization you need to enter Canada. Indian citizens receive a visitor visa in their passport and a port of entry letter, which they show to the border officer on arrival.
At the airport, the border officer issues your actual study permit after checking your passport, port of entry letter, letter of acceptance and proof of funds, so carry these in your hand luggage. Check that the details on your permit are correct before you leave the border area.