Canada Student Visa Process Explained

Your Easy Guide to Canada Study Visa Process 2025

Canada is one of the top choices for Indian students who want to study abroad. The country is known for its high-quality education, welcoming environment, and good job options after graduation. But before you can attend a college or university in Canada, you need permission from the Canadian government. This permission is called a student visa or study permit. In this article, the full Canada Student Visa Process Explained will help you understand how to apply, what documents are needed, and how to get your visa approved in simple steps.

Understanding the Canada Student Visa
A Canada student visa is an official paper that lets students from other countries study in Canada. It is not just a visa for visiting; it is a special type of visa that allows you to stay in the country for the full length of your course. This visa is required if you are planning to study for more than six months. The visa is only given if you have an offer letter from a college or university that is approved by the Canadian government, which is called a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To apply for a student visa in Canada, you must first get an acceptance letter from a recognized Canadian school. Along with that, you must prove that you have enough money to pay your college fees, cover your living expenses, and buy a return ticket to your home country. You should also be in good health and may need to take a medical test. If asked, you must give a police certificate to show that you have no criminal record. Finally, you must agree in writing that you will leave Canada after your course ends unless you apply for another visa or work permit.

What Documents You Need to Prepare
When starting the student visa process, you will need to collect some important documents. First, you must have a valid passport. Then, you will need the official acceptance letter from your college in Canada. To show that you can support yourself financially, you must provide proof of funds, such as a bank statement or a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). Along with that, your academic certificates, a clear photo, and a letter explaining why you want to study in Canada (called a statement of purpose) are needed. In some cases, you might also have to provide a medical report and a police certificate. All your documents should be recent and correct. If they are not in English or French, you may need to get them translated.

Cost of Studying and Living in Canada
One of the most important steps in the Canada student visa process is showing that you have enough money. This includes the cost of tuition and daily expenses. In most colleges, tuition fees for one year are between CAD $15,000 and $20,000. In addition to that, you must show you have enough money for living costs. As of 2025, the Canadian government says students should have CAD $20,635 for one year. If you are bringing a family member with you, like your spouse or child, you need extra funds for them too.

Visa Application Fees and Health Checks
When you apply for your student visa, you will need to pay some fees. The visa application fee is CAD $150. Also, you must give your fingerprints and photo, which is called biometrics. The cost for biometrics is CAD $85. So in total, you will usually pay around CAD $235. In some cases, you may be asked to take a medical exam to prove that you are healthy enough to stay in Canada during your studies.

When and How to Apply for the Visa
It’s best to apply for your student visa as early as possible. You can apply 3 to 4 months before your course begins. First, you need to get your acceptance letter from a college or university in Canada. Then, visit the official IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website to create your account and fill in the online visa form. After uploading your documents and paying the fees, you will book a biometrics appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre. Once your biometrics are done, your application will be processed. Most students get a decision in about 4 to 8 weeks. If your application is approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter. You will need to show this letter when you arrive in Canada, and then you will receive your study permit at the airport.

What Is the Student Direct Stream (SDS)?
For Indian students, Canada offers a faster visa process called the Student Direct Stream or SDS. If you apply through SDS, you can get your visa decision in as little as 20 days. To qualify for SDS, you need an IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each band, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD $10,000, and proof that you have paid your first-year tuition fees. You must also provide all the required documents with your application. SDS is a great option if you meet these conditions because it saves time and improves your chances.

Working While You Study
One of the benefits of a Canadian student visa is that you can work while studying. With a study permit, you can work up to 20 hours per week during your classes and full-time during holidays or summer breaks. This is a good way to earn some money, gain work experience, and manage your expenses.

Bringing Family Members With You
If you are going to Canada for a long course, like a postgraduate degree, you may bring your spouse or children with you. Your spouse can apply for an open work permit, which allows them to work full-time in Canada. Your children can go to school while you study. However, you will need to show that you have enough money to support them during their stay.

Disclaimer:
The information shared in this article is for general knowledge and educational purposes only. While we do our best to keep the content accurate and up to date, visa rules, fees, and processes may change without notice. We strongly recommend that students check the official government websites or consult with a certified visa advisor before making any final decisions. Myedugoal is not responsible for any issues that may arise from the use of this information.

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