How to get a Canada student visa: fees, funds, documents and timeline
Study permit at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa | Study permit |
| Application fee | CA$150 plus CA$85 biometrics |
| Health cover | Health cover is provincial or through a university plan, budgeted above |
| Funds to show | CA$22,895 for one year of living costs outside Quebec (2025 figure) plus first-year tuition and travel. A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of that amount is the simplest proof |
| Validity | Length of the programme plus 90 days |
| Post-study route | Post-Graduation Work Permit: Up to 3 years, matched to programme length for programmes under 2 years |
How to apply, step by step
- Accept your offer and pay the tuition deposit so the college can issue your PAL
- Open a GIC with a participating Canadian bank and transfer the funds
- Apply online through the IRCC portal, upload documents, pay fees
- Give biometrics; complete a medical exam if instructed
- Processing takes 4 to 12 weeks depending on country; the Student Direct Stream closed in November 2024
Documents checklist
- Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution
- Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), issued through the college
- Proof of funds: GIC, bank statements, education loan sanction letter
- Passport, photos, medical exam from a panel physician if required
- Statement of purpose (letter of explanation)
- Police certificate if asked
Financial evidence
CA$22,895 for one year of living costs outside Quebec (2025 figure) plus first-year tuition and travel. A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of that amount is the simplest proof. Education loans from recognised lenders are accepted. Money must be in your name or a parent's with a consent letter, and statements must be recent. Our loan partners issue sanction letters that visa offices recognise.
After you graduate
Post-Graduation Work Permit: Up to 3 years, matched to programme length for programmes under 2 years. Master's graduates get 3 years regardless of programme length. College graduates need an eligible field of study.
Working on a student visa
24 hours a week off campus during term, full time in scheduled breaks. Minimum wages of CA$15.00 to CA$17.60 an hour depending on the province.
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
Is a study gap accepted in Canada?
Yes, up to about two years for undergraduate study and five for postgraduate, with documents to explain it. Longer gaps are harder for a study permit unless you have relevant work experience.
How much money do I need to show for a Canadian study permit?
First-year tuition, plus CA$22,895 for living costs for a single applicant outside Quebec, plus travel. A GIC from a Canadian bank is the cleanest evidence. Add roughly CA$5,000 to CA$6,000 for each accompanying family member.
How long is the Post-Graduation Work Permit?
It matches programme length for programmes between 8 months and 2 years, and is 3 years for programmes of 2 years or more and for all master's degrees. You must apply within 180 days of your final results.