Canada Student Visa: Types, Eligibility, Application, & Cost

Veda Burman Study Abroad Content Specialist

Study Abroad Content Specialist

Canada is a top destination among Indian students due to its high-quality education system and student-friendly immigration policies. Indian students require a Canada study permit to study for more than 6 months in Canada. The Canadian Study Permit is not a visa. It only allows students to enroll in a Canadian university and study in Canada. Indian students will require a temporary resident visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) after receiving the study permit to enter Canada.

Canada has the highest number of Indian students, even more than in USA and the UK. Currently, about 600,000 Indian students are studying in Canada right now. Indians constitute one of the main international student population in Canada. To be eligible for the Canada Study Permit, you need to meet a range of criteria and follow a proper visa application procedure. Check out the insights on the types of Canadian study permit, eligibility requirements, application processes, costs, and reapplication procedures, below.

Table of Contents

Canada Student Visa Types
Eligibility for Canada Student Visa
How to Apply for a Canada Study Permit
Canada Study Visa Cost
Canada Student Visa Reapplication
Canadian Embassy and Consulate Address
FAQs

Canada Student Visa Types

To study in Canada, you’ll need a study permit if your course lasts longer than six months. For programs shorter than six months, a study permit is not required. Below are the types of visas related to studying in Canada:

Study Permit:
- Required for students enrolling in courses lasting more than six months.
- It is not a visa, but a permit allowing you to study in Canada.
- Upon approval of the study permit, the Canadian government will also issue a temporary resident visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) based on your passport type.
Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa):
- A visa affixed to your passport that allows entry to Canada.
- Types:
  - Single-entry: Allows you to enter Canada once.
  - Multiple-entry: Allows you to enter and exit Canada multiple times during the visa’s validity period.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA):
- Linked electronically to your passport.
- Valid for five years or until your passport expires.
- Required for visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada.

Note: Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) is required for students planning to study in Quebec. It must be obtained before applying for a study permit.

Eligibility for Canada Student Visa

To be eligible for a Canada study permit, Indian students must meet the following criteria:

Proof of Acceptance:
- You must have an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Proof of Identity:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Recent passport-sized photographs (if applicable).
Proof of Financial Support:
- You must demonstrate that you can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
- Financial requirements:
  - Tuition fees + CAD 10,000 per year (CAD 11,000 for Quebec) for living expenses.
Additional Documents:
- Depending on your case, you may also need a medical exam, police clearance, and other documents.

How to Apply for a Canada Study Permit

You can apply for a study permit online from outside Canada in 6 simple steps. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

You’ll need the following documents:

Acceptance letter from a DLI (Designated Learning Institution).
Proof of financial support.
Passport and recent photographs.
Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL).
Additional documents (medical exam, police certificate, etc.).

Step 2: Apply Online

Log in to the IRCC portal and submit your application online.
You may need a scanner or camera to upload electronic copies of your documents.

Step 3: Pay Application Fees

The application fee is CAD 150 (INR 9,125.31).
If required, pay an additional CAD 85 (INR 5,171) for biometrics.

Step 4: Submit Biometrics

You may be required to submit biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph) at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Your application status can be checked through the IRCC online tracker.
Processing times vary but typically take around 12 weeks.

Step 6: Receive a Decision

If your application is approved, you will receive a port of entry letter along with an eTA or temporary resident visa.

Canada Study Visa Cost

The cost to apply for a study permit and other associated fees are as follows:

Category	Cost (CAD)	INR Equivalent for Indians
Study Permit Application	150	9,125.31
Biometrics Fee	85	5,171
Medical Exam (if required)	Varies
Police Clearance (if required)	Varies

Additional costs to consider include tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel expenses.

Canada Student Visa Reapplication

If your application is refused, you have the option to reapply for a study permit. Here are some common reasons for refusal:

Insufficient financial support.
Failure to convince the visa officer of your intention to leave Canada after studies.
Incomplete documents.

When reapplying, ensure that you address the reasons for refusal outlined in the refusal letter. Provide stronger evidence, if necessary, and ensure your application is complete.

Canadian Embassy and Consulate Address

If you need assistance with your visa application, you can reach out to the Canadian Embassy or Consulates in India. Here’s the address of the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi:

High Commission of Canada

7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri

New Delhi 110 021, India

Tel: +91 (11) 4178 2000

Email: delhi-im-enquiry@international.gc.ca

Additional consulates are located in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

Obtaining a study permit for Canada involves a detailed process, but with the right information and preparation, Indian students can successfully study in one of the world’s top education destinations. Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements and provide complete and accurate documentation. Whether applying through the Student Direct Stream for faster processing or through the regular study permit route, planning and organization are key to your success in securing a Canadian study visa.

FAQs

Ques: Do I need a study permit if my course in Canada is shorter than six months?

Ans: No, a study permit is not required for courses shorter than six months. For degree courses or diploma programs longer than 6 months, you will need a Canada study permit.

Ques: What is the cost of a Canada study permit for Indian students?

Ans: The application fee for a study permit is CAD 150, plus an additional CAD 85 for biometrics if required.

Ques: Can I apply for a Canada study permit online?

Ans: Yes, you must apply for a study permit online unless you have a disability that prevents you from doing so.

Ques: What happens if my Canada study permit application is rejected?

Ans: You can reapply by addressing the reasons for refusal outlined in the refusal letter.

Ques: Is a Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa) the same as a study permit?

Ans: No, a Temporary Resident Visa allows entry to Canada, while a study permit allows you to study in Canada.