Canada is undoubtedly one of the top study destinations for students aspiring to study abroad. The multicultural environment, world-class universities, and peaceful society of Canada makes it an ideal place for international students to study and work. We’re sure that you’re also one among the thousands of international students who would want to build their future in Canada. And it's natural for you to have several questions about the Canada student visa, study permit, application process, and more. Let’s dive right in!
Key takeaways
- Canada student visa and study permit are different documents with different purposes.
- Once your application for a Canada study permit is approved, a student visa is issued automatically.
- You can apply for a Canada study permit once you receive an acceptance letter from the university.
- The total cost to apply for a study permit is CAD 150, with an additional CAD 85 for biometrics.
- The processing time for a study permit application can be around 8 to 12 weeks
Table of Contents
- How’s a Canada student visa different from a study permit?
- Who can apply for a Canada Study Permit?
- What are Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)?
- What docs are needed to apply for a Canada study permit?
- How to apply for a Canadian study permit?
- What’s the cost for a Canada study permit?
- When to submit biometrics during the application process?
- How much time is needed to process a study permit?
How’s a Canada student visa different from a study permit?
Like many students who want to study in Canada, chances are high that you might also be confused between a study permit and student visa, especially with Canada’s latest immigration updates. Well, firstly these are two different documents with different purposes, and in most cases, you’ll need both to study in Canada. Let’s quickly break down their differences and similarities.
Differences
| Canada study permit | Canada student visa |
| A study permit allows you to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. | A student visa is a travel document that allows you to enter Canada as a student. |
| A study permit is issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). | A student visa is issued by Canadian visa offices in your home country under the direction of IRCC. |
Similarities
| A study permit and a student visa (or Electronic Travel Authorization - eTA) are typically issued together when applying to study in Canada. |
| You should apply for a study permit as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance from a university, which is a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. You can submit your application online or through the visa application center in your country. |
| You don’t need to apply for a Canada student visa separately. Once your study permit is approved, a visa will automatically be issued. |
Now, are you wondering how to apply for a student visa in Canada? Then please understand that a student visa is not what you need to apply for! The key point you must understand is that a Canada study permit is what you should be concerned about because a student visa will be issued automatically once your study permit is approved.
Canada is obviously a top study destination that attracts thousands of students every year, and students have quite a lot of reasons to study in Canada. So, here’s all the guidance you need to get your Canada study permit. Let’s explore the application process, required documents, processing time, and more.
Don’t delay your dream of studying in Canada—let’s help you shortlist your universities and courses.
Who can apply for a Canada Study Permit?
You can apply for a Canadian study permit once you receive an acceptance letter from the university, but as part of the application process, there are more things you have to submit. Let's look at each in detail. Here are the necessary requirements:
Acceptance into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
You must have been accepted into an institution recognized by the Canadian government as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). These are educational institutions approved to host international students.
Health and security requirements
This typically includes undergoing a medical exam and providing a police certificate to demonstrate that you do not pose a security risk.
Proof of financial support
You must prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Canada. This includes covering tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel costs.
Intent to return to your home country
You must demonstrate your intent to return to your home country after completing your studies unless you plan to apply for another type of Canadian visa or request to extend your study permit.
What are Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)?
A DLI is the abbreviation for Designated Learning Institutions. These are educational institutions in Canada approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.
The very first step for anyone aspiring to study in Canada is to get a letter of acceptance from a university in Canada that’s on the DLI list. Here’s how to check if the university you’re planning to apply to is a DLI:
- Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Select the province or territory where the university is located.
- Enter the university name, city, and other relevant information.
- Find the DLI number, as each DLI is assigned a unique number that begins with the letter "O".
Additionally, you can also check out these popular universities in Canada for international students, which are on the DLI list.
- Cape Breton University
- Conestoga College
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Niagara College
- University Canada West
- University of Regina
- Vancouver Film School
What docs are needed to apply for a Canada study permit?
Proof of acceptance
An official letter from a DLI in Canada that confirms you’ve been accepted into a full-time program of study at the university. The letter should include details such as your program start and end dates, the name of the institution, and your student identification number.
Proof of identity
You’ll need a valid passport to verify your identity. If your passport is from a country where visa applications require biometric information, you’ll likely need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo).
Proof of financial support
Bank statements to show that you have enough funds to support yourself (typically, you need to show at least CAD 10,000 per year for living expenses, plus tuition fees). If someone else is funding your education (like a parent or guardian), you’ll need an affidavit of support and proof of their financial ability to assist.
Letter of intent (LOI)
The LOI is a personal statement explaining to the visa officer why you want to study in Canada and why they should approve your application. This document also demonstrates that you understand your responsibilities as a student. It helps Canadian immigration officers assess your intentions and determine whether you’re a genuine student.
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How to apply for a Canadian study permit?
Once you have an acceptance letter from a university that’s on the DLI list and all the required documents, it’s time to apply for the study permit. It’s quite simple. Visit https://ircc.canada.ca/ and create an account. Now, keep all the required documents handy, as you’ll need to submit them during the online application process. Then, complete the application form and pay the fees. No worries, the IRCC website has all the guidance you need.
What’s the cost for a Canada study permit?
- The cost of a Canadian study permit is CAD 150 (Canadian Dollars).
- Additionally, there's a biometrics fee of CAD 85 for fingerprints and a photo.
- So, the total cost comes to CAD 235
When to submit biometrics during the application process?
Once your online application for a study permit is submitted, you’ll most likely be asked to complete biometrics and, in some cases, attend an interview. You’ll receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) if biometrics are required soon after submitting the online application.
You must schedule an appointment at a designated Visa Application Center (VAC) in your home country to provide your biometrics. Your fingerprints and a digital photograph are included in biometrics, and the Canadian government uses them to confirm your identity and conduct background checks.
How much time is needed to process a study permit?
The processing time for a Canadian study permit depends on several factors, such as the time of year, the volume of applications, and individual circumstances. On average, you can expect around 8 to 12 weeks to process a study permit application from countries like India, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and others.
You can always check the live processing time of your application on the IRCC website, https://ircc.canada.ca/. We always recommend applying as early as possible to avoid any delays, ideally at least 4 to 6 months before the start date of your course.
Hope you’ve got an overall idea about the Canada student visa and study permit and all the queries around it. Now, it’s time for you to take action. The intakes for Canada in 2025-2026 are already open. All you need to do is shortlist your universities and courses and start sending applications. Feeling like it’s quite a big job? The good news is, we have simplified it for you. We’re a global study-abroad platform with 15+ years of experience, and so far, we’ve helped 85K+ students pursue their study-abroad dreams. You could be next!
