Who can be a sponsor for a Canadian study visa? 

Updated on: Dec 15, 2023

To be eligible for a Canadian study visa, you generally do not require a sponsor. However, if you are under 18 years old or financially dependent on someone, a sponsor may be necessary. In such cases, acceptable sponsors for a Canadian study permit include:

  • Parents or Legal Guardians: If you are a minor (under 18 years old), your parents or legal guardians can act as sponsors.
  • Other Immediate Family Members: In some cases, immediate family members, such as siblings or grandparents, may also act as sponsors if they can provide the necessary financial support and meet other requirements.
  • Legal Custodians: If you are under 18 and living with a legal custodian or temporary guardian in Canada, they may serve as your sponsor.

Your sponsor will need to demonstrate that they can provide financial support for your tuition, living expenses and other costs associated with your education in Canada. This may involve providing bank statements, financial documents and a formal letter of sponsorship.

It's important to consult the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the most up-to-date and detailed information on sponsorship requirements for Canadian study permits. Additionally, you can seek guidance from study abroad consultants like Edvoy to help you navigate the end-to-end process.