canada study visa process step by step

Canada stands as a top choice for international students, renowned for its excellent education system, diverse culture, and post-graduation work opportunities. For Indian students aspiring to study in Canada, navigating the Canada study visa process step by step is a critical journey that requires meticulous preparation and adherence to strict guidelines set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This detailed, pointwise article will outline the Canada study visa process step by step, including the necessary documents, application procedure, financial requirements, and recent updates, also drawing a brief comparison with a business visa.

1. Canada Study Visa Process Step by Step: Pre-Application Essentials

Before you even start the official visa application, there are fundamental steps in the Canada study visa process step by step:

• Research and Choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI):

  • Identify a Canadian university, college, or other educational institution that offers your desired program.

  • Ensure the institution is a "Designated Learning Institution" (DLI), which is a school approved by the Canadian government to host international students. You cannot get a study permit for a non-DLI.

     

     

• Obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LOA):

  • Apply to your chosen DLI and meet their admission requirements.

  • Once accepted, the DLI will issue an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA), which is a mandatory document for your study permit application.

     

     

• Secure a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) / Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL):

  • As of early 2024, most new post-secondary international students (outside Quebec) require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study. Your chosen DLI will guide you on how to obtain this, as provinces allocate a certain number of PALs to DLIs. This is a significant new rule impacting the Canada study visa process step by step.

     
     

     

  • Students planning to study in Quebec need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) instead.

     

     

• Demonstrate Financial Capability:

  • You must prove you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation for yourself and any accompanying family members.

     

     

  • As of September 1, 2025, the minimum funds required for living expenses (excluding tuition and travel) for a primary student outside Quebec will be CAD $22,895 per year, a significant increase from previous years.

     

     

  • Proof can include bank statements, GICs (Guaranteed Investment Certificates), education loans, scholarships, or sponsorship letters.

     

     

• Language Proficiency Test (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE):

  • You will need to demonstrate proficiency in English or French. Most Canadian institutions accept IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic scores. The minimum scores vary by institution and program level (e.g., typically IELTS 6.0-6.5 for undergraduate, 6.5-7.0 for postgraduate programs).

     

     

2. Gathering Required Documents for the Canada Study Visa Process Step by Step

Once you have your LOA, PAL/CAQ, and financial proof ready, the next phase in the Canada study visa process step by step involves compiling a comprehensive set of documents:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Canada, with at least two blank pages.

• Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI.

• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) / Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

   

   

• Proof of Financial Support:

  • Bank statements (at least for the last 4-6 months).

     

     

  • GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) from a Canadian financial institution (often CAD $22,895 as of September 1, 2025).

  • Education loan sanction letter.

  • Scholarship letters (if applicable).

• Educational Documents:

  • Academic transcripts, degrees, diplomas, mark sheets from all previous educational institutions.

     

     

  • Language proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.).

     

     

• Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-written letter explaining your reasons for choosing Canada, your specific program, your future career goals, and convincing the visa officer of your intent to return to India after completing your studies.

• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): Required if you are over 18 and have resided in certain countries for more than six months.

• Immigration Medical Examination (IME): You will be required to undergo a medical examination from a panel physician approved by IRCC. This is mandatory for most Indian applicants.

   

   

• Family Information Form (IMM 5707 or IMM 5645): A form requiring details about your family members.

• Passport-Sized Photographs: Meeting specific IRCC requirements (usually 35mm x 45mm, plain white background).

   

   

3. Online Application and Biometrics: The Core Canada Study Visa Process Step by Step

Most applicants from India will apply online through their IRCC secure account.

• Create an IRCC Online Account: Register for an account on the official IRCC website. All new applications (as of 2025) go through this new secure account.

   

   

• Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the IMM 1294 (Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada) and other relevant forms accurately and completely.

   

   

• Upload Documents: Upload clear, legible scanned copies of all your supporting documents. Organize them as per the checklist provided by IRCC.

• Pay Application Fees:

  • Study Permit Fee: CAD 150 (approx. INR 9,300).

  • Biometrics Fee: CAD 85 (approx. INR 5,270).

     

     

  • These fees are typically paid online during the application submission.

     

     

• Biometrics Submission:

  • After submitting your online application and paying fees, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) from IRCC.

     

     

  • Schedule an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India (e.g., VFS Global).

  • Visit the VAC to provide your fingerprints and digital photograph. This step is crucial, as your application processing effectively begins only after biometrics are submitted. You typically have 30 days from the date of the BIL to provide biometrics.

     

     

• Student Direct Stream (SDS) Pathway: Indian students may be eligible for the SDS program, which offers faster processing times (often within 20 calendar days) if they meet specific criteria, including:

   

   

  • Residency in India.

  • Acceptance at a DLI.

  • Proof of a GIC of CAD $22,895 (or the current required amount).

  • IELTS Academic score of at least 6.0 in each band for all programs, or equivalent language test scores.

  • Completion of an upfront medical exam.

  • Payment of first-year tuition.

4. Application Processing and Decision

After biometric submission, your application enters the processing phase, a critical part of the Canada study visa process step by step.

• Processing Time:

  • Processing times for Canada study visas from India can vary. As of June 2025, typical processing times for online applications from outside Canada are around 4-13 weeks, depending on the stream (SDS is faster) and current application volumes. Always check the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date processing times.

  • Factors that can influence processing time include the completeness of your application, the volume of applications, and any need for additional checks or documents.

     

     

• Requests for Additional Information: IRCC may request further documents or clarifications during the processing period. Respond promptly to avoid delays.

   

   

• Interview (Rare): While not common for most study permit applications from India, an interview might be requested in certain cases.

• Decision:

  • Approval: If approved, you will receive a "Letter of Introduction" (often called a Port of Entry Letter) and a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) stamped in your passport. The TRV allows you to enter Canada, while the Study Permit itself is issued by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer upon your arrival at a Canadian port of entry.

     
     

     

  • Refusal: If refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons for the decision. Common reasons include insufficient funds, failure to convince the officer of intent to return to home country, or incomplete documentation.

     

     

5. Post-Approval and Arrival in Canada: Completing the Canada Study Visa Process Step by Step

Even after approval, the Canada study visa process step by step continues with important steps for arrival:

• Prepare for Travel: Book flights, arrange accommodation, and purchase travel and health insurance.

   

   

• Documents for Travel: Carry your passport with the TRV, the Letter of Introduction, LOA, PAL/CAQ, proof of funds, and all other supporting documents (originals or copies) in your hand luggage.

• Port of Entry (POE) Interview: Upon arrival at a Canadian airport or land border, a CBSA officer will review your documents and may ask questions about your study plans. If satisfied, they will issue your official Study Permit. This is the actual document that allows you to study in Canada.

   

   

• Responsibilities as a Student: Once in Canada, you must remain enrolled at your DLI, make progress towards completing your program, and respect the conditions of your study permit (e.g., work eligibility, if any).

   

   

In stark contrast to a study visa, a business visa to Canada (a type of visitor visa) is for short-term commercial activities like attending meetings, conferences, or training. It does not allow you to enroll in long-term academic programs or work. The requirements for a business visa focus on proving your business purpose and intent to leave Canada, without the extensive academic and financial proof required for a study permit. The Canada study visa process step by step is a comprehensive journey, from choosing a DLI and securing an LOA and PAL/CAQ, to demonstrating strong financial capability and ties to India, ensuring a complete application, and finally, getting your study permit issued at the port of entry. Adhering to each step diligently is paramount for a successful outcome.