Canada Student Visa Guide
Study Permit
IRCC retired the Student Direct Stream fast-track on 8 Nov 2024 — every applicant, from every country, now goes through the same regular study permit process. There is no separate expedited stream anymore, and no guaranteed processing window.
Last checked against the official source on 2026-09-29.
- Application fee
- CAD 150 + CAD 85 biometrics
- Processing
- Varies by visa office — check IRCC's current published times for your country before planning travel around a date
- Validity
- Course length + 90 days
- Work rights
- Up to 24 hours a week off campus during academic sessions; unlimited during scheduled breaks (IRCC, checked 29 Sep 2026). Post-Graduation Work Permit length depends on your program.
Canada student visa costs
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Study permit fee | CAD 150 | About ₹10,300 |
| Biometrics fee | CAD 85 | About ₹5,800 |
| Living funds to show | CAD 23,448 a year | About ₹16.1 lakh; from 1 Sep 2026, on top of tuition |
| Tuition (first year) | Typically CAD 25,000–60,000 | About ₹17–41 lakh; varies by program |
| Medical exam | Varies by clinic | Only if IRCC requires it for you |
Document checklist
- ✓Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- ✓Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL)Required by most provinces since 2024 — a separate step from your Letter of Acceptance.
- ✓Proof of financial supportA Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 23,448+ (IRCC's rate effective 1 Sep 2026) is one accepted option, alongside evidence you can cover tuition and travel — this amount has changed more than once, so confirm the current figure before applying.
- ✓Language test result your program acceptsSDS's fixed IELTS 6.0 minimum no longer applies to everyone — the bar depends on your specific program's own requirement.
- ✓Most recent secondary / post-secondary transcripts
- ○Medical exam from an IRCC panel physician (optional)Only required for some applicants depending on your country of residence and length of stay — check whether you need one before applying.
- ○Police clearance certificate (if requested) (optional)
- ✓Statement of Purpose
Step-by-step process
- 1
Get your Letter of Acceptance, then request a PAL
Accept admission first — the Provincial Attestation Letter is a separate request through your province, not something the school issues automatically.
- 2
Confirm the current financial-support requirement
Check IRCC's site for the exact minimum amount and accepted proof types before arranging funds — do not plan around last year's figure.
- 3
Arrange proof of funds
A GIC from an IRCC-listed bank is one common option. It no longer buys any processing advantage now that SDS is gone.
- 4
Complete a medical exam if it applies to you
Only required upfront for some applicants — confirm your own requirement first rather than assuming.
- 5
Submit your application online
Through the IRCC portal — pay the study permit and biometric fees.
- 6
Give biometrics, then wait
There is no guaranteed decision window since SDS ended — check IRCC's current processing times for your country rather than assuming a fixed number of days.
Interview tips
- The process is largely document-based, but be ready for an officer follow-up request for more evidence.
- Your Statement of Purpose should clearly cover: choice of course, choice of Canada, ties to your home country, and how you'll fund your studies.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking flights around a specific processing time — there is no guaranteed window anymore.
- Missing the Provincial Attestation Letter, which is separate from your Letter of Acceptance and easy to overlook.
- Relying on an old GIC amount or a "pay full tuition upfront" rule that was specific to the retired SDS stream.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need for a Canada study permit?
Your first-year tuition plus CAD 23,448 a year for living costs (for applications from 1 September 2026, single student outside Quebec), plus travel costs.
Is the Student Direct Stream (SDS) still available?
No. IRCC ended SDS on 8 November 2024; all applicants now use the regular study permit process.
Is a GIC mandatory for a Canada study permit?
No. A GIC is one accepted way to show funds, but it no longer gives faster processing.
How many hours can I work in Canada as a student?
Up to 24 hours a week off campus during academic sessions, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
What is a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?
A letter from your province that most study permit applicants now need, separate from your letter of acceptance.
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Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit.html. General guidance only — verify current requirements before applying.