Study Permit — Canada
- Max stay
- 1825days
- Processing
- 30–120days
- Fee
- CA$235.00≈ $172.06
Difficulty2/10·Realism9/10Why? ▾
Difficulty
Heavy paperworkLots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.
Why this score?
- —Embassy/consulate visa application
- +1Strong baseline access — visa-free tourism eases the application footprint
- -2Long processing time (up to 120 days)
- -0.5Proof of funds required
- -0.5Biometrics appointment required
- -1Long documentation list (7 items)
Approval realism
Approval is likelyMost applicants with the right paperwork get approved.
What drives this score?
- —Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
- +1.5Visa-free baseline access — approval rates are routinely high for this passport
Step-by-step checklist
Your application checklist
- 1
Check your passport validity
210+ days beforeMost countries require 1+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.
- 2
Gather supporting documents
194+ days beforeYou'll need: Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI); Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province — required since 2024 cap; Proof of funds — CAD$22,895/year (single applicant, outside Quebec) or CAD$25,150 (Quebec) + tuition; Police certificates if required by the visa office; and others (see full list above).
- 3
Prepare proof of funds
194+ days beforeBank statements covering 3–6 months are standard. Include both savings and recent income flow — adjudicators look for stability, not just balance.
- 4
Book a biometrics appointment (Visa Application Centre)
187+ days beforeBiometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.
- 5
Submit the application to the embassy or consulate
180+ days beforeIn person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.
- 6
Track the application; print the approval
7+ days beforeDecisions typically take 30–120 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.
- 7
On the day of travel
day of travelCarry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.
Show full requirements, fees, and source
What you need
- Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province — required since 2024 cap
- Proof of funds — CAD$22,895/year (single applicant, outside Quebec) or CAD$25,150 (Quebec) + tuition
- Police certificates if required by the visa office
- Medical exam if you've lived 6+ months in a designated country in the past year
- Spouse may apply for Open Work Permit (since 2024, restricted to graduate-level + select professional programs)
- Post-Graduation Work Permit eligible on completion
Fee breakdown
- Study Permit application feeCA$150.00≈ $109.83
- Biometrics feeCA$85.00≈ $62.23