Canada Student Visa 2025: Types, Requirements, Fees & Application

There are various types of visas available for students wishing to study in Canada.

• The primary type is the study permit. This is for students who wish to enroll in a long-term course at a college or university. The study permit is the most common visa for international students in Canada.

• Another type is the short-term study visa. This is for students who want to take a short course, like a language program, that lasts less than six months. If your course is short, you may not need a study permit. You can use a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

• There is also a student visa for children. This is for students under 18 years old who want to study in Canada. The child student visa allows young students to attend school in Canada, either alone or with their family. Each visa type has different rules and requirements. You must select the appropriate visa based on your age and the duration of your course.

In 2025, Canada made several significant changes to its student visa rules. These changes affect international students who wish to study in Canada, including those applying for a study visa.

Study Permit Cap Reduced

The Canadian government has reduced the number of study permits for international students. In 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to issue a total of 437,000 study permits. This represents a 10% decrease from the 2024 limit and is approximately 40% lower than before the cap was introduced. The primary reason for this reduction is to alleviate pressure on housing, healthcare, and other essential services in Canada.

New Attestation Letter Requirement

Most students now need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) as part of their application. This rule now includes master's and doctoral students, as well as most students applying from inside Canada. Some groups, like primary and secondary school students, government priority groups, and those extending permits at the same school and level, are exempt from this requirement.

Stricter Rules for Changing Schools

Starting in 2025, most international students who want to change schools in Canada must apply for a new study permit before transferring. Before, students could switch schools by just updating their details online. Now, they must wait for approval of their new permit before they can start at a new school. This change means students must plan if they want to transfer.

Verified Letters of Acceptance

Colleges and universities (Designated Learning Institutions, or DLIs) must now verify every Letter of Acceptance (LOA) before a study permit can be issued. If a DLI does not confirm the LOA, the application will be returned to the applicant. This rule helps prevent fraud and ensures only real students are accepted.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Changes

In 2025, the government removed the rule that limited the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to specific fields of study for college graduates. Now, all international students graduating from Canadian colleges and universities with a degree can apply for a PGWP, no matter their field of study. This change provides more students with the opportunity to work in Canada after graduation.

Impact on Indian Students

Indian students have been affected the most by these changes. In the first quarter of 2025, approximately 30,000 Indian students received study permits, representing a 31% decrease from the same period in 2024. India remains the largest source of international students in Canada; however, the new cap and stricter rules have made it more challenging for Indian students to obtain a study visa for Canada from India.

You must meet some rules to get a Canadian student visa.

First, you need an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. This is a school or college approved by the government. Without this letter, you cannot apply for a study visa for Canada.

You must also demonstrate that you have sufficient funds. This money should cover your tuition fees, living costs, and return travel. For one year, you need at least CAD 10,000 for living costs, plus tuition fees.

You must not have a criminal record. Sometimes, you may need to provide a police certificate. You must also be healthy. Some students are required to take a medical examination.

You must promise to leave Canada upon completing your studies. The visa officer will verify that you meet all these requirements before issuing the visa.

Most Canadian colleges and universities teach in English. You must show that you can read, write, and speak English well. The most common test is IELTS. For a Canadian student visa, most schools require an overall IELTS score of 6.0 or 6.5 for undergraduate courses. For postgraduate courses, the requirement is often 6.5 or 7.0.

Some schools may require higher scores for certain programs. Your IELTS score must be less than two years old at the time of application. If your score is too old, you will need to retake the test. The TOEFL or CAEL are also accepted by many schools.

Applying for a Canadian student visa is easy if you follow these steps -

1. Get your acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
2. Collect all the required documents.
3. Create an online account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
4. Fill out the visa application form with the correct details.
5. Upload all your documents.
6. Pay the application fee and biometric fee online.
7. Book an appointment for biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application center.
8. Submit your application online.
9. Wait for your application to be processed. You can track the status online.
10. If your application is approved, you will get a letter of introduction and a visa sticker in your passport.

Apply at least three to four months before your course start date. This helps you get your visa on time.

If you decide to apply on paper, you should read the instruction guide provided on the Government of Canada’s website. Once your visa application is ready, you can send it to a visa application center that covers your area. If your application is incomplete, it will not be processed and will be returned to you.

To apply on paper, you will have to follow these steps -

1. Get your documents ready. You will need certified copies of each document. Additionally, you will have to translate any, if required. Your documents must either be in English or French. Once you get the documents translated, you will need an affidavit from the person who completed the translation. You will also be required to provide a certified copy of the original as well.
2. You will have to fill out all the forms in the application.
3. After you have gathered your documents and filled out your application, you will have to pay the application fee and the biometrics fee.
4. After paying your biometrics fee, you will have to get your biometrics ready.
5. You can now submit your application.

All fees are payable online via the IRCC portal during the application process.

The processing time for a Canadian student visa can vary. On average, it takes about six weeks to process a study permit application. For some countries, it can take up to three months. The processing time for a student visa in Canada depends on the number of applications, the completeness of your documents, and whether you need an interview.

To avoid delays, apply as soon as you get your acceptance letter. Always check the latest study visa processing times in Canada on the official website before applying.

The GIC or the Guaranteed Investment Certificate is one of the documents you will be required to submit to get your study permit. You can obtain your GIC of $10,000 from a participating financial institution.

As Scotiabank and ICICI Bank Canada are the only participating Canadian financial institutions in India at present, you can open a GIC account with either of these banks. You will receive a guaranteed rate of interest for 12 months. These funds can help ease your expenses during your study program. After 12 months, you will get back your original investment along with the accrued interest.

In addition to the GIC, you will also need sufficient funds to cover your expenses while studying in Canada.

The Government of Canada expects you to have your health checked before you apply for a student visa. Your medical test will have to be conducted by one of the physicians listed on their website. This generally happens around a month after you have submitted your application. However, you also have the option to get the medical examination done before you submit your student visa application.

While going for your medical examination, carry the following -

• proper ID in the form of your passport, driver’s license or national identity card
• Spectacles or contact lenses, if you wear either
• Test results or medical records of previous or existing medical conditions
• The Medical Report Form (IMM 1017E), sent by the Visa office

Once the physician has completed your test, your results will be sent directly to the embassy.

If you hold a valid Canadian student visa, you are permitted to work part-time while studying. You can work up to 20 hours per week during classes. During holidays or breaks, you can work full-time. This helps you earn money and gain work experience.

You do not need a separate work permit for this. These work rights are for students with a valid study permit at a DLI.

You can bring your family to Canada if you hold a Canadian student visa. Your spouse or partner can apply for an open work permit. This lets them work in Canada while you study. Your children can attend school in Canada.

Each family member must apply for the correct visa. You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support your family during your stay.

After completing your studies, consider pursuing a career in Canada. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets you work for up to three years after graduation. The length of the PGWP depends on your course. If your course was two years or more, you can get a three-year work permit. If your course was less than two years, the permit is for the same length as your course.

The PGWP helps you gain Canadian work experience. This can help you apply for permanent residency in the future. Many students use this option to stay and work in Canada after their studies.

Getting a Canadian student visa is the first step to studying in Canada. The process is simple if you follow the rules and submit all documents. Canada offers excellent education and many opportunities for students. Start your application early, and you can enjoy your studies in Canada with peace of mind.