Study PermitVerified 2026-04-13Canada Study Permit
A Canada Study Permit allows Indian students to study full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. As of January 1, 2026, doctoral students no longer need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Processing for doctoral students is now faster (target 2 weeks). Students can also bring their family and work in Canada after graduation.
Processing
Varies by profile
Stay Duration
Duration of your approved study program + 90 days
Starting Fee
CAD $150
Apply At
10 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Canada visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Canada.
- 2Biometrics (fingerprints + digital photo) are required for most applicants — valid for 10 years.
- 3Do NOT submit your passport to VAC until you receive the Passport Request Letter from IRCC.
- 4Effective Feb 24, 2026: Biometric appointments require you to upload the BIL via the new AMS system.
- 5Effective Oct 9, 2023: Only the applicant, parents (for minors), or 1 appointed family member can submit passports at VAC — not unauthorized third parties.
- 6Not accepted as identity documents: passports from Somalia, non-machine-readable Czech passports, temporary South African passports, provisional Venezuelan passports.
- 7VFS online tracking shows passport LOCATION only. For application processing status, check your IRCC online account directly.
Who Can Apply
- Students with acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, diploma, certificate programs
- Doctoral students (faster processing + no PAL as of Jan 2026)
- Specific graduate programs (no cap)
Not eligible under this visa:
- Programs at non-DLI institutions
- Short-term courses under 6 months (can use visitor visa)
- Applicants without proof of financial support
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Study Permit application fee | CAD $150 |
| Biometrics fee — individual | CAD $85 |
| Biometrics fee — family | CAD $170 |
| VFS service charge — per package | ₹603 |
| Two-Way Courier Service | ₹1,716 |
| Premium Lounge service | ₹4,767 |
| SMS Tracking Service | ₹179 |
All IRCC government fees are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and paid directly to IRCC online. VFS service charges are paid in INR at the VAC. Fees are subject to change — verify on IRCC (canada.ca/immigration) and VFS Global (vfsglobal.com/ind/en/can) before applying. Third-party costs (medical exam, police clearance, translation) may also apply. Tuition + proof of funds (minimum CAD $20,635/year for living expenses) are separate from these fees.
Documents Required
Required — Academic Documents
- !Letter of Acceptance from DLI
Official letter from the Designated Learning Institution confirming your admission
- ○Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
⚠️ NOT required for doctoral students as of January 1, 2026. Required for most other programs.
- !Proof of financial support
Sufficient funds for tuition + CAD $20,635/year living expenses. Bank statements, sponsor affidavit, scholarship letter, or education loan.
- !Academic transcripts and certificates
All previous education records — 10th, 12th, Bachelor's, Master's as relevant
Required — Common Documents
- !Valid passport
Valid for entire stay
- !Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
For applicants 18+
- !Biometrics fee payment
- !Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Explains why you chose this program, this institution, and your post-study plans
- !IELTS / TOEFL / language proficiency
Minimum required by your DLI — varies by program
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Get acceptance from a DLI
Apply to Canadian Designated Learning Institutions. Wait for an official Letter of Acceptance.
Gather financial proof
Bank statements, education loan, sponsor affidavit, or scholarship. Minimum CAD $20,635/year for living expenses + full tuition.
Obtain PAL (if required)
Provincial Attestation Letter from the province where your DLI is located. NOT required for doctoral students from Jan 1, 2026.
Apply online via IRCC Portal
Create an IRCC account, fill out the Study Permit application, upload all documents, pay CAD $150 + biometrics fee.
Wait for BIL (Biometric Instruction Letter)
IRCC emails the BIL after application submission.
Book VAC appointment for biometrics
Via the AMS system. Attend the VAC — biometrics captured.
Wait for decision
Doctoral students: 2-week target. Other programs: variable processing time.
Receive Port of Entry Letter + Study Permit
If approved, IRCC sends you a letter. The actual Study Permit is issued when you arrive at a Canadian port of entry.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
Visitor Visa Application Form (IMM 5257)
Download latest version from IRCC. Required for all visitor/tourist visa applications.
Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
Mandatory for all applicants 18 years and older. Lists all family members.
Use of Representative Form (IMM 5476)
Only if using a representative to submit your application.
Authority to Release Information (IMM 5475)
Optional — authorizes someone else to receive updates about your application.
VFS Application Centres
💡 Pro Tips
- Apply at least 4-6 months before your program start date.
- Doctoral students get fastest processing + no PAL requirement as of Jan 1, 2026 — big advantage.
- Your Statement of Purpose is critical — tell a clear story of why this program, why Canada, and your return plans.
- Canada's minimum living expense requirement is CAD $20,635/year — demonstrate you have this in liquid funds.
- Canadian universities rank high globally (4 in top 100) — this is a major credential.
- After graduation, you can work in Canada via the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Family members can accompany you — spouse may get an Open Work Permit.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Insufficient proof of funds
- 2.Weak Statement of Purpose
- 3.Missing PAL (for programs that still require it)
- 4.Doubts about intent to return to India after studies
- 5.Inadequate academic credentials for chosen program
- 6.Previous immigration violations
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter) for 2026?+
How much money do I need to prove for a Canada Study Permit?+
Can I work in Canada while studying?+
Can my family come with me?+
What happens after I graduate?+
Can SureshotVisa help with Canada Study Permit?+
Let us prepare your Canada Study Permit application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other Canada Visa Types
Canada Tourist Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
Apply for a Canada Tourist Visa (TRV) from India. Complete guide on IRCC fees, documents, biometrics, application process through VFS Global, and 10 VAC centres across India.
Canada Business Visitor Visa (TRV)
Canada Business Visitor Visa for Indian professionals attending meetings, conferences, and business events in Canada. Stay less than 6 months. Not entering the Canadian labor market.
Canada Work Permit — Informational
Canada Work Permit — informational guide for Indian applicants. SureshotVisa does NOT handle work permit procurement; this page is for information purposes only.
Canada Family Visit Visa (TRV)
Canada Family Visit Visa for Indian citizens visiting family who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, temporary residents, or persons registered under the Indian Act. Up to 6 months.
Canada Spousal Visit Visa (TRV — Spouse of PR Sponsor)
Canada Spousal Visit Visa for Indian spouses whose Canadian partner has sponsored them for Permanent Residence. Faster processing available while PR application is in progress.
Canada Compassionate Visit Visa (TRV — Urgent Family)
Canada Compassionate Visit Visa for urgent visits due to critical illness, death, or other humanitarian reasons. Priority processing available with strong supporting evidence.
Canada Seafarer / Marine Crew Visa (TRV)
Canada Seafarer / Marine Crew Visa for Indian seafarers joining a vessel as crew in Canadian ports. Temporary Resident Visa for duration of contract.
Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — For Visa-Exempt Nationals
Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — important information for Indian citizens. Most Indians need a Tourist Visa (TRV), NOT an eTA. eTA is for visa-exempt nationals.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Canada website and Embassy of Canada. Last verified 2026-04-13. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.