Canada Student Visa Requirements (2026)

A Canada "student visa" is technically called a Study Permit. International students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, the Philippines, and most other countries must obtain a study permit to study in Canada for programs longer than 6 months. Canada is one of the world's top study destinations — hosting over 900,000 international students in 2024. This guide covers all study permit requirements, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) for faster processing, work rights, and the pathway to a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).

Last updated: June 2026

Do You Need a Study Permit for Canada?

A study permit is required if:

• Your program is longer than 6 months at any institution in Canada
• You are studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

You do not need a study permit if:

• Your course or program is 6 months or shorter
• You are a child of a temporary foreign worker or a diplomat in Canada

Study Permit Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Acceptance letter (Letter of Acceptance / LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada
• Proof of meeting the admission requirements of your program
• English or French language test results if required by the institution (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)

Financial Requirements

• Proof you can pay for your first year of tuition (or the full tuition if less than a year)
• Proof you have CAD $10,000 for living expenses (or CAD $833/month for programs less than 12 months) — or a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of at least CAD $10,000
• Bank statements or financial evidence showing you can cover ongoing expenses
• Scholarship letters, sponsorship letters, or student loan documents (if applicable)

Identity and Personal Documents

• Valid passport — must cover the full period of study
• Digital photograph — 35×45mm, white background
• IMM 1294 — Application for a Study Permit Made Outside Canada (completed online)
• Biometrics (fingerprints and photo at a VAC) — CAD $85

Medical Documents

• Medical exam by a Panel Physician — required for study programs longer than 6 months if you have been in certain countries for 6+ months in the past year
• SDS applicants must complete the medical exam upfront before submitting the application

Ties to Home Country

• Evidence you will return home after studies — property, family ties, plans for post-graduation employment in home country

Student Direct Stream (SDS) — Faster Processing

The Student Direct Stream offers processing in approximately 20 business days for eligible students. SDS is available for students from: India, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Morocco, Senegal, Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Pakistan, Peru, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

SDS Requirements (in addition to standard requirements)

• English proficiency — IELTS Academic 6.0 overall (no band below 6.0), or TOEFL iBT 83+ (no section below 19), or equivalent French test
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) — CAD $10,000 minimum from a participating Canadian financial institution (RBC, BMO, TD, Scotiabank, CIBC, etc.)
• First year tuition paid in full — receipt from the institution
• Medical exam completed upfront before submission
• Police clearance (from all countries where you have lived 6+ months since age 18)

If you meet SDS requirements, apply via SDS — the speed advantage is significant, especially from India and Pakistan where standard student permits can take 12–20+ weeks.

Study Permit Fees

Processing Time

Check current estimates at the IRCC processing times tool.

Work Rights on a Study Permit

• During studies: Up to 24 hours per week off-campus (changed from 20 hours in 2024 — verify current IRCC policy as this may be updated)
• During scheduled breaks: Full-time (without hour limits)
• On-campus: Unlimited hours during the academic session
• Co-op or internship: Requires a co-op/internship work permit alongside the study permit

After Graduation — Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

After completing a study program of 8 months or longer at a DLI, graduates can apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP):

• Duration: 1 year for programs 8 months to 2 years; up to 3 years for programs of 2 years or more
• Type: Open work permit — you can work for any employer in Canada
• Fee: CAD $255 (open work permit) + CAD $100 (open work permit holder fee)
• PGWP holders with Canadian work experience are strong candidates for PR via the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Official References

• IRCC — Study Permit Overview
• IRCC — Student Direct Stream (SDS)
• IRCC — Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students work in Canada on a study permit?

Yes. Study permit holders can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during the academic session, and full-time during scheduled breaks. On-campus work has no hour limit. A separate co-op work permit is required for mandatory internship programs.

How much bank balance is required for a Canada student visa?

You must show funds covering: (1) your first year of tuition in full, plus (2) at least CAD $10,000 for living expenses. SDS applicants use a GIC of CAD $10,000 from a Canadian bank instead of showing general bank statements for living expenses.

What is a GIC and do I need it for a Canada student visa?

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a Canadian bank deposit that holds CAD $10,000 for your first year living expenses in Canada. It is a requirement for SDS (Student Direct Stream) applicants and is a good option for standard applicants too. The funds are released to you in installments after you arrive in Canada.

Can I bring my family to Canada on a study permit?

Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner can apply for an Open Work Permit as a spouse of a student (SOWP), allowing them to work in Canada. Your dependent children can attend Canadian schools on visitor status or a study permit. Check IRCC eligibility requirements as these rules can change.

How long does a Canada student permit take from India?

SDS applications from India take approximately 20 business days. Standard applications take 8–16 weeks. Apply as early as possible — most institutions require a study permit before your program start date and many start dates cluster in September.