Canada Student Visa: Requirements, Cost & Processing Time

A study destination popular among international students as witnessed by The Visa Depot makes Canada to the top of the list for students seeking study visa. The Canadian universities and the country’s diverse culture and high-quality education, makes it top choice world-wide. To study in Canada, your first step will be to obtain a study permit or commonly known as a student visa.

At TVD, our experts will guide you about everything you need to know to get a Canadian study permit for Canadian universities with every necessary Canada student visa requirement in 2026, with the recent changes significantly reshaping the application process.

Canada Student Visa Requirements- At a glance

Canada’s student visa process is more competitive in 2026, with the end of SDS, the introduction of Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL), and a national cap significantly reducing the number of studies permits issued in designated learning institution (DLI).

Most post-secondary students now require a PAL, including many graduate-level applicants, and must meet higher financial proof requirements of CAD 20,635, in addition to tuition fees.

Early and well-prepared applications are important as the processing times for study permit extensions Canada can fluctuate and be less predictable than before, with a general range of 3 to 12 weeks.

Approval rates are lowered under 50% because of stricter inspection, which means for your visa approval a strong documentation with clear Statement of Purpose, and valid post-graduation work permit (PGWP) plans are more critical than ever.

Updates on Changes in the Student Visa for Canada & Canada Study Permit Requirements

There have been important changes in student visa for Canada in 2025, which includes the end of quick (SDS) visa streams, the introduction of Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) for new students, and a national cap on Canada study permit requirements. Such measures have made the study permit process more competitive and mainly focused on documentation, requiring students to plan and submit supervised stronger applications. These are the important changes-

Closing of Student Direct Stream (SDS): As of November 8, 2024, Canada has ended the two quick streams- the Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express initiatives. These programs previously offered accelerated processing for students from 14 countries including India, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines. All applications now go through the standard Canada student visa application process.

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is Required by All: Along with their study permit application, most new post-secondary students must now submit a Provincial Attestation Letter. Master’s and doctoral students are also included who were previously exempted.

New Cap on Study Permit: In 2024, by 35% Canada reduced study permits issued by them, with an extra 10% reduction in 2025 making a total cap of 437,000 Canada study visa permits.

Canada Study Visa Requirements for International Students

If you are seeking to apply for a Canadian study permit, you must provide the following keeping in mind the Canada study permit requirements:

1. A Letter of Acceptance: This letter confirms that you have been accepted to a study program from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada
2. The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): This is a letter from the province or territory which confirms that you’ve been assigned an available space to study in that province. After you accept your offer and pay a tuition deposit from your school, they will request this letter on your behalf.
3. A Proof of Financial Support: From Sept 1, 2025, as a student you must show CAD $22,895 to cover the first year’s tuition, travel costs, and living expenses. This financial proof is separate from tuition fees.
   • Acceptable proof includes:
     • Bank statements
     • Proof of tuition payment
     • Student loan documentation
     • Scholarship letters
4. Valid Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your stay
5. Language Test Results: English or French proficiency test scores
6. Additional Documents (if required):
   • Medical examination results
   • Police clearance certificate
   • Passport-sized photographs
   • Statement of Purpose

Who Doesn’t Need a PAL?

You don’t need a PAL if you’re a primary/secondary student, an exchange student not paying tuition fees, extending your study permit at the same institution and level, or if you received a Global Affairs Canada scholarship.

What is the Canada Student Visa Cost?

The application fee for your study permit is CAD 150. Apart from this, applicants from certain countries may need to pay for biometrics, which can approximately cost CAD 85.

What is the Canada Student Visa Processing Time?

Standard Processing Time: Although the average processing time is estimated around six weeks, it may take up to three months for certain countries.

Processing Time from India: For applications coming from India, the processing time is currently around 3 weeks according to IRCC. But some sources also indicate that it can take up to 8 weeks as of November 2024

Note: Since the Student Direct Stream has been discontinued on November 8, 2024; now all visa applications are processed Canada student visa stream which is standard for all, resulting in longer processing times for students from previously quick streams of SDS-eligible countries.

Canada Study Visa Approval Rates: Because of stricter visa requirements for education funding and valid post-graduation work permit (PGWP) plans the visa approval rates in recent years were around 60%, and in 2025 it dropped to just under 50% making expert guidance very necessary.

Work in Canada while Studying: During your regular academic course, eligible students with a study permit in Canada are allowed and should work off campus for up to 24 hours per week to assure PGWP plans.

Canada Student Visa Application Process

Here’s The Visa Depot’s step-by-step Canada student visa application process and tips which will guide you for a smooth and successful visa application for your designated learning institution (DLI) study permit.

1. Confirm your DLI admission and, if and when needed, request your PAL/TAL from the province or territory. Some provinces issue PALs through the institution
2. Create your online IRCC account and start an application for a study permit. The official system will generate a personalized document checklist
3. Upload documents and pay fees online
4. Submit biometrics (if required) at a Visa Application Centre
5. Complete a medical exam (if required)
6. Provide additional information if requested from IRCC
7. Decision: If approved, applicants receive a port of entry letter. The Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) (if needed) is placed in your passport, or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is issued electronically. Students need to bring their port of entry letter to Canada. The physical study permit is printed upon arrival.

The Visa Depot’s Application Tips

• Apply Early: Submit your application 3-6 months before your program starts
• Complete Documentation: Ensure all forms and documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays
• Book Biometrics Promptly: Schedule your biometrics appointment as soon as you receive the request to provide them within 30 days
• Pay Fees Correctly: Use the correct payment methods to avoid processing delays
• Monitor Your Application: Regularly check your email and the IRCC online status tracker

Quebec Students

Students planning to study in Quebec have a separate process. Before applying for a study permit, those pursuing programs in Quebec must first obtain a Certificate of Acceptance from Quebec (CAQ).

Conclusion

Although the structure of Canadian student visa has become a bit more complex and document centric with the recent changes, but if you as a student wishing to study in Canada follow proper guidance of document preparation and early application, you can successfully navigate the process. It is advised by TVD’s expert study abroad consultants to be aware of the most current information by closely tracking and checking out the official IRCC website for different requirements specific to your situation.