Canada Student Visa

A student visa for Canada, also known as a study permit, allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

Why study in Canada?

1. 31 Top-Ranked Universities as per Global Ranking
2. Study Scholarships up to CAD 21,000
3. Hassle-free and fast study permit process
4. Scholarships for all courses for international students
5. Postgraduate Work Permit program allows you to work for 1-3 years
6. Get Canada PR post-study if you are eligible

Top Universities in Canada

Canada has a well-developed immigration system that offers various pathways for individuals to immigrate to the country based on factors such as skills, work experience, education, language proficiency, and family ties. These pathways include the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), family sponsorship programs, and refugee resettlement initiatives.

QS World University Rankings – Top Universities in Canada

Serial No	Global Rank	University
1	23	University of Toronto
2	30	McGill University
3	34	University of British Columbia
4	111	University of Alberta
5	112	University of Waterloo
6	114	Western University
7	140	Université de Montréal
8	182	University of Calgary
9	189	McMaster University
10	203	University of Ottawa
11	209	Queen's University at Kingston
12	298	Dalhousie University
13	318	Simon Fraser University
14	322	University of Victoria (UVic)
15	345	University of Saskatchewan
16	353	York University
17	387	Concordia University
18	441	Université Laval
19	486	University of Guelph
20	641-650	Memorial University of Newfoundland
21	641-650	University of Windsor
22	671-680	Carleton University
23	671-680	University of Manitoba
24	711-720	University of New Brunswick
25	751-760	Université du Québec
26	781-790	University of Northern British Columbia
27	801-850	Université de Sherbrooke
28	851-900	Toronto Metropolitan University
29	1001-1200	University of Regina
30	1001-1200	Vancouver Island University
31	1201-1400	Brock University

Source: QS World University Rankings 2024

Cost of Education

Work Prospects

The work prospects for international students in Canada are generally positive, with many opportunities available both during and after their studies. Here are some key points to consider regarding work prospects for international students in Canada:

International students with a valid study permit are eligible to work on campus without a separate work permit. Many universities and colleges in Canada offer on-campus job opportunities, such as working in libraries, cafeterias, or administrative offices. These jobs can provide valuable work experience and help students cover their living expenses.

International students with a valid study permit are also eligible to work off campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays. Off-campus employment can help students gain additional income and work experience relevant to their field of study.

Many Canadian universities and colleges offer co-op and internship programs that allow students to gain practical work experience in their field of study. These programs often involve alternating periods of academic study with paid work terms at relevant companies or organizations. Co-op and internship experiences can enhance students’ resumes and increase their employability after graduation.

International students who have completed a program of study at a designated learning institution in Canada may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP allows graduates to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies, providing them with valuable post-graduation work experience and an opportunity to transition to permanent residency.

Canada offers several pathways for skilled workers, including international students, to obtain permanent residency. For example, graduates with Canadian work experience may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which offer pathways to permanent residency for individuals with skills and work experience needed by specific provinces or territories.

Overall, international students in Canada have access to a wide range of work opportunities both during and after their studies, providing them with valuable work experience, financial support, and pathways to long-term immigration and career advancement in Canada.

Application Process

To study in Canada as an international student, you generally need to obtain a study permit (student visa). Here are the general requirements for obtaining a Canada student visa:

Acceptance Letter

You need to have an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. From 22.01.2024, most students need to provide a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study. Applications received before 8:30 a.m. ET on January 22, 2024, do not require a PAL.

Sufficient Funds

You must demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation. This can be proved through various means such as bank statements, proof of a Canadian bank account if money has been transferred, scholarships, etc.

Clean Criminal Record

You may be required to provide a police clearance certificate or similar document to prove that you have no criminal record.

Health Examination

Depending on your country of origin and the length of your stay, you may need to undergo a medical examination to prove that you are in good health.

English/French Language Proficiency

Depending on the language of instruction of your program, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in either English or French. This is usually done through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL for English, and TEF for French.

Biometrics

You may need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) as part of your visa application.

Application Fee

You will be required to pay an application fee when applying for your study permit.

Intent to Return

You may need to satisfy the visa officer that you intend to leave Canada upon completion of your studies.

Additional Requirements

Depending on your country of origin and the specific circumstances of your application, there may be additional requirements.

Application Processing

Once the study permit application is submitted, it will be processed by the appropriate Canadian visa office or processing center. Processing times vary depending on factors such as the applicant's country of residence and the time of year.

Approval and Issuance of Study Permit

If the study permit application is approved, the applicant will receive a Letter of Introduction confirming the approval. Upon arrival in Canada, they must present this letter to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer, who will issue the study permit.

Compliance with Study Permit Conditions

International students must comply with the conditions of their study permit while studying in Canada. This includes maintaining full-time enrollment at a designated learning institution and meeting any other requirements specified on their study permit.

Renewal:
If you wish to extend your stay in Canada as a student, you may need to apply for a study permit extension before your current permit expires. The process for extending your study permit is similar to the initial application process.

Get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream

Student Direct Stream (SDS)

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program offered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows faster processing of study permit applications for international students from certain countries. By applying through the SDS, eligible students can benefit from expedited processing times for their study permits.

To qualify for the SDS, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:

Applicants must be legal residents of one of the following countries participating in the SDS:

Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and Vietnam

Applicants must have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.

Live outside of Canada when you apply.

Have proof you have paid your tuition for your first year of study, if you’re planning to study outside Quebec.

Applicants must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation to Canada. They musthave a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)in the amount required for your intended province or territory of study.

Have an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (This is only if you’re planning to study in Quebec).

Get a police certificate before you apply (if you need one).

Have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s).

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French, depending on the language of instruction of their chosen program.

Some applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination, depending on their country of residence and the duration of their intended stay in Canada.

By applying through the SDS, eligible applicants can benefit from faster processing times, typically within 20 calendar days. However, processing times may vary depending on individual circumstances and the volume of applications received.

Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)

A GIC is a Canadian investment that has a guaranteed rate of return for a fixed period of time. Many banks offer different types of GICs. The bank that gives you the GIC must

The GIC you get for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) must be held in an investment account or a student account and will be released to you when you arrive in Canada.

If your GIC doesn’t meet this criterion, you won’t be able to apply through the SDS.

The required SDS GIC amount depends on your intended province or territory of study.

For applicants intending to study outside Quebec

SDS applications received before January 1, 2024

Your SDS-eligible GIC must amount to CAN$10,000.

SDS applications received on or after January 1, 2024

Your SDS-eligible GIC must amount to CAN$20,635.

If you have family members accompanying you

In addition to the GIC amount required for SDS, you need to prove that you meet the financial requirements for each additional person who will come with you to Canada.

These additional funds do not need to be in a GIC.

For applicants intending to study in Quebec

SDS applications received before January 1, 2024.

Your SDS-eligible GIC must amount to CAN$10,000.

SDS applications received on or after January 1, 2024

Your SDS-eligible GIC must amount to the living expenses for one person (yourself), as outlined by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration.

Financial institutions that offer eligible SDS GICs

Make sure the financial institution and the type of GIC you choose meet the above criteria.

The following list includes financial institutions that may offer GICs that meet the SDS criteria. It is up to you to make sure the GIC you submit meets the SDS criteria.

Bank of China (Canada)

Bank of Montreal

Bank of Nova Scotia

Bank of Xi’an Co. Ltd. – in partnership with the Bank of Nova Scotia⦁ Bank of Xi’an Co. Ltd. – in partnership with the Bank of Nova Scotia

China Everbright Bank Co. Ltd. – in partnership with the Bank of Nova Scotia

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

Simplii Financial’s GICs are provided by CIBC.

Federation des caisses Desjardins du Quebec1

Habib Canadian Bank

ICICI Bank Canada

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Canada)

National Bank of Canada

Royal Bank of Canada

SBI Canada Bank

The Toronto-Dominion Bank

Medical exams and police certificates

Depending on where you’re applying from, you may need to get a medical exam or police certificate. To get faster processing through the Student Direct Stream, you must include these with your application (if you need them). If you don’t, we won’t process your application faster.

Who needs a medical exam

You may need to get a medical exam if:

You lived or travelled in certain countries or territories for 6 or more months in the year before you come to Canada, or

You plan on studying or working in:

The health field

Primary or secondary education, or

Child or elder care

To get a medical exam, you must see a doctor that has been approved by IRCC.

Who needs a police certificate

Your visa office instructions will tell you if you need to get a police certificate. You’ll find these instructions when you select your country of residence below. Make sure you read these instructions before you apply, so you know if you need a police certificate or any other documents to apply.

Language tests

You must have a valid language test result that meets the minimum required score. Test results must be less than 2 years old when we receive your application. Tests must be taken in-person; online tests aren’t accepted.

If you applied before August 10, 2023

We only accept valid International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) language test results. Your language test result must show either of the following:

An IELTS score of 6 or higher in each language ability (listening, reading, writing and speaking)

A TEF score that is equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score of at least 7 for each ability (listening, reading, writing and speaking). Check the CLB equivalencies for TEF scores

If you applied on or after August 10, 2023

You must submit the results from 1 of the valid language tests below that show all 4 language abilities were tested (speaking, listening, reading and writing).

You must take these language tests in their in-person format to be accepted for the SDS. Online tests will not be accepted by IRCC

Bring your spouse or partner and children with you to Canada

Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may also be able to get faster processing on a You must take these language tests in their in-person format to be accepted for the SDS. Online tests will not be accepted.

1. Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test

You need a CAEL Test minimum overall score of 60.

2. Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)

You need a CELPIP score that is equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score of 7 or higher for each ability. Check the CLB equivalencies for CELPIP scores.

3. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic

You need an IELTS Academic minimum overall score of 6.

4. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General

You need an IELTS general score that is equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks score of 7 or higher for each ability. Check the CLB equivalencies for IELTS General scores.

5. Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic

You need a PTE Academic minimum overall score of 60.

6. Test de connaissance du français (TCF) Canada

You need a TCF Canada score that is equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks score of 7 or higher for each ability. Check the CLB equivalencies for TCF Canada scores.

7. Test devaluation de français (TEF) Canada

You need a TEF Canada score that is equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks score of 7 or higher for each ability. Check the CLB equivalencies for TEF Canada scores.

8. Test devaluation de français (TEF) 5 épreuves

You need a TEF 5 épreuves minimum overall score of 400.

Note: The Lexique/Structure ability isn’t required for SDS.

9. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT

You need a TOEFL iBT minimum overall score of 83.

Bring your spouse or partner and children with you to Canada

Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may also be able to get faster processing on a

Visitor Visa

Work Permit

Study Permit

Visitor Visa

Your spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children may apply for a visitor visa if they wish to accompany you to Canada for a temporary visit. This visa allows them to stay in Canada for a specified period, typically up to six months. They must meet the eligibility criteria and provide supporting documents to demonstrate their intention to return to their home country at the end of their authorized stay.

Work Permit

If your spouse or common-law partner wishes to work in Canada, they may apply for a work permit. The eligibility criteria for a work permit depend on various factors, including the type of job they will be doing, whether the job is exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and their qualifications. They may be eligible for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada, or a employer-specific work permit, tied to a particular job offer.

Study Permit

If your dependent children wish to study in Canada, they may apply for a study permit. This permit allows them to attend primary, secondary, or post-secondary educational institutions in Canada. They must meet the eligibility criteria, including being accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada and demonstrating that they have sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees and living expenses.

It’s important to note that you must submit the applications for your family members at the same time as your own application. This allows for faster processing of their applications. When applying online, you should indicate that you have family members accompanying you to Canada, which will enable you to complete their applications together with yours.

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