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Visa Guide — Canada

Student Visa Guide — Canada

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on obtaining a student visa for Canada. Whether you are an undergraduate or a graduate student, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps, required documents, and important timelines to ensure a smooth application process.

Steps — Undergraduate

Initial Steps

  1. Gather Documents: Collect your DLI acceptance letter, Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if required, passport, proof of financial support, photos, and any country-specific items. Learn more about PAL.

  2. Create IRCC Online Account & Start Application: Apply online for a study permit, upload your documents, and pay the necessary fees. Start your application here.

  3. Pay Fees & Submit: Pay the application and biometrics fees (if applicable), then submit your application. Check fees here.

Follow-Up Steps

  1. Give Biometrics: After receiving your Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL), book an appointment at a VAC/ASC to provide your fingerprints and photo. Find where to give biometrics.

  2. Complete Medical Exam (if required): If necessary, use an IRCC-approved panel physician for your medical exam. You can either do this upfront or wait for a request from IRCC. More on medical exams.

  3. Track Processing Time: Regularly check the current processing times for study permits and plan your travel only after receiving approval. Check processing times.

  4. Decision & Travel: If your application is approved, you will receive a port-of-entry letter of introduction. Bring this letter along with your passport and DLI documents when you travel.

Steps — Graduate

Initial Steps

  1. Collect Documents: Prepare your DLI acceptance letter, PAL, passport, proof of funds, digital photo, transcripts, and any research funding or assistantship letters. Learn more about required documents.

  2. Apply Online via IRCC: Create an IRCC account and complete the study permit application. Upload all necessary documents and pay the fees. Start your application here.

  3. Pay Fees and Submit: Pay the study permit and biometrics fees (if applicable), then submit your application. Check fees here.

Follow-Up Steps

  1. Provide Biometrics: After submission, you will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL). Book an appointment at a VAC/ASC to provide your biometrics. Find where to give biometrics.

  2. Complete Medical Exam (if required): If necessary, use an IRCC-approved panel physician for your medical exam. The results will be sent directly to IRCC. More on medical exams.

  3. Monitor Processing Time: Keep an eye on processing times, as they can vary by country and time of year. Check processing times.

  4. Decision and Travel: If your application is approved, you will receive a port-of-entry letter of introduction. Present this letter along with your passport when entering Canada.

Required Documents — Undergraduate

  • Passport (required): Must be valid for the duration of your studies according to airline and IRCC norms.

  • DLI Letter of Acceptance (required): An official admission letter from a designated learning institution (DLI).

  • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) (required): Most applicants need a PAL/TAL confirming an allocated study space. Learn more about PAL.

  • Proof of Financial Support (required): Demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and return travel. More on financial support.

  • Digital Photo (required): Must meet IRCC photo specifications.

  • Biometrics (required): You will receive a biometrics instruction letter after submission. More on biometrics.

  • Medical Exam (required)