🇨🇦 Canada Study Permit
Also known as: Canada student visa
Last verified: August 31, 2026
What is the Canada Study Permit?
For students accepted at a designated learning institution (DLI). Most college and undergraduate applicants also need a provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL); master's and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt since Jan 2026. Show CAD 20,635 in living funds (a GIC is the standard route) plus full first-year tuition on top.
This overview is written for Indians. Fees and paperwork differ by nationality; see the comparison below.
Canada Study Permit requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $110 |
| Processing time | 6–20 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | No fixed threshold on record |
| Minimum savings | $15,100 |
| Job offer | Not required |
| Degree | Not required |
| Family can join | No |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Indians and Nigerians.
Canada Study Permit cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $110 | 6–12 weeks | — | $15,100 |
| 🇳🇬 Nigerians | $110 | 8–20 weeks | — | $15,100 |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the Canada Study Permit
- Get acceptance from a DLI university/college
- Open a GIC account (~CAD 20,635)
- Pay first-year tuition & keep the receipt
- Approved language test (IELTS/CELPIP/PTE/TOEFL)
- Submit study permit application online
- Give biometrics at a VAC
- Arrive, get the permit printed & enroll
This list is the checklist for Indians. Other nationalities have their own steps, linked in the table above. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the Study Permit right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the Canada Study Permit?
- The requirements we have on record are: savings of about $15,100. No job offer is needed. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Indians and Nigerians; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the Canada Study Permit cost?
- The government fee is about $110 (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the Canada Study Permit processing time?
- Typical processing takes 6–12 weeks for Indians and 8–20 weeks for Nigerians after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- How much savings do I need for the Canada Study Permit?
- Plan for savings of about $15,100 (USD equivalent).
- Do I need a job offer for the Canada Study Permit?
- No. The Canada Study Permit does not require a job offer from an employer in Canada.
- Can family members join on the Canada Study Permit?
- It does not directly cover accompanying family members.
- Does the Canada Study Permit lead to permanent residency?
- No. On its own it does not lead to permanent residency.
- Is the Canada student visa the same as the Canada Study Permit?
- Yes. Canada student visa is another name people use for the Canada Study Permit.
Canada Study Permit guides by nationality
Other Canada visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government source: canada.ca. This guide is general information, not legal advice.