Visa Guide: India to Canada

Everything you need to know about obtaining a student visa for Canada.

Disclaimer: This guide reflects publicly available information current to early 2026 and is provided as a starting point for your research. Visa policies, fees, biometric collection sites, and processing times change frequently and can differ by post. Before you spend money or book travel, verify every number and document on the destination country's official immigration or consulate website, or consult a licensed immigration lawyer. GlobalPath does not file applications on your behalf and is not a substitute for official guidance.

Overview

## Who this is for You have a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada and you need a study permit. India was the largest source country for new Canadian study permits in 2022 and 2023; policy changes in 2024 to 2025 (study permit cap, PAL requirement, end of SDS) have tightened the process for Indian applicants in particular. ## What changed in 2024 to 2025 - The Student Direct Stream (SDS), used by most Indian applicants for fast 4-to-6-week processing, was discontinued in November 2024. Indian applicants now apply through the standard study permit stream. - Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) are required for most undergraduate and college applicants from January 2024 onwards. - Settlement funds threshold raised to CAD 20,635 (single applicant outside Quebec). - A national cap on study permits is reducing approval volumes, with sharper scrutiny of program-institution fit and genuine intent. ## Application path 1. Receive your Letter of Acceptance from a DLI and confirm your PAL is issued. 2. Pay tuition (or first semester) as required by your institution. 3. Open a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,635 with Scotiabank, RBC, CIBC, or ICICI Bank Canada. Even though SDS is gone, a GIC remains the strongest proof of settlement funds. 4. Complete IMM 1294 online through your IRCC Secure Account, attaching all documentation. 5. Pay CAD 150 study permit fee plus CAD 85 biometrics fee. 6. Submit biometrics at a VFS Global VAC in your city (15+ centres across India). 7. Wait for decision. Processing now runs 8 to 16 weeks for most Indian applications. 8. On approval, receive a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction; the actual study permit prints at a Canadian airport on arrival. ## What officers look for under standard processing Without SDS's structured framework, IRCC officers are now applying judgement on three axes that Indian refusals most often cite: (1) program-and-institution suitability given your prior academics and career trajectory, (2) genuine financial sufficiency over time, not just at one point, and (3) clarity of intent to leave Canada at the end of authorised stay. ## Statement of Purpose is critical For Indian applicants in 2026, the SOP carries more weight than at any previous time. A generic "Canada has world-class education" essay will not pass. Tie your specific program to specific career outcomes, ideally with a return-to-India narrative or a clear case for why this Canadian institution is the strongest path globally for your goals.

Required Documents

  • Valid Indian passport (at least 6 months validity)(Required)
  • Letter of Acceptance from a DLI(Required)
  • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)(Required)Some master's, PhD, and exchange programs are exempt
  • Proof of tuition payment (first year or semester)(Required)
  • GIC of CAD 20,635 from a participating Canadian bank(Required)Strongest single proof of settlement funds
  • Statement of Purpose / Study Plan(Required)Decisive document under the post-SDS standard stream
  • Academic transcripts (Class 10, 12, undergraduate)(Required)
  • English proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, or CELPIP)(Required)Most DLIs require IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 minimum
  • Biometrics fee receipt(Required)
  • Study permit fee receipt(Required)
  • Recent passport-size photographs(Required)
  • Medical examination from an IRCC Panel Physician(Required)Required for stays over 6 months from India
  • Family bank statements and IT returns (3 years)If supplementing GIC with parental funds
  • Education loan sanction letter
  • Police clearance certificateSometimes requested

Work Rights

Full-time students at a DLI may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms (raised by IRCC from 20 hours in late 2024) and full-time during scheduled breaks. On-campus work has no hour limit. After graduation, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of 1 to 3 years depending on program length. The PGWP is the main pathway to permanent residence through Express Entry, and Indian graduates have historically been the largest single nationality on this route.

Quick reference

Processing Time
Post-SDS standard processing for Indian study permit applications currently runs 8 to 16 weeks from biometrics submission. Add 2 to 4 weeks for biometrics scheduling at VFS Global and 1 to 2 weeks for GIC and PAL paperwork. Apply at least 4 to 5 months before your program start date; do not assume the previous SDS 4-week timeline.
Application fee
Study permit application: CAD 150. Biometrics: CAD 85. GIC deposit: CAD 20,635 (refundable in monthly disbursements after arrival, not a fee). VFS service fee in India: approximately INR 3,000 to 4,000. Medical exam at a Panel Physician: approximately INR 5,500 to 7,500. Approximate; verify current amounts on the IRCC fee list and VFS Global India.
Financial Proof
IRCC requires proof you can cover tuition plus CAD 20,635 in living expenses for the first year (single applicant outside Quebec). A GIC of CAD 20,635 from Scotiabank, RBC, CIBC, or ICICI Bank Canada plus a tuition payment receipt is the cleanest combination. The GIC is locked when you arrive in Canada and disbursed monthly to your Canadian bank account, providing automatic proof of settled funds for the first year. Supplementary support can be shown through 6 months of family bank statements, 3 years of parents' IT returns, fixed deposits, and education loan sanction letters from banks or NBFCs (HDFC Credila, Avanse, ICICI, SBI). Approximate; verify the live IRCC settlement-funds threshold before finalising.
Student Visa
Temporary Residence

The primary visa type for international students wishing to study in Canada. This visa allows full-time enrollment at an accredited educational institution.

Visit official visa information

Standard
4 - 8 weeks
Expedited
2 - 3 weeks (where available)

Apply at least 3 months before your program start date. Embassy processing times vary by location and season.

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You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses in Canada for at least one academic year.

Minimum: $20,000 - $40,000

Accepted Forms

  • Personal bank statements (last 3-6 months)
  • Sponsor's bank statements with affidavit of support
  • Scholarship award letter
  • Education loan approval letter
  • Government sponsorship documentation

Explore scholarships to help fund your studies

Required

Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Canada. Most institutions require proof of coverage before enrollment.

Coverage Options

  • University-sponsored health plan
  • Private international student insurance
  • Government health insurance scheme (if eligible)

Estimated cost: $500 - $3,000/yr

During Study
Limited part-time work permitted during term (typically 20 hours/week)
After Graduation
Post-study work visa may be available (duration varies by country)
Restrictions
Must maintain valid student status. Employment must not interfere with academic obligations. Some countries require a separate work permit.

Embassy & Consulate Contact

Contact the nearest Canada embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements and to schedule your visa interview.

Find your nearest embassy

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate of your destination country before applying.