Canada Student Visa 2026: Requirements, Process, Costs

What Is a Canada Student Visa (Study Permit)?

A Canada students visa aka a Study Permit is a document which is issued by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). It is the body which authorises international students to be able to study in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada for more than six months. One thing you should note is that it is not the same as a “visa.” So you can not technically call it a “Canada Student Visa.”  

A Canadian Study Permit will let you stay and study. But to enter Canada, you will need to have a Temporary Resident visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). If your application gets approved, IRCC will issue a permit and entry document simultaneously. So you don’t have to fill out a separate visa application.

Below are a few important things about the Study Permit for Canada:

• You only need a Study Permit if your program is longer than 6 months.
• Programs that are 6 months long or less will only need a visitor visa or eTA.

Also Read: What is GIC in Canada for Indian Students

Canada is set to welcome 408,000 students in 2026

Canada has set a new cap of 408,000 for the Study Permit for international students in 2026. This is less than the study cap of 437,000 in 2025 and 485,000 in 2024. Below is the Canada Study Permit distribution for 2026:

Category	Allocated Study Permits
PAL/ TAL required applicants	1,80,000
Master’s and doctoral students (PAL/TAL exempt)	49,000
Primary and secondary school (kindergarten to grade 12, also PAL/TAL exempt)	1,15,000
Other PAL/TAL-exempt study permit applicants	64,000
Total	4,08,000

As for Indian students, who previously made up the largest share of Canada’s global student population. Meaning that there will be even tougher competition. But this makes it all the more important to pay extra attention and make your application as strong as possible.

Good News If You're Applying for a Master's or PhD

Another significant change for 2026 is the no longer need for a PAL for Master’s or PhD programs. As of January 2026, students who are applying for Master’s and doctoral programs will not need to get a Provincial Attestation Letter. They are also exempt from the Study Permit caps. All students need to do is hold a valid Letter of Acceptance and meet all the financial requirements. In addition to this, students who are applying for a PhD program from outside of Canada can get their study permit processed in as little as 14 days.

As for students who are planning to apply for a Master’s or PhD program at a Canadian public university in 2026, the process is much faster and simpler than it was in 2025.

Also Read:Master’s in Canada for Indian Students 

Canada Student Visa Fees And Key Details

The Canada student visa fees aka the Study Permit fee is around $CAD 150 for the application. This roughly translates to around ₹10,000–₹10,500 per person. Below is a breakdown of how much you can expect to spend on the student visa for Canada along with a few important figures that you might need to know in 2026:

Detail	2026 Figure
Study permit application fee	CAD $150 (~₹10,500)
Biometrics fee	CAD $85 (~₹5,935)
Total minimum fees	CAD $235 (~₹16,409)
Financial proof — outside Quebec	CAD $22,895 (~₹15 Lakhs) (living) + Tuition + Travel
GIC required amount	CAD $22,895
Study permit cap for 2026	408,000 total (155,000 for new arrivals)
PAL-required study permits	180,000 spaces across provinces
Standard processing time	7–9 weeks
PhD applicant processing (2026 reform)	~14 days
Work hours allowed (during studies)	24 hours/week off-campus
Study permit validity	Duration of program + 90 days

Types of Student Visas for the Canada

Here are some of the different types of student visas available in Canada:

Visa Type	Description
S-1	International student with a Canada Study Permit.
SW-1	International student with both study and work permit
SX-1	Student in a short course (less than 6 months) who doesn’t need a study permit.

Canada Student Visa Requirements

If you are planning to study or apply for Canada student visa in 2026, then you will have to first meet a few different requirements across language, eligibility, and documents. You can check that out below:

Eligibility Criteria

You can study in Canada if you meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. You get enrolled in a Designated Learning Institute which is registered with IRCC.
2. You have proof of sufficient funds to sustain your education, tuition, and living expenses in Canada. The minimum financial requirement for a single person is around CAD $22,895 (₹15 Lakhs).
3. Most of the new students who are applying for Canada students visa in 2026 are now required to have a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province or territory they are planning to study in. (Note: Master’s and doctoral students planning to study at a Canadian public university are exempt from this).
4. You show Intent to Leave to a visa officer and that you will leave Canada once your Study Permit expires.
5. Lastly, you also need to show Health and Security through a clean criminal record and passing a medical exam to show good health.

Also Read: How to Study in Canada without IELTS

Documents Required for Canadian Visa

Next, to get a Canada Student Visa, you will have to submit the documents listed below:

• A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay/
• Letter of Acceptance from a DLI
• Provincial Attestation Letter
• Completed IMM 1294 form
• Digital photo as specified by IRCC
• Last 3 – 6 months’ bank statements
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
• Payment receipt of the tuition fee
• Education loan sanction letter
• scholarship or sponsorship letter
• Academic Transcripts
• Degree certificates or provisional certificates
• IELTS/ PTE/ TOEFL test scores
• Statement of Purpose
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Medical examination results

English Language Requirement

And lastly, in order to get a Study Permit, you will have to demonstrate that you can speak, read, write, and understand English well. To do this, you have to prove your language proficiency through tests like IELTS Academics, TOEFL, and PTE. Out of these, IELTS is the most highly accepted language proficiency test.

Note: The language proficiency is not a mandatory requirement for IRCC or getting a Study Permit itself. But you DLI will need them for your overall visa assessment package. Below is a table for the minimum IELTS score requirement:

Program Level	Typical IELTS Requirement
Undergraduate (most DLIs)	6.0–6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
Diploma / Certificate	5.5–6.0 overall
Master's programs	6.5–7.0 overall
MBA programs	6.5–7.0 overall
PhD programs	7.0+ overall (varies by university)

How to Apply for a Canada Student Visa?

To apply for a Canada Student Visa, you can follow this step-by-step process below:

Step 1: Get Your Letter of Acceptance

Start by first applying to one or more DLIs in Canada. If you get admitted, then you will get a Letter of Acceptance from them.

 Step 2: Get Your Provincial Attestation Letter

Next, you will have to get your PAL. So, if you are applying for a UG or diploma program, then you will have to contact your DLI as soon as you get your LOA. The process for PAL is managed by the province through your institution.

Note: This step will take around 2 – 4 weeks in most provinces. So make sure to start it the same week you get your LOA.

Step 3: Open a GIC Account

You will then have to open a GIC account in an IRCC-approved Canadian bank. Once your account is open, you will then have to deposit around CAD $22,895. This amount will be released monthly to you once you arrive in Canada and it will cover your living expenses for the first year.

Step 4: Complete Your Medical Examination

Book your medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician before you submit your application. When you complete your medicals upfront, it will save you around 2 to 4 weeks in processing time, as IRCC will already have your health results while reviewing your file.

Step 5: Prepare your Statement of Purpose (SOP)

In the IRCC context, your SOP is called a “Study Plan.” Your SOP is an important document which will convince the visa officer of your genuine intent to study. So, it is important that you clearly write about why you want to study your course and in your chosen institution.

Step 6: Create Your IRCC Account

You will then have to visit the official IRCC website at “Create a GCKey” account or use a Sign-In Partner account. Once done, you will have to complete the IMM1294 study permit application form online.

Step 7: Upload Documents and Pay Fees

Next, you need to upload all the required documents in the correct IRCC fields and pay the Study Permit fee along with the biometrics fee.

Step 8: Submit Biometrics at a Visa Application Centre

Once you submit your online application, you will get a Biometrics Instruction Letter from IRCC where you need to submit your biometrics at a Visa Application Centre in India. You will have around 30 days to do so.

Step 9: Wait for The Decision

In this step, your application will enter the standard processing and will take around 8 to 12 weeks. IRCC will might send you a Procedural Fairness Letter with a request for additional documents.

Step 10: Submit Passport and Arrive in Canada

And lastly, once your applications get approved, the IRCC will issue you a Passport Request using your IRCC account. You have to then submit your passport to the nearest VAC for visa stamping. You will then get a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction which you will have to show to the CBSA officer at the Canadian airport, along with your passport, LOA, and proof of funds.

Also Read: MBA in Canada

What Is a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and Do You Need One?

The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is an important part of your Study Permit Application process for undergraduate programs. It is a document which is issued by a Canadian province or territory in order to confirm that the student has a place in that particular region’s international student quota.

The PAL was first introduced in 2024, and as of 2026, the following students are required to get it for their Canadian Study Permit:

• Post-Secondary Undergraduate Students
• Students in graduate certificates or graduate diplomas
• Visiting exchange students or ESL/FSL students who are studying for more than six months

New Changes in Canada Student Visa

There is no doubt that Canada is still one of the top education hubs that is preferred by students from all over the world. But in the last 18 months, there have been major changes in its international student program than there were in the previous decade.

Some of the important ones include:

• National Intake Cap: In 2026, the total Study Permit target is only 408,000 and includes both new admissions and permit extensions.
• Master's and PhD Exemptions: International students who are admitted to Master’s and Doctoral programs at public universities will be exempt from the study permit cap.
• Faster Processing: Students applying for Doctoral programs will now benefit from an expedited process and can get a decision in as little as 14 days.
• End of SDS: The Student Direct Stream program was officially ended on November 8th of 2024.
• Master’s Graduates: Master’s graduates are now eligible for a three-year PGWP even if their program lasted less than two years.
• Private Colleges: International students who are studying at private colleges that license public college curricula are now no longer eligible for getting a PGWP.
• Co-op Permits: Effective from April 1st of 2026, international post-graduate students will not need a separate co-op work permit. Their Study Permit will act as an authorisation if they are planning any mandatory internships.

Working and Travelling on a Canadian Student Visa

As an International student, you are eligible to work and travel on your Study Permit provided that you follow the specific regulations set by IRCC.

• You can work for up to 24 hours per week off campus during your academic sessions.
• During winter, summer, and other scheduled breaks, you can work full-time.
• There is no limit to the number of hours you can work on campus.
• You can not start working until your study program officially starts. And you can not work during an authorised leave from your studies.
• In order to re-enter Canada after you travel abroad, you need to have a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), a valid Study Permit, and Proof of enrolment in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

Canada Student Visa Processing Time for Indian Students in 2026

Below is the approximate application processing time in 2026 for Canada Student Visa for Indian students:

Application Type	IRCC Processing Time	Real-World Total Timeline
Standard stream (most UG/diploma students)	8–12 weeks	12–16 weeks (including PAL issuance)
PhD applicants (2026 new reform)	~14 days	4–8 weeks (including PAL exemption + medicals)
Master's students at public DLIs	8–12 weeks	10–14 weeks (PAL exempt from 2026)
Quebec applicants	8–12 weeks (after CAQ)	14–18 weeks (CAQ adds 4–6 weeks)

How to Extend your Canada Study Permit?

Once you are near your Study Permit expiry date, you can easily follow a simple online process through the IRCC secure account to extend it. The steps for which include:

1. Start by gathering all the required documents like LOA, proof of financial support, passport copies, and digital photo.
2. Next, log in to your IRCC secure account and select “Apply to come to Canada.”
3. Under it, choose “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit.”
4. Complete the given questionnaire to generate your personalised document checklist.
5. You will then have to upload your documents and pay the application fee of around CAD $150.
6. Lastly, wait for the processing.

Once you are near your Study Permit expiry date, you can easily follow a simple online process through the IRCC secure account to extend it. The steps for which include:

1. Start by gathering all the required documents like LOA, proof of financial support, passport copies, and a digital photo.
2. Next, log in to your IRCC secure account and select “Apply to come to Canada.”
3. Under it, choose “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit.”
4. Complete the given questionnaire to generate your personalised document checklist.
5. You will then have to upload your documents and pay the application fee of around CAD $150.
6. Lastly, wait for the processing.

If you want more detailed info on Canada student visa extension or restoring your status, then you can check our blog on Study Permit Extension in Canada, which goes into a detailed explanation.

How Gradding can Make your Study in Canada Journey Easy!

Studying in Canada can without a doubt feel overwhelming. Especially when you consider all the recent Canada Study Permit changes. And with these extensive changes, making a small mistake can delay your visa approval. So what is the solution?

Getting help from professionals who have been in the Study Abroad industry for years and have successfully sent hundreds of students abroad. Gradding will help you with:

• University and college shortlisting
• Canada Study Permit Application Guidance
• SOP and document preparation
• IELTS and language test preparation
• Education loan and GIC assistance
• Scholarship guidance
• Visa interview preparation
• Accommodation and pre-departure support

Conclusion

Coming to an end, Canada is a great choice for most Indian students who want to study abroad. I offer the Post-Graduation Work Permit (up to 3 years) and the Express Entry pathway to permanent residence which are unmatched by any other English-speaking country. Even though the 2026 Canada Student Visa rules are a little stricter than before, they do not close a door. Instead, they help students who are better prepared and apply early.

FAQs:

1. How Long Does the Canada Student Visa Process Take?

A Canada student visa processing time can take up to 3 months. Thus, students must apply for the visa as soon as possible after getting an offer letter from a Canadian university.

2. Is IELTS Required for Student Visa in Canada?

Canada is an English speaking nation. Thus, an overall IELTS score of 6.0 bands is required. This means, you must have at least 5.5 bands in each of the 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

3. Can students bring their spouse or family on a Canada student visa?

Yes. A spouse may apply for an open work permit, and dependent children can accompany the student. Applicants must show enough financial support for all family members.

4. How Much Percentage is Required for a Canada Study Visa?

To study in Canada, a student must have at least 65% to study a humanities subject and a 70 t0 80% to study a STEM course. Diploma courses and foundation programs are available for students who have a score of below 60%.

5. What is SDS for Canada student visa?

Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a faster visa processing pathway for students from eligible countries like India. Requirements usually include:

• IELTS score of 6.0 in each band
• Full first-year tuition payment
• CAD 20,635 GIC
• Valid acceptance letter