Canada Study Visa 2025: Processing Time, Application Process & Requirements for International Students

Introduction

Canada is one of the popular destinations among Indian students due to its diverse and welcoming culture and high-quality education. Canada offers a wide range of programs and opportunities to students from India to pursue and achieve their dreams.

If you desire to study in Canada, then the first thing you need to do is to get a study permit (aka student visa) so that you can study at your desired university, and a temporary resident visa (TRV) for studying in Canada under the Canadian Government’s regulations.

What is a study permit?

It is a legal document that permits you to study at Designated Learning Institutions in Canada, issued by the Citizenship and Immigration (CIC). And if you hold this permit, you must remain enrolled and make reasonable and timely progress towards completing your course. 

It is necessary to know how long it will take to get approval for this permit. You can plan better, avoid potential delays, and have a smoother application experience if you know how long this permit takes to get approved. Your study permit is always accompanied by a visitor or ETA. 

Note: A study permit allows you to study in Canada, whereas an ETA allows you to enter Canada. Your counsellor will help you access the latest info and connect you with authorised migration experts. 

Eligibility requirements: 

There is only one type of Canadian student permit, called the Study Permit. You can come to Canada to study if you:

• are enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution
• prove you have enough money to pay for
• your tuition fees
• living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada, and
• return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
• obey the law, have no criminal record, and get a police certificate (if required)
• are in good health and get a medical exam (if required) and
• Prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires

Documents Required

• Valid Passport
• Proof of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI)
• Proof of Funds
• Immigration Medical Examination
• Education transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates  
• Language Proficiency Score
• Statement of Purpose
• Travel Documents
• Passport-sized photographs  
• Documents for various test scores like GMAT, GRE, IELTS, etc
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000
• Proof of payment for the visa application fee
• Proof of work experience with payslips

Your responsibilities as a student

While studying in Canada, you must:

• Make progress towards completing your program
• Respect any conditions listed on your study permit
• Stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements

Depending on your case, there may be conditions on your study permit, such as

• If you’re allowed to work in Canada
• The specific date you must leave Canada
• Where you can study (a specific DLI listed on your permit): You need to follow our instructions if you want to change schools at the post-secondary level.
• Whether you need an immigration medical examination

Work Opportunities with a Study Permit

• Eligible students with a study permit in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada: After completing a PGWP-eligible programme from a DLI, you can apply for a PGWP, which allows you to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on your level and duration of your study programme.

Canada Visa Application Fees

• The cost of a Canadian Student Visa is CAD 150. Additionally, applicants from certain countries may have to pay for biometrics (approximately CAD 85). Ensure that you pay your fees promptly to prevent delays in the Canada study visa processing time.

Steps to apply

Step 1: Apply for admission to a college/university

• The first step to initiate the Canadian study visa process is getting approval for admission or an offer letter from a recognised educational institution. Innumerable colleges and universities in Canada offer a range of degrees and study programs for students.  

Step 2: Pay the fees

• After getting an offer letter, the next step for you is to pay the fees to the college or university. You can pay your fees through an International Wire Transfer. When the institution receives and processes your fee, you will get a receipt for the same. Save the receipt, as it will be required when you send your visa application.    

Step 3: Purchase GIC

• The next step for a student is to buy the Guaranteed Investment Scheme or GIC. Each foreign student must have a GIC to take care of the living expenses once they reach Canada. The amount of GIC is $10,200, which can be purchased from any participating bank.
• The bank deducts approximately $200 as its administrative charges, but it may vary from bank to bank. You will receive $2,000 immediately upon landing in Canada, and you will receive the rest of the $8,000 in 12 equal installments for your living expenses.

Step 4: Go through the medical examination

• Now, you will have to go through a medical examination from a doctor recognised by Canada’s government. While the report of your medical examination will go directly to the immigration authorities, you will receive a receipt for it. The receipt will be submitted at the time of application.

Step 5: Apply for a visa

• The next step here is to actually apply for a Canadian student visa.  

Step 6: Get your visa

• In case your application gets approved, you will receive a notification from the Government of Canada requesting your passport. You can submit it in person or through VFS. After that, you will get a temporary resident visa and a letter of introduction.

Need help with your student visa application? Student Cover can help you with a smooth and error-free Canada study visa process.

Average Processing Time for 2025 Applications

• The Canada Study Visa Processing Time may take 3-4 weeks. 

Step-by-Step Process To Check the Canada Student Visa Timeline

To check the current study permit processing time in Canada, you need to visit the Canada immigration website, where you will find the IRCC applications section. This is where you can:

• Select the application type (Temporary residence- visiting, studying, working).
• Under "Which temporary residence application?" drop-down, select “study permit (from outside Canada)”
• Under "Where are you applying from?" drop-down, select India
• Get the most current processing time update

How to Track Your Canada Study Visa Application

• Once you’ve submitted your application, tracking its progress is simple. You can log into your IRCC account to check updates on your Canada study visa process time. Any additional documents or steps will be communicated via the account, so be sure to monitor it regularly.

Factors That Affect Canada Student Visa Processing Times

Several factors influence student visa processing times in Canada:

• The volume of applications that require processing by IRCC.
• The strength of your application is based on the legitimate documents that are submitted
•  The clarity of the statement of purpose.
• Case-specific delays like previous travel history to sensitive places, documents that require more verification, etc.
• Completeness and accuracy of information provided. 
• How quickly are you responding to any requests or queries sent by the authority?
• Applicants with previous criminal records can expect a delay in the processing time

Tips to Avoid Delays in Canada Student Visa Processing Time

You can follow these essential tips to avoid delays in your Canada student visa processing time:

• Apply Early.
• Submit your application 3-6 months before your program starts. Use the SDS Program.
• If eligible, applying under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) can reduce processing times to just a few weeks. Double-check Documents.
• Ensure that all forms and documents are accurate and complete. Follow Up on Biometrics.
• Schedule your biometrics appointment as soon as you are notified.

Conclusion

Studying in Canada opens the door to world-class education, cultural diversity, and global career opportunities. For Indian students, securing a Canadian study permit is the first and most crucial step in this journey. By understanding the eligibility requirements, preparing the right documents, and following each step of the visa process carefully, you can avoid delays and ensure a hassle-free application experience. Applying early, staying organized, and making use of streamlined options like the Student Direct Stream (SDS) can further improve your chances of quick approval. With the right preparation, your dream of studying in Canada in 2025 can become a reality, setting the foundation for a bright academic and professional future.

Need expert guidance for your Canada study journey? Applying for admission and navigating the visa process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Admission Counselling Services help you shortlist the right universities, prepare your documents, and submit strong applications that improve your chances of approval. Connect with our counsellors today and take the first step towards studying in Canada with confidence.