Student Visa Canada: Requirements & Application Guide 2025

Getting a student visa for Canada in 2025 is a dream for many Indian students, but the process can feel confusing with changing rules, new financial requirements, and stricter approvals. A study permit is more than just a visa. It’s your key to living, studying, and working in one of the world’s most popular student destinations.

This blog is a 360-degree, step-by-step guide covering everything you need: Canada student visa requirements for Indian students, updated GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) Canada visa rules, processing times, documents, application fees, and a practical checklist. If you’re planning to study abroad after 12th grade or for a master’s, this guide will help you navigate every step with confidence.

Why Indian Students Prefer Canada

Canada is home to more than 320,000 Indian students as of 2024, making India the largest source country for international learners. The appeal lies in a mix of academic excellence, affordability, and long-term career prospects.

Top Reasons to Choose Canada:

• Globally ranked universities like the University of Toronto, McGill, UBC, and Waterloo.

• Affordable tuition fees ranging from CAD 15,000–25,000 per year, lower than in the US/UK.

• Work while studying 20 hours per week during semesters, full-time during breaks.

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) up to 3 years after studies

• PR pathways like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs.

• A safe multicultural society welcoming to South Asian communities.

Canada Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students

To qualify for a student visa for Canada, you must meet eligibility conditions set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Basic Requirements:

• Acceptance Letter (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

• Valid Passport covering your study period.

• Proof of Funds:

• Tuition fees (first year).

• Living expenses: CAD 20,635 (until Aug 2025), rising to CAD 22,895 (from Sept 2025).

• Return airfare.

• GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) showing living funds.

• Language proficiency (IELTS Academic 6.0 or higher, PTE, TOEFL).

• Medical exam from an IRCC-approved panel physician.

• Police clearance if required.

Funds Breakdown (2025):

Tip for Indian students: Apply under the SDS route for faster approvals, provided you have a GIC and pay first-year tuition. For more, you can download the country-specific guide and learn in detail. 

Documents Required for a Canada Student Visa

You must gather and organize documents before applying. Missing paperwork is the top reason for rejections.

Core Documents:

• Valid Passport.

• LOA from DLI.

• PAL/TAL or CAQ (for Quebec).

• Tuition payment receipt.

• GIC certificate.

• Bank statements or an education loan sanction letter.

• IELTS/PTE/TOEFL scorecard.

• Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, bachelor’s if applicable).

• Statement of Purpose (SOP).

• Medical exam confirmation.

• Police clearance certificate.

• Recent passport-sized photos (as per IRCC guidelines).

Extra Supporting Documents (optional but helpful):

• Proof of scholarships.

• Property or asset documents (for financial strength).

• Resume or work experience (for PG applicants).

📌 Pro Tip: Keep 2 photocopies of every document and a digital scan in Google Drive.

Canada Student Visa Application Fees & Processing Time

Application Costs (2025):

• Study Permit Fee: CAD 150 (≈ ₹9,300).

• Biometrics Fee: CAD 85 (≈ ₹5,300).

• Total IRCC Fee: CAD 235 (≈ ₹14,600).

• Medical Exam: CAD 100–200 (paid to clinic).

• Police Certificate: Varies by state.

Processing Time for Student Visa Canada:

• SDS route: 20–30 working days.

• Non-SDS: 8–12 weeks.

• Peak seasons (July–Sept & Dec–Jan): Expect delays due to high volume.

📌 Tip for Indian students: Always apply 3–4 months before your intake (September, January, or May) to avoid last-minute stress.

Student Visa Canada Step-by-Step Process with Timeline 

Quick note: IRCC closed the Student Direct Stream (SDS) in November 2024, so most applicants now use the regular study-permit process. Treat GICs and other documents as acceptable financial proof (IRCC lists them as options), but apply through the standard pathway unless IRCC reintroduces a different stream. 

12–9 Months Before Intake: Research & Tests

• Decide programs & check deadlines. Choose Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) and confirm application deadlines on university sites.

• Find course requirements. Note required tests (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL), minimum scores, and document requirements (transcripts, SOP, references).

• Book language tests early. Slot availability for IELTS/PTE can be 4–6 weeks or longer in peak times.

• Plan finances. Estimate tuition + living costs; IRCC now requires higher proof of living funds (see IRCC guidance/news for the current figure). Start arranging bank statements, a loan sanction, or a GIC if you’ll use it as proof.

9–6 months before intake: Apply to schools

• Apply to DLIs. Submit applications per each school’s process; upload transcripts and SOPs.

• Track offers. When you receive an Offer / Letter of Acceptance (LOA), confirm the DLI code and program start date. Universities often request a pre-payment/tuition deposit to confirm a seat.

6–4 months before intake: Secure finances & prepare documents

• Pay tuition / get receipts. If a first-year tuition payment is required, pay and get an official receipt. IRCC commonly asks for this.

• Prepare proof of funds: bank statements (last 4–6 months), loan letters, sponsor affidavit, and if you choose a GIC, open with a participating bank and get the GIC certificate. IRCC accepts a GIC as one acceptable proof of funds.

• Get translations for any non-English/French documents (certified).

• If needed, get a provincial attestation (PAL/TAL) or Québec CAQ. Follow provincial instructions (Guide 5269 explains PAL/TAL requirements).

4–8 weeks before application submission: final prep

• Collect required documents (passport, LOA, financial proof, academic transcripts, SOP, test scores, photos). IRCC provides a personalized document checklist (IMM 5483) and the IMM 1294 form for study permits made outside Canada. Use the IRCC checklist and forms.

• Decide application method (online is fastest). Scan documents clearly (PDF/JPG per IRCC specs). Name files logically.

Submit application → Day 0

• Apply on the IRCC portal. Create a PR account, complete the application, upload documents (follow the IMM 5483 checklist), and pay fees: study-permit fee (CAD $150) and biometrics (CAD $85). Save receipts.

Within 0–30 days after applying: biometrics & medicals

• Biometrics: After payment, you’ll get a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). Book biometrics at a Canada VAC or VFS centre in India within 30 days of the BIL. Bring your BIL and passport. Appointments are free to book but may fill up during busy months.

• Medical exam: If asked (most applicants), see an IRCC-approved panel physician in India and submit results electronically (you can do an upfront medical if you prefer to finish it before submission). Use IRCC’s panel physician list to book. 

During processing: track & respond

• Track the application online. IRCC updates the status via your account. Processing times vary — check IRCC’s processing times page frequently; typical time for regular study permits can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on volume, completeness, and office. Plan travel only after approval.

• If IRCC requests more info, respond quickly (upload via your IRCC account). Delays often come from missing or unclear documents.

After approval: POE letter and travel

• You’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction (and TRV/eTA if required). Print this and carry it with originals: passport, LOA, tuition receipt, proof of funds/GIC certificate, medical and police certificates (if requested).

• At the airport, present your POE letter and documents. A CBSA officer will verify and issue your actual study permit at the port of entry. If anything has changed since your application, be prepared to explain.

Arrival & first 30 days in Canada: immediate tasks

• Open a bank account (if you used a GIC, you’ll verify your identity and start receiving instalments).

• Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you plan to work.

• Register for provincial health or university insurance as required.

• Attend orientation and confirm your enrolment with your DLI.

Follow the student visa Canada checklist to stay on track with every document and deadline. Download it now and make your application stress-free. 

GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) Canada Visa Requirement

The GIC requirement is unique to Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS). For Indian students, it’s the most common pathway.

How GIC Works:

1. Open a GIC account with an approved Canadian bank (Scotiabank, ICICI Canada, SBI Canada, CIBC, RBC).

2. Deposit the required amount:

• CAD 20,635 (until Aug 2025).

• CAD 22,895 (from Sept 2025).

3. Receive a GIC certificate to submit with your visa.

4. After landing in Canada:

• CAD 4,000–5,000 is released upfront.

• The rest is paid monthly over 12 months.

Why GIC is important:

• Proves your financial stability.

• Supports your living expenses.

• Speeds up visa approval under SDS.

📌 Without GIC, you must apply under Non-SDS, which is slower and less reliable. Now that you are done with all the steps, it’s time to pack your bags. You can get our ultimate guide on packing before you start your journey abroad. 

FAQs

Q1. What are the Canada student visa requirements for Indian students?
Acceptance letter, PAL, GIC, proof of funds, SOP, medicals, and police certificate.

Q2. How much are Canada student visa application fees?
CAD 150 for the visa + CAD 85 for biometrics.

Q3. What is the processing time for a student visa Canada?
SDS takes 20–30 days; Non-SDS can take 8–12 weeks.

Q4. Do all Indian students need a GIC?
Yes, if applying through SDS. Non-SDS applicants can show bank funds instead.

Q5. Can I work in Canada with a student visa?
Yes, up to 20 hours per week during classes, and full-time during scheduled breaks.

Rounding Up

Applying for a student visa Canada in 2025 is a detailed process, but if you prepare early and follow the rules, you’ll be on track for success. The key is to secure your LOA, arrange finances (especially your GIC), gather documents, and apply under SDS for faster results.

With this step-by-step guide and checklist, Indian students can avoid confusion and increase their chances of approval. Don’t wait until the last moment. Start your application today and take the first step toward your Canadian education journey.