How to Get a Student Visa to Canada (Study Permit) in 2026

 

 

Types of Study Visas in Canada

Canada offers two main types of visas/permits:

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

Suitable for:

• Tourism

• Short-term study (up to 6 months)

• Business and visitor trips

Duration:

• Up to 6 months per visit

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Study Permit

Required for:

• Studies longer than 6 months

• Schools, colleges, and universities

• Long-term language programs

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Important Consideration

Although Canada is known for immigration opportunities, when applying for a visa, you must demonstrate that you:

• are traveling specifically for study purposes, not immigration

• intend to return after completing your studies

Immigration officers assess each application holistically.

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Main Requirements

To obtain a Study Permit, you must:

• receive a Letter of Acceptance from an educational institution

• prove sufficient financial means to cover:

  • tuition fees

  • living expenses

  • additional costs

• justify your study purpose (a logical academic path)

• demonstrate ties to your home country (family, employment, property)

• have no history of visa violations

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Factors Affecting the Decision

Immigration authorities evaluate:

• financial stability

• relevance of the chosen program

• consistency of academic and personal background

• visa and travel history

• age of the applicant

For example:

• long gaps in education or employment may reduce chances

• lack of international travel history may be considered a risk factor

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Where to Apply?

Applications are submitted:

• online via the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal

After applying, you must:

• provide biometrics at a visa application center

• undergo a medical examination if required

Applicants can provide biometrics at any accredited Canadian visa application center abroad, if applicable.

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Do You Need an Appointment?

• Application: submitted online

• Biometrics: appointment required

• Medical exam: appointment at an accredited clinic

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Processing Times

• Study Permit: typically several months (around 8–16 weeks)

• TRV: processing times may be significantly longer

Processing times depend on the workload of immigration authorities.

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Personal Presence

Required for:

• biometric data collection

• medical examination

If biometrics were already provided for a Canadian visa within the last 10 years, they do not need to be submitted again.

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Fees

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada:

• Study Permit: approximately 150 CAD

• Biometrics: approximately 85 CAD

• Payments are made online

• Medical exams are paid separately, and the cost depends on the clinic

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Visa Application Process

1. Prepare documents

2. Create an account on the official IRCC website

3. Complete the application form and upload documents

4. Pay the required fees

5. Provide biometrics

6. Complete a medical exam (if required)

7. Receive a decision

If approved:

• you must submit your passport for visa stamping (TRV)

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Document Preparation

• Documents are submitted electronically

• The original passport is required for biometrics and visa issuance

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Translation of Documents

All documents must be:

• in English or French, or

• accompanied by a translation

Requirements:

• translations must be certified by the translator

• notarization is usually not required

• an apostille is not required

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Important Notes

If your application is refused:

• you will receive a letter explaining the reasons (usually in general terms)

• you may reapply after addressing the issues

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Summary

• Short-term stay → Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

• Long-term study → Study Permit

• Application → online via IRCC portal

• Key steps → biometrics, possible medical exam, document submission

• Key factors → financial proof, study purpose, and ties to home country