Canada Student Visa 2027: Requirements, Costs and How to Apply

To study in Canada for more than six months, you need a study permit, plus a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on your nationality.

You’ll need an offer from a Designated Learning Institution, proof of funds of at least CAD 23,448 plus first-year tuition, and in most cases a Provincial Attestation Letter. The government fees total CAD 235.

What Is a Canada Student Visa?

A Canada student visa is the combination of a study permit and an entry document, either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).

Your study permit lets you study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), while your TRV or eTA lets you enter the country. If you need a TRV, it’s issued with your study permit approval, so you don’t apply for it separately.

Why Do International Students Choose Canada?

Canada combines globally ranked universities with a clear route into work after graduation through the PGWP. Three Canadian universities sit in the global top 50 of the QS World University Rankings 2027:

• McGill University: 30th in the world and first in Canada
• University of Toronto: 32nd in the world
• University of British Columbia: 45th in the world

What Are the Canada Student Visa Requirements?

Most applicants need a Letter of Acceptance from a DLI, a Provincial Attestation Letter, proof of funds, a valid passport, biometrics, and a clear letter explaining their study plans.

Letter of Acceptance

Your Letter of Acceptance confirms your programme, start date and institution. IRCC verifies every letter directly with the institution, so your study permit application can’t proceed without a valid one.

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

A PAL confirms that your place counts towards your province’s share of the national study permit cap. Since 1st January 2026, master’s and PhD students at public DLIs don’t need a PAL. If you’re studying in Quebec, your Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) serves the same purpose.

Proof of Financial Support

You must show that you can pay for tuition, living costs and return travel without working in Canada. This is one of the most scrutinised parts of your application, and the amounts are covered in the next section.

Passport, Biometrics and Medical Exam

• Passport: It should be valid for your whole stay, as your study permit can’t be issued beyond its expiry date
• Biometrics: Most applicants give fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre, and they stay valid for 10 years
• Medical exam: You’ll need one if you’ve lived in certain countries for six months or more in the year before you travel, or if you’ll study or work in health care, childcare or schools

Letter of Explanation

Your letter of explanation, often called a Statement of Purpose, sets out why you chose your course, your institution and Canada, and how the programme fits your career plans. Officers read it closely when deciding whether you’re a genuine student.

How Much Money Do You Need for a Canada Student Visa?

For applications submitted from 1st September 2026, a single applicant studying outside Quebec must show at least CAD 23,448 for living costs, on top of first-year tuition and return travel. The amount rises with each family member included in your application, according to IRCC’s proof of financial support rules.

Quebec sets its own financial requirement through the CAQ process, so check it separately if you plan to study there.

Accepted Financial Documents

You don’t need every type of evidence, only enough to clearly show the full amount:

• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): From a participating Canadian financial institution
• Bank statements: Recent statements showing a stable balance and a clear source of funds
• Education loan: An approved loan letter from a recognised bank or lender
• Scholarship or sponsorship: An award letter or a sponsor’s letter with their financial documents
• Prepaid fees: Receipts showing you’ve paid tuition or accommodation

Large deposits shortly before you apply, funds that aren’t in your or your sponsor’s name, and unofficial bank letters are common reasons officers doubt an application. If your programme lasts longer than a year, be ready to explain how you’ll fund the remaining years too.

How Much Does a Canada Student Visa Cost?

The government fees for a study permit total CAD 235, but your full budget is much larger. These figures use Statistics Canada’s 2025/26 tuition averages:

Tuition varies widely by province and subject, and living costs in Toronto or Vancouver are well above the proof of funds minimum. Compare the cost of living in Canada by city before you set your budget.

Can Scholarships Reduce Your Costs?

Yes, though full scholarships are rare for international students. Many universities offer entrance awards and merit scholarships that reduce tuition, and funded awards such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships support doctoral research. Deadlines are often earlier than application deadlines, so explore scholarships for international students in Canada early.

How Do You Apply for a Canada Study Permit?

You apply online through your IRCC account once you’ve received your Letter of Acceptance and gathered your documents:

1. Secure admission: Apply to your chosen DLI and receive your Letter of Acceptance
2. Get your PAL or CAQ: Your institution usually arranges your PAL after you accept your offer
3. Prepare your documents: Gather your passport, proof of funds, letter of explanation and any other required documents
4. Apply and pay: Submit your application through your IRCC account and pay the CAD 150 fee and CAD 85 biometrics fee
5. Give biometrics: Book an appointment at a visa application centre once you receive your instruction letter
6. Complete a medical exam: Book one with an IRCC-approved panel physician if required
7. Receive your decision: If approved, you’ll get a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction, plus your TRV or eTA if needed

Your study permit itself is issued by a border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

How Long Does Canada Student Visa Processing Take?

Processing times vary by country, application volume and how complete your application is, and IRCC updates them regularly. Check IRCC’s live processing times tool shortly before you apply rather than relying on a fixed figure. Doctoral students at public DLIs can benefit from priority processing.

To avoid delays, submit a complete application, give biometrics and complete any medical exam promptly, and respond quickly to any requests from IRCC.

Why Are Canada Study Permits Refused?

Most refusals come down to weak financial evidence, an unconvincing study plan, or doubts that you’ll leave Canada when your permit ends:

If you’re refused, read the officer’s reasons carefully before reapplying, as submitting the same application again rarely changes the outcome.

Can You Work While Studying in Canada?

Yes. If your study permit allows work, you can work off campus for up to 24 hours a week during term, full time during scheduled breaks, and unlimited hours on campus. You must be enrolled full time in a programme of at least six months that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate, and you’ll need a Social Insurance Number.

Since 1st April 2026, post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for a required work placement, as long as the placement makes up 50% or less of the programme and your study permit allows on-campus work. Part-time earnings help with living costs, but they can’t count towards your proof of funds.

What Happens After You Graduate?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit lets eligible graduates work for any Canadian employer. Its length depends on your programme:

• Programmes of 8 months to under 2 years: A PGWP matching the length of your programme
• Programmes of 2 years or more: A three-year PGWP
• Master’s degrees: Eligible graduates of master’s programmes of at least eight months can usually get a three-year PGWP
• Language requirement: Degree graduates need CLB 7 in English or French, while college graduates need CLB 5

Bachelor’s, master’s and PhD graduates are exempt from the field-of-study rules, but most college graduates must study a programme on IRCC’s eligible field-of-study list. Find out more about the PGWP in Canada.

What Are the Career Outcomes and Return on Investment?

According to Statistics Canada’s National Graduates Survey, 88.6% of international graduates who stayed in Canada were employed three years after graduating, compared with 91.0% of Canadian graduates. International graduates earned 19.6% less on average, partly because more worked in sales and service roles outside their field.

Based on average tuition and minimum living costs, a four-year undergraduate degree can cost over CAD 260,000 in total, while a one-year master’s costs closer to CAD 48,000. Your return depends on your field, province and how quickly you find relevant work, so compare salaries for the most in-demand courses in Canada before you commit.

Graduates who later qualify for PR in Canada after study gain longer-term benefits, though no course guarantees it.

Can You Bring Your Family to Canada as a Student?

Your spouse and children can usually come with you, but your spouse can only get an open work permit if you’re studying one of the following:

• Master’s degree: A programme lasting 16 months or longer
• Doctoral degree: Any PhD programme
• Professional degree: One of IRCC’s eligible programmes, such as medicine, law or dentistry

Spouses of most undergraduate, college and shorter master’s students aren’t eligible, so factor this into your choice of programme if your partner plans to work. School-age children can attend primary or secondary school, and you’ll need to show higher proof of funds for each family member, as set out in the table above.

Do Canada Student Visa Requirements Depend on Your Nationality?

The core requirements are the same for everyone, but some steps depend on your nationality and where you live:

• Entry document: Whether you need a TRV or an eTA depends on your passport
• Medical exam: Required if you’ve recently lived in certain countries for six months or more
• Processing times: These vary by the country you apply from
• Biometrics: Some applicants are exempt based on age or nationality

Check IRCC’s guidance for your country before you apply, or ask a counsellor to confirm what applies to you.

How Can StudyIn Help With Your Canada Student Visa?

A strong study permit application depends on choosing the right programme, preparing convincing financial evidence and writing a clear letter of explanation. StudyIn has over 20 years of experience helping international students study abroad, and our counsellors know where Canadian applications commonly go wrong.

We support you from shortlisting universities and colleges through applications, scholarships, proof of funds, your study permit and pre-departure. Our service is free throughout, and parents are welcome to join your sessions.

FAQs

How much bank balance do I need for a Canada student visa?

From 1st September 2026, a single applicant outside Quebec needs at least CAD 23,448 for living costs, plus first-year tuition and return travel. The amount is CAD 29,192 for two people and CAD 35,888 for three.

How much does a Canada study permit cost?

The study permit fee is CAD 150 and the biometrics fee is CAD 85, so most applicants pay CAD 235 in government fees.

Can I get a Canada student visa without IELTS?

Yes, if your institution accepts another English test such as TOEFL, PTE Academic or CAEL. Institutions set their own English requirements, but you’ll need an approved test at CLB 5 or 7 later if you apply for a PGWP.

Do master’s students need a PAL in 2026?

No. Since 1st January 2026, master’s and PhD students at public DLIs don’t need a Provincial Attestation Letter.

How many hours can international students work in Canada?

Up to 24 hours a week off campus during term, full time during scheduled breaks, and unlimited hours on campus.

Do I need a co-op work permit?

Not since 1st April 2026 for most post-secondary students, as long as the placement is required by your programme and your study permit allows on-campus work.

Can my spouse work in Canada while I study?

Only if you’re studying a master’s programme of 16 months or longer, a PhD, or an eligible professional degree. Spouses of most undergraduate and college students aren’t eligible for an open work permit.

Can I stay in Canada after I graduate?

Yes, if you’re eligible for a PGWP, which can last up to three years. It can support a later application for permanent residence, though it doesn’t guarantee one.