Canada is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, offering high-quality education, a multicultural environment, and opportunities for work during and after studies. If you plan to study in Canada, you must apply for a student visa, also known as a study permit. One of the key aspects of this process is understanding the visa application fees.
This article provides an in-depth breakdown of the costs associated with applying for a Canadian student visa, including the application fee, biometrics fee, additional costs, and financial proof requirements.
What Is a Canada Student Visa (Study Permit)?
A Canada student visa, officially called a study permit, is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign students to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada.
While the study permit authorizes you to study in Canada, it does not serve as an entry document. Depending on your nationality, you may also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter the country.
Standard Student Visa Application Fee
The basic application fee for a Canada study permit is CAD 150 per applicant. This fee must be paid when submitting your application and is non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected.
Breakdown of the Fee
Application Processing Fee: CAD 150
Biometrics Fee (if required): CAD 85
Total Estimated Cost: CAD 235
The payment must be made online using a credit card, debit card, or other approved payment methods on the IRCC website.
Biometrics Fee
Most international students must provide their biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) as part of the application process. The cost for biometrics is CAD 85 per applicant.
Biometrics Fee for Families
If you are applying with family members, the biometrics fee is capped at CAD 170 for the whole family.
Biometrics Fee for Groups
For groups of performing artists applying together, the maximum biometrics fee is CAD 255.
Additional Costs Related to Canada Student Visa
1. Medical Examination Fee
As part of the visa application, students from certain countries must undergo a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
Estimated Cost: CAD 150 – CAD 250 (varies by country).
2. Police Clearance Certificate Fee
IRCC may require a police clearance certificate to verify if an applicant has any criminal records.
Estimated Cost: CAD 20 – CAD 100 (varies by country).
3. Translation of Documents
If any of your documents are not in English or French, you must get them translated by a certified translator.
Estimated Cost: CAD 30 – CAD 100 per page.
4. Tuition Fees for Canadian Universities
You must pay tuition fees to secure a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution.
Estimated Tuition Fees: CAD 10,000 – CAD 50,000 per year, depending on the university and program.
5. Living Expenses in Canada
IRCC requires students to show proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses during their studies.
Minimum Funds Required (Outside Quebec)
Student: CAD 10,000 per year
Spouse: CAD 4,000 per year
Per Additional Dependent: CAD 3,000 per year
Minimum Funds Required (Quebec)
Student: CAD 11,000 per year
First Family Member: CAD 5,100 per year
Each Additional Family Member: CAD 3,800 per year
6. Student Health Insurance
Some provinces in Canada provide health insurance for international students, while in others, students must purchase private insurance.
Estimated Cost: CAD 300 – CAD 1,000 per year.
7. Proof of Financial Support
When applying for a Canada student visa, you must prove that you have enough financial resources to cover your expenses. Acceptable proofs include:
Bank statements
Letter of sponsorship
Scholarship award letters
Education loan documents
Canada Student Visa Application Process
Step 1: Get a Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
Before applying for a study permit, you must receive an LOA from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Valid passport
Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian institution
Proof of financial support
Immigration medical examination results (if required)
Police clearance certificate (if required)
Statement of purpose (study plan)
Step 3: Submit Online Application
Visit the IRCC website and create an account to submit your application. Pay the necessary visa fees online and upload all required documents.
Step 4: Provide Biometrics
If biometrics are required, you must visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit your fingerprints and photo.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
The visa processing time varies depending on the applicant’s country of residence. The average processing time is 3 to 6 months.
Step 6: Receive Your Study Permit
If your visa is approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. You must show this letter to a Canadian border officer upon arrival to get your study permit.
Payment Methods for Canada Student Visa Fee
You can pay the visa application fees using:
Credit Card or Debit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
Bank Drafts (if available in your country)
Online Payment via IRCC Portal
Student Direct Stream (SDS) – Faster Processing
Certain countries, including India, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan, are eligible for Student Direct Stream (SDS), which offers faster visa processing (around 20 days).
SDS Requirements
Proof of full tuition payment for the first year
Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000
IELTS score of 6.0 or higher
Medical exam and police certificate
What Happens If Your Visa Application Is Rejected?
If your student visa application is refused, you will receive a letter of explanation stating the reasons for rejection. Common reasons include:
Insufficient proof of financial support
Lack of clear study plan
Incomplete or incorrect documents
You may reapply by addressing the issues raised in the rejection letter.
Conclusion
Applying for a Canada student visa involves several costs, including the CAD 150 application fee and CAD 85 biometrics fee. Apart from these, students must also budget for medical exams, police clearance certificates, tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance.
By understanding these costs and planning accordingly, you can ensure a smooth application process and a successful transition to studying in Canada.
