How to Apply for a Canadian Student Visa Online (Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2025)

If you’ve received an admission letter from a Canadian school and want to take the next step, you’ll need to apply for a Canadian Student Visa — also known as a Study Permit.

This detailed guide will walk you through how to apply for your Canadian student visa online — step by step — so you can avoid confusion and common mistakes.

What is a Canadian Student Visa (Study Permit)?

A study permit is an official document issued by the Government of Canada that allows foreign students to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

It’s not exactly a visa — the study permit lets you stay and study in Canada, while your visa (visitor or temporary resident visa) allows you to enter the country. Usually, both are issued together after approval.

Step 1: Get Accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

 

Before applying for a student visa, you must first be accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) — a school authorized by the Canadian government to admit international students.

How to Do This:

1. Choose your preferred course and school (university, college, or technical institute).

2. Apply directly to the school through their admission portal.

3. Once accepted, you’ll receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) — this is a mandatory document for your visa application.

Examples of top DLIs:

• University of Toronto

• University of British Columbia (UBC)

• McGill University

• University of Alberta

• Centennial College

Without this acceptance letter, you cannot apply for a Canadian study permit.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

To apply successfully online, you’ll need to prepare several important documents in digital format (scanned and clear).

Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:

• Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI

• Valid Passport (must cover your study period)

• Proof of Financial Support (to show you can pay tuition and living costs)

• Recent Passport-sized Photos

• Statement of Purpose (Letter of Intent) – explain why you want to study in Canada

• Educational transcripts and certificates

• Proof of English or French proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or TEF)

• Medical exam results (if required)

• Police clearance certificate (if applicable)

Proof of Financial Support

You must show that you can afford to study and live in Canada.

As of 2025, you need to prove you have at least:

• CAD $10,000 for living expenses per year (excluding tuition)

• CAD $4,000 for the first dependent and CAD $3,000 for each additional family member

Examples of acceptable proof:

• Recent bank statements (past 4–6 months)

• Scholarship letter or financial aid

• Letter from sponsor confirming financial support

• Proof of tuition payment or GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)

Step 3: Create an IRCC Online Account

All online visa applications are made through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

How to Create an Account:

1. Go to https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html

2. Click on “Sign in or Create an Account” under My Application.

3. Choose GCKey or Sign-In Partner (either option works).

4. Follow the steps to create your login details.

Once your account is created, you can start your Study Permit Application.

Step 4: Start Your Study Permit Application

After logging into your IRCC account:

1. Choose Apply to come to Canada.

2. You’ll answer some questions to get your personalized document checklist.

3. Select Study Permit as your application type.

4. Fill out the online forms carefully.

Information you’ll provide includes:

• Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality)

• Passport information

• Education background

• Intended program and DLI

• Proof of financial support

• Travel history (if any)

Tip: Double-check for spelling errors or mismatched information between your forms and documents — even small mistakes can delay your visa approval.

Step 5: Upload All Supporting Documents

Once your online form is complete, upload all required documents in PDF or JPEG format.

Make sure:

• Your scans are clear and readable.

• File sizes meet IRCC’s upload requirements.

• You include all documents listed in your personalized checklist.

If you are missing a document, it’s better to write a Letter of Explanation instead of submitting an incomplete application.

Step 6: Pay the Application Fees

Before submitting, you must pay your visa processing fees online using a credit or debit card.

Fees include:

• Study Permit Fee: CAD $150

• Biometrics Fee (if applicable): CAD $85

After payment, you’ll receive a receipt — download and keep it for your records.

Step 7: Give Your Biometrics

After you submit your application, you’ll receive a Biometric Instruction Letter via email.

What to Do:

• Visit the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country.

• Take your passport and biometric letter with you.

• They’ll take your fingerprints and photo.

You usually have 30 days to complete this step after receiving the letter.

Step 8: Wait for Application Processing

Once you’ve done your biometrics, the visa office will start reviewing your application.

Average processing time:

• 3 to 12 weeks, depending on your country and season.

You can check your status anytime by logging into your IRCC account.

During processing, you may receive a message asking for:

• Additional documents, or

• A short interview (online or at the visa office).

Tip: Be patient and check your email regularly for updates.

Step 9: Receive Your Study Permit Approval

If your visa is approved, you’ll get a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction.
You may also receive a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on your nationality.

These documents will allow you to enter Canada legally.

Step 10: Travel to Canada and Get Your Study Permit

When you arrive in Canada, a border services officer will:

• Review your passport and visa documents.

• Ask about your studies and accommodation.

• Issue your actual Study Permit (printed document).

Be sure to carry these documents in your hand luggage:

• Passport

• Port of Entry Letter of Introduction

• Letter of Acceptance

• Proof of funds

• Tuition payment receipts

• Accommodation and contact details

Once approved, you can start your studies and officially begin your new life in Canada.

Bonus Tip: Use the Student Direct Stream (SDS) for Faster Processing

If you’re from one of the eligible countries — including India, Nigeria, China, the Philippines, or Pakistan — you can apply through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

Requirements:

• Letter of Acceptance from a DLI

• Proof of first-year tuition payment

• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD $10,000

• Valid IELTS score (6.0 or higher in all bands)

• Medical and police clearances

The SDS program can approve applications within 20 days if all requirements are met.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

To improve your chances of approval, avoid these common mistakes:

• Weak proof of funds or unclear financial support.

• Missing or incomplete documents.

• Poorly written Statement of Purpose (should clearly explain your study goals).

• Applying to a program unrelated to your previous studies.

• Inconsistent or false information in your application.

Pro Tip: Write a clear, honest Statement of Purpose — explain why you chose Canada, your program, and your plans after graduation. This helps visa officers trust your intentions.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a Canadian Student Visa online may seem complicated at first, but once you follow the right steps, it becomes straightforward.

Start early — gather your documents, double-check every detail, and submit everything online through the official IRCC website.

With patience and proper preparation, you’ll soon receive your approval and take your first step toward studying in one of the best countries in the world.

Studying in Canada doesn’t just give you a degree — it opens doors to global opportunities, valuable work experience, and possibly a permanent life in Canada.