Canada Study Visa
World-class education, global career exposure, and long-term opportunities are some of the lucrative features that attract international students to immigrate abroad. And Canada has proved its worth as the most preferred nation amongst international students for ages. With internationally recognized universities and fast-paced economical sectors, Canada provides international students an opportunity to build their careers in the global market and a clear pathway to become permanent residents of Canada.
What is a Canada Study Visa?
A Canadian study visa is a legal allowance granted to international students of different nationalities to immigrate to the country and study at the Designated Learning Institutes in Canada. With the Canada study permit, international students can live, study and stay in the country till the completion of their course.
The Canada study permit is valid for 4 years and till the completion of their course in the country. With this visa, international students pursue their dream of completing their education in some of the world’s best universities. With top-ranked universities, students gain the opportunities to successfully build a strong foundation for their future careers.
Why Study in Canada in 2026?
Being recognised as one of the most immigrant friendly nations, Canada continues to exceed immigrant’s expectations in terms of quality of life and career opportunities. With some of the universities being ranked at the top globally for some years now, Canada’s educational policies for their students and international students have been the talk of the town for quite some time now. With lakhs of international students, Canada issues a considerable number of study visas each year. And in 2026, according to IRCC, their immigration level plan for 2026-2028, Canada is planning to issue more than 4 lakh study permits to international students. Canada, the land of academic opportunities, provides a golden gateway to international students who seek quality education and global exposure. As an ideal destination for international students, Canada has proved its worth and let us see why Canada has been chosen as a world-class study destination:
1. Access to World-Class Education
Canada, home to the world’s globally recognised universities, provides academic excellence and practical knowledge to international students seeking excellence with international exposure.
2. Work while Studying
Canada provides an opportunity for applicants to work part-time while studying full-time, helping students manage their monthly expenses while earning Canadian work experience.
3. Post-Study Work Opportunities
Applicants after completing their graduation become eligible for PGWP (post-graduation work permit), which allows applicants to stay in the country for another two years and earn Canadian work experience.
4. Pathway to Permanent Residency
After residing in the country on a PGWP, with Canadian work experience, applicants become eligible for permanent residency, which they can apply for through the Express Entry program or the Provincial Nominee program.
5. Globally Recognised Qualifications
Canada’s educational policies are widely appreciated thus earning recognition and career prospects for students studying in the country.
6. Safe and Student-Friendly Environment
As an immigrant-friendly nation, Canada has been a violence-intolerant country. Because of its immigrant-friendly nature, prospective immigrants choose Canada as their top priority.
7. Multi-cultural Exposure
Canada, over the years, has invited numerous skilled professionals, international students, and longing families across the globe and due to the presence of diverse nationalities, international students can seek multi-cultural exposure from different backgrounds.
Canada Study Permit Plan for 2026
For the year 2026, Canada has released its latest immigration level plan for 2026-2028. According to their plans, they are set to welcome 4,08,000 applications for international students for Canada study visa in the year 2026. Out of 4,08,000 study visa, they plan to reserve 1,55,000 visas for the newly- arriving international students. The remaining 2,53,000 study visas will be allocated as an extension to current and returning students.
According to the Immigration Level Plan 2026-2028, Canada will bifurcate 4,08,000 study visas to students under several categories as:
Type of Candidates (both new arrivals and in-Canada extensions) | Number of Visas Issued |
PAL /TAL required applicants | 1,80,000 |
Master’s and Doctoral students (PAL/ TAL exempt) | 49,000 |
Primary and Secondary School (kindergarten to grade 12, also PAL/TAL exempt) | 1,15,000 |
Other PAL/TAL - exempt study permit applicants | 64,000 |
Total | 4,08,000 |
IRCC also provided the list where study visas are allocated according to provinces and territory. Accordingly, they will accept 3,09,670 study visa applications whereas it will issue approximately 1,80,000 study visas to international students. Their allocation is as follows:
Province or Territory | Study permit applications to be processed in 2026 for PAL/TAL-required cohorts | Planned study permit issuances for PAL/TAL-required cohorts |
Alberta | 32,271 | 21,582 |
British Columbia | 32,596 | 24,786 |
Manitoba | 11,196 | 6,534 |
New Brunswick | 8,004 | 3,726 |
Newfoundland and Labrador | 5,507 | 2,358 |
Northwest Territories | 785 | 198 |
Nova Scotia | 8,480 | 4,680 |
Nunavut | 0 | 180 |
Ontario | 1,04,780 | 70,074 |
Prince Edward Island | 1,376 | 774 |
Quebec | 93,069 | 39,474 |
Saskatchewan | 11,349 | 5,436 |
Yukon | 257 | 198 |
Total | 3,09,670 | 1,80,000 |
Apart from these major allocation of international students, IRCC has also come up with certain changes to be applied from January 2026 for Canada study visa such as:
❖ Applicants applying for Master’s or Doctoral degree in Canada are exempted from PAL/TAL requirements
❖ Applicants applying for Doctoral degrees have to wait no longer for their visas as they have cut short the processing time for their study visas within 2 weeks.
❖ Applicants with Canada study visas are now allowed to grab an opportunity to manage their expenses by earning money on campus, off-campus or remote jobs.
With an opportunity to work in the campus or off-campus or even remote destinations, international students can now manage their finances while studying in the country. International students who wish to work while studying have to get a Social Insurance Number (SIN), the nine digit number used for employment and tax-reporting. Some of the options available to international students are:
❖ On-Campus Side Hustle
These work options provide unlimited work hours to the applicants while processing full time studies. Some of the examples are:
● Library or Front-desk Assistant
● Research Assistant
● Student Union or Club Assistant
❖ Off-Campus Side Hustle
These work options provide applicants with 24 hours a week work with full time studies. Some of the examples are:
● Local Tutoring
● Pet sitter and Walker
● Delivery Drivers
❖ Remote Side Hustle
Remote side hustle is an extra mode of work where applicants have no restrictions over the time duration of work while studying in the country. Some of the examples are
● Virtual Assistant
● Copywriter
● Customer Support
What are Canada's Designated Learning Institutions?
Designated Learning Institutions are government approved educational institutions which are approved by Canada’s provinces and territories. These institutions are entitled to host international students for higher education in the country. The foremost requirement for the Canada study visa is the acceptance letter from the designated learning institutions.
Top Universities in Canada in 2026
Pursuing education in Canada and that too in the globally ranked university is a surreal feeling that cannot be described into words. International students often come to Canada with a dream of pursuing their education in one of the finest educational systems, for them it feels like giving a finishing touch to an academic dream. Times Higher Education has published its latest annual ranking of top universities in Canada with their global rankings. So let us see which Canadian universities are ranked globally:
Globally Ranked Canadian Universities in 2026
World University Rank 2026 | University |
21 | University of Toronto |
41 | McGill University |
45 | University of British Columbia |
116 | MacMaster University |
119 | University of Alberta |
150 | Université de Montréal |
162 | University of Waterloo |
187 | University of Ottawa |
200 | University of Calgary |
210-250 | Western University |
All these rankings are built on 5 key pillars which are:
● Teaching
● Research Environment
● Research Quality
● International Outlook
● Industry Engagement
These 5 pillars which decide the rankings in the world are often neglected at ground level but these pillars make a student into a competent professional to rule the world with his knowledge and skills amongst others. Canadian Universities which set their foundation with these factors, create professionals equipped with strong academic expertise, practical knowledge, experience, and industry-ready skills.
Canada study visa requirements for Indian students
Canada Study Visa Requirements
A Canadian study visa is a legal right that allows international students to pursue education in the country. While applying for the Canada study permit, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. Let us see what the Canada study visa requirements are:
❖ Acceptance Letter from DLIs
The foremost requirement for a Canada study visa is the acceptance letter from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). The acceptance letter is an assurance that the applicant is eligible to study in the institution and the country.
❖ Quebec Acceptance Certificate
The Quebec acceptance certificate is an additional certificate that is required when an applicant is planning to study in the Designated Learning Institutes of Quebec.
❖ Sufficient Funds
The second requirement for a Canada study permit is sufficient funds, which act as an assurance to sustain their expenses in the country. The Canadian government requires at least CAN $22,815 per year to sustain monthly expenses and pay the tuition fee for their designated courses.
❖ Health and Character Requirements
After sufficient funds, applicants are required to demonstrate health and character requirements. They need a valid police clearance certificate and a medical exam certificate to prove their health and character requirements for the Canada study visa.
❖ Intent to Leave Country
Another requirement for the Canada study permit is the intention to leave Canada on the expiry of their study visa. Applicants are required to display their intention of leaving the country once their study visa expires.
❖ English language proficiency
English language proficiency is also considered as an important aspect and a requirement for a Canada study visa. Most of the universities require an assurance whether the applicant is capable of surviving in the country. Applicants are required to provide IELTS or TOEFL for their smooth Canada study visa.
Documents Required for Canada Study Visa
Applicants applying for a Canada study visa are required to accumulate some of the essential documents to be duly submitted along with the PR application form. Here is a list of documents required for a Canada study visa, which are as follows:
❖ Letter of acceptance from the designated learning institute in Canada, as it assures the university’s intention to admit the applicant as an international student. It includes all the details, such as date of admission, name of the course enrolled, and date of completion of the course.
❖ PAL/TAL (Provincial attestation letter/Territorial attestation letter) letters are considered essential for undergraduate students who have applied for a Canada study visa. According to the immigration level plan 2026-2028, international students applying for their master’s or Doctoral degrees do not require PAL/TAL letters from 2026.
❖ Quebec Acceptance Certificate is required for only those applicants who desire to pursue their education in Quebec.
❖ Proof of Identity is a mandatory document that is required for a Canada study permit. A valid passport and two recent passport sized photographs are considered as proof of identity.
❖ Proof of funds are also considered essential for a Canada study permit as it acts as an assurance for the applicant’s survival in the country.
❖ Letter of Explanation is also recommended to international students who desire to pursue education in Canada. It details the applicant's intention to study in Canada and his commitment towards the country, and it shows that he understands his responsibilities as an international student.
❖ Biometrics is also considered an essential aspect for a Canada study visa. A scan for fingerprints and photographs are required for biometrics.
Canada Study Visa Process: How to Apply
A Canada study visa is a structured process that can be obtained by following certain steps, from preparing documents to creating an online account to submitting visa fees; all are crucial in obtaining a Canada study visa. Here is a list of essential steps, which, if followed in the structured manner, the Canada study is not that hard to obtain. The Canada study visa process is as follows:
Check Eligibility
The foremost step for a Canadian study visa is to check the eligibility required for the study visa application. Applicants require an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institute (DLIs) and sufficient funds to apply for the Canada study visa.
Gather Essential Documents
After checking in the eligibility factors, applicants are required to gather some of the essential documents, such as a valid passport, acceptance letter from DLIs, proof of funds, and biometrics.
Create an Online Account
The next step after accumulating essential documents is to create an online account on IRCC’s official website. With this, applicants can securely submit their application.
Apply Online and Submit Application Fee
After creating an online account, applicants must fill in all the necessary details, submit all the necessary documents, and submit the visa fee.
Provide Biometrics
Alongside the visa fee, applicants are required to submit biometrics with their application. With all the credentials, applicants are required to submit their study visa application.
Wait for Processing
After submitting the application, the applicant is required to wait for at least 3 to 6 weeks.
Receive Study Visa
Once a Canada study visa is received, the applicant is free to immigrate to Canada for education.
Canada Study Visa Processing Time
Usually, a Canada study visa takes 3 to 6 weeks to revert on an applicant's visa application. It may take a bit longer than the expected processing time because of the humongous number of applications and already existing applications.
Canada Study Visa Fees
Applicants who wish to immigrate to Canada for better educational facilities. have to pay the application fee alongside the biometrics fees at the time of visa application. Canada study visa fees for an applicant are:
Fee Type | Amount (CAN $) |
Application Fee | CAN $150 |
Biometrics Fee | CAN $85 |
Funds Required for Canada Study Visa in 2026
At the time of the study visa requirement, applicants need to prove their financial stability in terms of the minimum funds required to sustain in the country. These are considered as an assurance that the applicant is capable of managing their monthly expenses in the country. However, here is a list of funds required for a Canada study visa in 2026:
Number of Family Members (Including the Applicant) | Amount Required Per Year (Excluding tuition and transportation cost) |
1 | CAN $22,895 |
2 | CAN $28,502 |
3 | CAN $35,040 |
4 | CAN $42,543 |
5 | CAN $48,253 |
6 | CAN $54,420 |
7 | CAN $60,549 |
If more than 7 people, each additional family member | CAN $6,170 |
A Canada study visa is not just an ordinary visa that allows students to just immigrate and grasp knowledge like in any ordinary country, but it opens doors for excellence, global exposure, career growth, long-term opportunities and later, Canada permanent residency. With this Canada study permit, individuals become eligible to transform their lives while taking a step forward for a successful global future.
Why choose Province Immigration as your Canada study visa Consultant?
Province Immigration is the best choice for getting a Canada study visa without any hassle. We have the best team of Canada Study Visa Consultants who can help you right away in this way:
Expert advice
Our consultants are experts in Canada study visas and provide personalised advice on getting matched with the right university, course, and visa category based on your profile.
Proven track record
We have had a success of more than 14,000 applications and a rating of satisfaction at 4.9/5. We have proven success while helping thousands of students realise their study abroad dreams.
End-to-end assistance
The whole process, from the right program choice to document preparation and interviews, is taken up on a case-by-case basis to maximise the chances of approval regarding the visa.
Timely updates
Get the most recent Canadian visa requirements to avoid the hassle of delay or otherwise in your application.
Post-visa services
Pre-departure briefing services, travel arrangements, accommodation setup, and settlement assistance for a hassle-free move.
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