Step-by-Step Canada Study Permit Application Process
International students planning to study in Canada for a Bachelor, Master, or PhD program must obtain a Canada Study Permit. Depending on your nationality, you can apply through either the Student Direct Stream (SDS) (a fast-track processing stream) or the traditional Non-SDS application route.
In this guide, we break down the step-by-step Canada study permit process.
SDS vs. Non-SDS Stream Comparison
| Requirement | Student Direct Stream (SDS) | Non-SDS (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Nationalities | Select countries (India, China, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.) | All nationalities |
| Processing Time | 20 Calendar Days | 4 - 8 Weeks |
| GIC Requirement | Mandatory ($20,635 CAD) | Recommended |
| Tuition Payment | Full 1st Year Tuition Paid | Variable |
| Language Test | IELTS (6.0+ in each band) or TEF | IELTS, TOEFL, etc. |
Step-by-Step Study Permit Process
1. Secure Your LOA (Letter of Acceptance)
You must obtain an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. A DLI is a school approved by a provincial government to host international students.
2. Purchase Your GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)
Under Canadian immigration rules, you must prove you can support yourself. If applying via SDS, you must purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $20,635 CAD from a participating Canadian bank (such as CIBC or Scotiabank). This money is disbursed to you in monthly installments after you arrive in Canada.
3. Pay Your First-Year Tuition
Pay your first-year tuition fee in full to your DLI and obtain an official payment receipt.
4. Complete Upfront Medical Exam & Biometrics
Visit an IRCC-approved panel physician to complete your medical exam. Keep the tracking sheet, as you must upload it with your application.
5. File Your Study Permit Application Online
Submit your application on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. You must upload:
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
- Proof of GIC ($20,635 CAD) and tuition receipt.
- Language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL).
- Upfront medical exam confirmation.
- Study Plan (Statement of Purpose explaining why you want to study in Canada).
After Submission
Once submitted, you will receive a biometrics instruction letter. Schedule an appointment at a local visa application center to register your fingerprints. Once approved, you will receive a passport submission request for stamping, along with an Introduction Letter which you present to the border officer upon landing to receive your physical Study Permit.
Verify your eligibility score for DLI programs using Studplex.