How to get a student visa in Canada

Minimum age to apply for a student visa 

There's no minimum age to apply for a Canadian student visa. Anyone over 4 years of age can apply for a student visa but minors under the age of 17 need to be accompanied by a parent or a custodian. 

Basic requirements for a student visa 

Financial requirements 

When applying for a student visa or study permit for Canada, you must prove that you have enough financial support to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs during your stay. If family members are accompanying you, you will also need to demonstrate that you can financially support them while in the country. 

As an example, international students outside of Quebec are generally required to show approximately CAD $22,895 per year in living expenses for a single applicant, excluding tuition fees and travel costs. The required amount may be higher if you are bringing family members or studying in Quebec, where separate financial requirements apply. 

Applicants are usually required to provide proof that their funds are genuine and readily available. Common documents that can be used as proof of funds include evidence of paid tuition fees or accommodation costs, bank statements from the past four months, proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution, proof of an education or student loan, scholarship or sponsorship letters, or a letter from a person or organisation financially supporting your studies. 

Depending on your circumstances, immigration authorities may also request additional financial documents or explanations regarding the source of funds. 

As immigration policies and financial thresholds can change over time, students should always refer to the official Immigration website for the latest visa requirements and financial guidelines before applying. 

Admission requirement 

As part of your application, you will need to provide a valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. A DLI is a school approved by the government to host international students. 

For post-secondary applicants, the institution may also be required to verify or validate your Letter of Acceptance directly with immigration authorities within a specified deadline. Because of this, it is important to stay in contact with your institution and ensure that your admission details and documents are accurate and up to date throughout the application process. 

Depending on your course and institution, you may also need to provide academic transcripts, proof of English or French language proficiency, and any other documents required to meet the admission criteria for your chosen programme. 

As admission and immigration requirements may change, students should always check the official Immigration website and their institution’s official website for the latest guidance. 

English tests accepted   

There is no single official language requirement set by the Canadian government for a study permit. However, most institutions in Canada require proof of English or French language proficiency as part of their admission process. The required test scores and accepted qualifications may vary depending on the institution and course. Students should always check both their institution’s admission requirements and the official website for the latest guidance. 

Valid passport 

Applicants, including any accompanying family members, must provide a valid passport or travel document as proof of identity. 

Academic documents 

The academic documents required for a study permit application in Canada may vary depending on your course, institution, and level of study. In most cases, applicants will need to provide certified copies of previous academic transcripts, certificates, and proof of English or French language proficiency to demonstrate that they meet the admission requirements of their chosen institution. 

Any other documents 

Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be required to provide additional supporting documents as part of your study permit application for Canada. One commonly requested document is a letter of explanation outlining why you want to study in Canada and confirming that you understand your responsibilities as an international student. 

In many cases, applicants must also obtain a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) from their educational institution. Students planning to study in Quebec may instead need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). 

Some applicants may additionally be required to complete a medical examination, particularly if they plan to stay in Canada for more than six months, have recently lived in certain countries, or intend to work in occupations related to public health. Police clearance certificates may also be requested in some cases. 

For students under the age of 17 travelling without a parent or legal guardian, proof of custodianship arrangements in Canada may also be necessary.   

Additional country-specific documents may be required depending on where you are applying from, and some applicants may also need to provide proof of legal immigration status in their country of application or obtain re-entry permits issued by their home country. 

As admission and immigration requirements may change, students should always check the official Immigration website and their institution’s official website for the latest guidance. 

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