Canadian Student Visa

Study, Work, and Build Your Future in Canada

For many international students, Canada represents more than education. it offers stability, career growth, and a clear path forward. By studying at recognized colleges and universities, students can work during their studies and access post-graduation opportunities that may lead to permanent residence. With the right strategy, a Canadian student visa can be the foundation of a long-term future

Family Options

Spouse eligible for open work permit

Language Requirement

IELTS or TOEFL

Processing Time

Around 18 weeks after biometrics

Estimated Cost

15,000–30,000

Immigration to Canada

Skilled Worker Immigration

Immigrating to Canada through a job offer from a Canadian employer or a work visa is another fast-track method of immigration to the country.

Family Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their family members, including spouses, children, and parents, for permanent residency in Canada.

Canada Startup Visa Program

Canada supports innovation and entrepreneurship through startups. This program is designed for entrepreneurs who can establish businesses in Canada that create jobs and foster economic growth.

Eligibility And Opportunities

Hold an offer from a DLI-approved institution
Meet the academic requirements for your chosen level
Can demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
Provide a valid language test or approved alternative pathway
Have no criminal record and pass medical examinations
Present a logical study plan and future pathway

Study Options in Canada

Elementary and secondary schools
High school and pre-university programs
Public and private colleges
Canadian universities
Technical and vocational institutions
English and French language schools

Work & Career Prospects

Part-time work up to 20 hours per week during semesters
Full-time work during scheduled breaks
Eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Employment not restricted to field of study
Strong labor market demand for international graduates

Main Document Checklist

Official Letter of Acceptance from a DLI institution
Valid passport and photographs
Translated academic records and certificates
Language proficiency test results
Proof of funds (bank statements, GIC, scholarship, or loan)
Statement of Purpose / Letter of Explanation
Evidence of post-study plans
Medical exam results
Completed immigration forms
Custodian documents (for applicants under 18)

Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Gain Canadian work experience
Enter Express Entry or Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Explore permanent residency options through skilled work, marriage, or investment (where applicable)
Transition from student to long-term resident in Canada

Financial Transparency

Study Permit + Biometrics Fee

235$

Annual Tuition Fees

20000$

Minimum Living Expense Requirement

22,895$

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the Canadian student visa process become stricter in 2026?

It has become more competitive, but strong documentation and a clear study plan significantly improve approval chances.

Does having a study gap reduce my chances?

Not necessarily. A well-explained and logical gap can still lead to approval.

Can I reapply after a refusal?

Yes. After identifying and correcting the refusal reasons, a new application can be submitted.

Not sure if you qualify ?

Get a free assessment of your canada student visa eligibility before starting your application.

Complete Guide to Canadian Student Visa

The Canadian student visa is one of the most popular visas for international students who plan to study at one of Canada’s prestigious colleges or universities. This allows you to enter a unique land and stay in the country by changing your student visa at the end and finding work.
A Canadian student visa allows students to reside in Canada during their studies and benefit from the country’s superior educational and research facilities. In this article, we have discussed very important points about obtaining a Canadian student visa so that you have no doubts!

Types of Canadian student visas

There are two main ways to obtain a Canadian study visa: a student visa and a student visa. Different methods are possible for these two types of visas. For example:

Elementary and secondary schools
Post-secondary
Colleges
Universities
Private vocational colleges (a type of educational institution that offers training and professional courses for people seeking to acquire specific skills and knowledge.)
Technical and vocational schools
Language schools (English and French)

To obtain a study permit in Canada, the acceptance letter must be from a “DLI” (universities, colleges, and schools approved by the provincial or territorial government); otherwise, the application will be rejected!

Steps to apply for a Canadian student visa

After you have chosen your school, college or university to immigrate to Canada, you must apply according to the rules of that institution. For example:

Timely action to apply for a Canadian student visa:

To apply for primary or secondary school, 6 months before the start of the new academic year
To apply for post-secondary education, 1 year before the start of the new academic year.

To prepare and submit all required documents for school, college, or university: Postsecondary education, 1 year before the start of the new academic year

Visa application fee
Tuition fees
Health insurance
Cost of living in Canada
Language test

Documents required for a Canadian student visa

The documents required to obtain a Canadian student visa are different at different levels, which we will explain in detail below:

Proof of acceptance (Letter of Acceptance): From an accredited Canadian educational institution approved by the government of this country.
Proof of identity: valid passport and passport photos.
Proof of financial means: The applicant must prove that they have the financial means to pay for their studies and living expenses in Canada by providing financial documents for a Canadian study visa. Therefore, they must provide documents such as a bank statement, Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), student loan or scholarship.
Educational qualifications: Previous academic qualifications and transcripts.
Proof of departure from Canada after completion of studies: The applicant must prove to the immigration officer that he/she intends to return to his/her home country after completing his/her studies in Canada.
Letter of Explanation: Explaining the reasons for studying in Canada and the student’s responsibilities in this country.
Medical examination
Custodian Declaration: For minors only
Language certificate: IELTS certificate, TOEFL certificate, etc.

Fill out the required forms and after submitting, wait for the results. If accepted by the institution, you will be sent an acceptance letter.

Documents required for a Canadian student visa for a diploma level

Passport scan.
Scanned translation of the last three years of school report cards along with a Persian copy.
Completed, stamped, and signed Custodian form: (Applicants under the age of 18 must introduce a legal guardian in Canada, called a custodian. This person is either a citizen or permanent resident of Canada. This form must accurately provide information about the custodian, his or her home address, and information about the student’s parents.) This is the case when the parents are not present with the student in that country.
Fill in all personal information (full name of applicant’s parents and address, phone number and zip code)

Documents required for admission to Canadian colleges

Scan of a valid passport.
Scanned translation of diploma and transcripts of the last three years of high school along with a Persian copy.
Scan of language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) (if necessary).
Fill in all the necessary information.

Documents required to obtain a Canadian undergraduate student visa

Scan of a valid passport.
Scanned translation of diploma and transcripts of the last three years of high school along with a Persian copy.
Scan of language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
Resume (CV).
Motivation letter >SOP< related to the desired field.
Fill in the necessary information.

Documents required to obtain a Canadian study visa for a master’s degree

Scan of a valid passport.
Scanned translation of bachelor’s degree and transcripts along with a Persian copy.
Scan of language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
Resume.
Motivation letter related to the field.
Two or three letters of recommendation from professors (Most Canadian universities accept letters of recommendation online. First, you enter your professor’s information, then the university sends you an email. The professor answers the questions and expresses his/her opinion, and then sends the email back to the university.)
Fill in the necessary information.

Required documents to study in Canada for a PhD degree

Scan of a valid passport.
Scanned translation of bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates and transcripts, along with a Persian copy.
Scan of language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
Resume.
Motivation letter related to the field.
Three letters of recommendation from professors.
A short essay and summary of the master’s thesis.
Article (if needed).
Research proposal (if required).

Note: All documents should be scanned as <PDFs>.

Canadian student visa requirements

Like any country, Canada has its own unique requirements for granting a Canadian student visa. Some of the most important requirements for obtaining a Canadian student visa are:

Be enrolled in a DLI (a school, college, university or educational institution that is approved by a Canadian provincial or federal regulatory body)
Have the GPA required by the relevant educational institution.
You must be able to prove that: 1. You have the means to pay the tuition fees. 2. You are able to pay for your own living expenses and those of your accompanying persons.
You have the ability to pay for travel expenses to your country of origin and the country of study for yourself and your accompanying family.
You have no criminal record and have the ability to obtain a judicial certificate if needed.
You are in good physical and mental health.
Prove that you will return to your country after your study permit in Canada expires.

Duration of issuing a Canadian student visa

The duration of a Canadian student visa depends on several factors, such as the volume of application files, security checks, deficiencies in the file, lack of proof of legal status, changes in immigration laws, type of visa, etc. However, the average time for issuing a student visa after biometrics (fingerprinting) is estimated to be 18 weeks.

Canadian student visa extension

To extend your Canadian student visa, you must pay attention to its expiration date. If this period has expired, be sure to go through the renewal process within 90 days.

Working with a Canadian student visa

It is possible to work for students who have received a Canadian study visa and have begun their studies:

Students are allowed to work 20 hours per week.
Their study period must be longer than six months.
During semester breaks, they are allowed to work 40 hours per week.
The work does not have to be related to the student’s field of study.
The resume must be submitted to the employer.
Having a SIN NUMBER, or Canadian national ID, is required to identify an individual.
Student work can be on or off campus.

Note: People under the age of 18 who have obtained a Canadian student visa are not allowed to work in this country!

Permanent Residency in Canada with a Student Visa

After completing their studies in Canada, students can apply for permanent residence through the following methods:

By applying for a work permit (post graduate work permit)
Using the Express Entry system for international graduates
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): The CEC, or Canadian Experience Class, is a permanent residence visa program for those who have work experience in Canada. If you have worked in Canada since graduation, you can apply for permanent residence under this subclass. Make sure your work experience meets the CEC requirements.
Marriage on Canadian soil
Investment under special conditions

Obtaining a Canadian student visa provides a unique opportunity for international students to study in their field of interest under the supervision of one of the best educational systems in the world. By meeting the requirements and providing the necessary student visa documents, you can easily obtain a Canadian student visa and enjoy a different experience in your studies. Canada is a land of the best and most professional universities in the world. For more information on all the details of the requirements for obtaining a Canadian student visa and Canadian study advice, contact our expert consultants at Aval Visa and get answers to all your questions.