Canada Study Visa Requirements

There are some key factors which let you know in which stream your Canada Study Visa file will process.

Letter of Acceptance from a Post Secondary Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

The student must receive an LOA from a designated Learning Institute. As per new Guidelines by IRCC, Post Secondary DLIs are required to verify the Letter of acceptance of prospective student and submit their overseas study permit application to ensure that the letter is authentic. This enhanced verification process aims to protect prospective students from letter of acceptance fraud and will also ensure that the Canada Study Visa are only issued based on a Genuine Letter of Acceptance.

  1. Official College Fee Receipts that indicate that you have paid full first-year Tuition fees.
  2. Students should have official Tuition fee receipts from the college as proof of payment.

  3. Proof of financial support
  4. You can prove your funds with at least one of the following:

  5. proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you’ve transferred money to Canada

  6. a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution

  7. proof of a student or education loan from a bank

  8. your bank statements for the past 4 months

  9. a bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars

  10. proof you paid tuition and housing fees

  11. a letter from the person or school giving you money, or

  12. proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program

  13. Recent Education Transcripts
  14. Students must provide Genuine Educational Documents to the embassy as they might request prospective schools, colleges and Universities to verify their records. Avoid using fake Diploma and Degrees to cover the gap between your studies.

  15. A Valid Passport
  16. Medical
  17. For an International student, the student must be in good health.

  18. Language Proficiency Test

    As per new rules, the IRCC approves 4 English proficiency tests for Canada for Student Direct Stream (SDS). These tests are:

    IELTS PTE
    overall 60 overall 6.0
  19. Digital picture

    A digital photo is required for Canada Study Visa application. The frame size must be at least 35 mm X 45 mm (1 3/8" X 1 3/4").

  20. Police Clearance Certificate

    PCC is used to check student,s criminal record. A police clearance certificate is considered valid for 6 months.

Total Cost of Canada Study Visa:

Well, the total cost of Canada Study Visa depends on various factors. The first is Tuition fees. Further tuition costs of Canada Study Visa depend on the kind of college or institution you select to attend. In the Second, the program's level that you chose is also. An average student has to have around 26 lakhs for Canada Study Visa. Just the GIC and tuition for the first year will be covered by this. Generally, the tuition fees estimated from 14,000 CAD to 22,000 CAD and a mandatory GIC of 20,635 CAD is required for Canada Study Visa.

Level of Program Average cost of Tuition fees (Per Year)
UG (Under graduate programs) $14000 - $19000
PG (Post graduate Certificate and Diploma) $17000 - $25000
Master Degree $10050 - $41000

For Canada Study Visa the cost of GIC is increased in 2024. This Rule is imposed from 1st January 2024. As per this rule, all the international students have to secure the investment of $20,635 CAD. Earlier the GIC amount was $10,000 CAD. Budgeting for studying in Canada.

Expenses In CAD In INR
Offer letter fees $95 - $250 INR 6000 – INR 17000
Tuition Fees $14000 - $22000 INR 9,00,000 – INR 14,00,000
GIC $22,635 + $200 (Account opening fees) INR 14,00,000
Medical INR 7400 (Extra 3800 if a body tattoo)
Embassy Fees $150 (Study permit Application) INR 9500
Biometric Fees $85 INR 5200

Cost of Living in Canada:

The cost of living in Canada can vary depending on factors such as the city or region, lifestyle, and individual spending habits. Generally, major cities tend to have higher living costs than smaller towns or rural areas. Some of the key factors influencing the cost of living in Canada include housing, transportation, food, healthcare, and education.

Here is a brief overview of some typical expenses:

Accommodation:

International Students can find it difficult to get accommodate, as per today’s scenario. But there are a lot of sites where they can find housing near to their college, university and their work. The average rent for accommodation is lie $500 to $2000. It also depends on the accommodation that you chose. Students can find accommodation for rent on kijiji, UniAcco, padmapper, etc.

Transportation:

Most of the international; students chose to travel by public transportation as the cost is reasonable. Further the bus we can say is one of the cheapest ways to travel in Canada. For International pupils, owning a car can unbalance their budget in their first years in Canada. It’s a recommended to international student to use public transportation .Most of the Student’s choose to use public transportation because of climate conditions.

Estimated transportation cost per month is $80 - $120 for an International Student.
Food:

Well the cost of grocery and food items also depends on the area where are you living. An average cost for food is $200-$600 per month.

Healthcare:

An international student can get their Medical insurance even from their home country. In which, a lot of companies give additional benefits. Furthermore, the cost of health insurance is depends on the area and the company.

On average, yearly premiums for health insurance in Canada range from CAD 600 to 900.

PGWP Comprehensive Eligibility Guide

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a cornerstone opportunity for international students in Canada, enabling them to gain professional work experience after completing their studies. This open work permit, which can be valid for up to three years, allows graduates to work for any employer in Canada and can serve as a pathway to permanent residency. However, eligibility for the PGWP is governed by strict criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This guide provides a detailed overview of the eligibility requirements, special cases, and other critical considerations to help international students navigate the process successfully.

General Eligibility Criteria:
  • Program Completion:

    Complete a program of study that lasts at least 8 months (or 900 hours for programs in Quebec) at a designated learning institution (DLI) eligible for the PGWP. A list of eligible DLIs is available on the Government of Canada website

  • Full-Time Status:

    Maintain full-time student status during each semester of the program, with the exception of part-time status being permitted in the final semester.

  • Application Timing:

    Submit the PGWP application within 180 days of receiving official confirmation of program completion (e.g., a degree, diploma, or transcript).

  • Study Permit Validity:

    Hold a valid study permit during the 180-day period following program completion when applying for the PGWP.

Special Cases

Several unique situations may affect PGWP eligibility, particularly for students with non-standard academic experiences. Below are the key special cases

Accelerated Programs

Students who complete a program in less time than its standard duration remain eligible for a PGWP valid for the full program length. For example, finishing a 1-year program in 8 months still qualifies the student for a 1-year PGWP.

Distance Learning (Outside Canada)

The COVID-19 pandemic led to temporary policy changes for distance learning:

  • March 2020 to August 31, 2022:

    Students studying online outside Canada during this period may be eligible if enrolled in a PGWP-eligible program and their study permit was applied for or approved before the program ended.

  • September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2024:

    At least 50% of the program must have been completed in Canada (either online or in-class). After August 31, 2024, at least 50% must be completed in-class in Canada, and any overseas study time is deducted from the PGWP duration.

  • After August 31, 2024:

    Online study outside Canada and time spent studying before a study permit is approved do not count toward PGWP length.

Distance Learning (Inside Canada)

Online study within Canada due to pandemic-related restrictions counted toward PGWP length until August 31, 2024. This policy has now ended, and standard in-class requirements apply.

Curriculum Licensing Agreements (CLAs)

  • Same Province: Programs under CLAs within the same province are eligible if they began on or before May 15, 2024. After this date, they are ineligible
  • Between Provinces:CLAs between provinces are eligible if they began on or before January 31, 2023. After this date, they are ineligible.

Leave from Studies

Students who take unauthorized leaves and fail to meet study permit conditions are ineligible. Authorized leaves of up to 150 days may be permitted with documentation from the DLI. More details on authorized leaves are available here

Transfers Between Schools

  • The total duration of study at a PGWP-eligible DLI must be at least 8 months.
  • If transferring from a non-DLI to a DLI, only the time spent at the DLI counts toward the 8-month requirement

Overseas Component

Students who earn credits from a Canadian institution for an overseas component are eligible, but the PGWP duration is based solely on the time studied in Canada.

Quebec Graduates

Graduates from Quebec institutions must provide an official letter confirming the program’s length and code, along with a certificate of completion or an official transcript

Ineligibility:

Certain circumstances render students ineligible for a PGWP, including:

  • Having previously received a PGWP.
  • Studying English or French as a second language.
  • Enrolling in general interest or self-improvement courses.
  • Receiving funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) that requires returning to the home country.
  • Completing more than 50% of the program through distance learning.
  • Studying at a non-Canadian institution operating in Canada.
  • Completing a program at a DLI not eligible for the PGWP.
Language Requirements (Effective Nov 1, 2024):
  • Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral: A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadienne (NCLC) 7 in all four areas (listening, speaking, reading, writing) is required for applications on or after November 1, 2024.
  • Other University Programs: CLB 7/NCLC 7, also required only for applications on or after November 1, 2024.
  • College, Polytechnic, or Non-University Programs:CLB 5/NCLC 5 for applications on or after November 1, 2024
  • Flight School Graduates: : No language proficiency requirement.
Field of Study Requirements (Effective Nov 1, 2024):

Field of study requirements apply to certain programs

  • Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Programs: No specific field of study is required
  • Other University or College Programs:: For study permits applied for on or after November 1, 2024, graduates must have studied in a field linked to occupations in long-term shortage. Eligible fields are listed here
Flight School Graduates

Flight school graduates have unique eligibility criteria:

  • Completion of a course at a DLI training center with a Canadian commercial pilot’s license, or
  • Possession of an instructor’s rating with a job offer as a flight instructor from a DLI flight training center
  • No language or field of study requirements apply.
Location-Based Eligibility:

Eligibility also depends on the student’s location at the time of application:

  • Inside Canada: Students must meet all criteria and maintain valid status. If their study permit has expired, they can restore it, but additional fees apply. Details on restoration are available here
  • Outside Canada: Students are eligible if they meet distance learning criteria or completed their program in Canada and are applying from abroad.
Summary Table of Key Eligibility Criteria
Category Eligibility Criteria Notes/Exceptions
General Eligibility - Program ≥8 months at PGWP-eligible DLI
- Full-time status (part-time final semester allowed)
- Apply within 180 days
- Valid study permit
Check special cases for exceptions.
Accelerated Programs Eligible for PGWP valid for full program length if completed faster. Example: 1-year program in 8 months → 1-year PGWP.
Distance Learning (Outside Canada) - 100% online Mar 2020–Aug 31, 2022
- Post-Sep 1, 2022: ≥50% in Canada until Aug 31, 2024; ≥50% in-class after
Overseas study after Aug 31, 2024, deducted from PGWP length.
Distance Learning (Inside Canada) Online study until Aug 31, 2024, counts toward PGWP length. Policy ended Aug 31, 2024. Standard in-class rules apply post-Aug 31, 2024.
Curriculum Licensing Agreements - Same province: Eligible if began ≤May 15, 2024
- Between provinces: Eligible if began ≤Jan 31, 2023
Must meet all other PGWP criteria.
Category Eligibility Criteria Notes/Exceptions
Leave from Studies Ineligible if unauthorized leave; authorized leave ≤150 days possible with DLI proof. Requires documentation from DLI.
Transfers Between Schools ≥8 months at DLI; only DLI time counts if transferring from non-DLI. Check DLI eligibility.
Quebec Graduates Must include official letter, certificate, or transcript. Specific documentation required.
Ineligibility - Prior PGWP
- Language/self-improvement courses
- >50% distance learning
- Non-eligible DLI
- CLB 7 for Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral (post-Nov 1, 2024)
- CLB 5 for College (post-Nov 1, 2024)
Check program and institution eligibility.
Language Requirements - Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral: CLB 7 (post-Nov 1, 2024)
- College: CLB 5 (post-Nov 1, 2024)
- Flight school: None
Language results must be submitted with application.
Field of Study Requirements - Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral: None
- Other programs: Eligible field if study permit ≥Nov 1, 2024
Fields linked to long-term shortage occupations.
Conclusion

The Post-Graduation Work Permit offers international students a valuable opportunity to build their careers in Canada and potentially transition to permanent residency. However, the eligibility criteria are detailed and subject to change, particularly with evolving policies around distance learning, language proficiency, and fields of study. Students are strongly encouraged to consult the official Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information and to ensure compliance with all requirements. By understanding and meeting these criteria, graduates can maximize their chances of successfully obtaining a PGWP and advancing their professional goals in Canada.

Scholarships for International students in Canada:

In Canada most of the universities and colleges provide Scholarships for International Students. Academics Performance must be exceptional for students to get scholarship in Canada.

IELTS Requirements for Scholarship:

The student must be a Resident and Citizen of India. They have attended a higher education institution that accepts IELTS as part of admission requirements. They should have a recently taken IELTS band score at least 6.5. In Addition, applicants have a full-time postgraduate study outside India and must be provide a valid letter of acceptance from the attending Institution.

Best Scholarships for Oversee Students in Canada:

Three types of Scholarships in Canada

Governmental Based

  1. Governmental Based
  2. The Ontario graduate scholarship is available for international students. The value of OSG is $ 5000 per session and the duration is depending on your course and program.

  3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship:
  4. This scholarship is available for those students who are received a doctoral degree from public funded institution. The duration of this scholarship is 3 year and amount $ 50,000 per year

  5. Canadian Memorial Scholarship:
  6. It is one of the fully funded scholarships for Indian Students who pursue courses from Canadian universities. The plan is $ 10,000.00 and duration is one academic year.

  7. University of Manitoba:
  8. This Scholarship is provided to those undergraduate students who studied at the University of Manitoba. The scheme will offer $ 14000 per year for 24 months.

  9. Entrance Scholarship:
  10. University of Calgary provide entrance scholarship to students for their motivation. Each year, two worthy students receive this grant with the value $ 15,000.

Non-Governmental Based

  1. Anne Valle Ecological Fund:
  2. This scholarship aims to promote environment protection and to support ecological research. The Anne Valle Ecological Fund two scholarships worth $ 1,500 each to student who engaged in animal research at master and doctoral universities located in Quebec and British Columbia.

  3. Surfshark privacy and security Scholarship:
  4. The Surfshark privacy and security scholarship offer a prize of $ 2,000 to Undergraduate and graduate students who studies at Canadian Universities. To apply for their scholarship students are required to submit an essay in which they explain about their privacy and security issues in the digital age.

  5. Trudeau Scholarship and fellowship:
  6. Candidates receive financial support of $ 20,000 to $ 40,000 per year for three years including a travel expenses. This scholarship is only for students who studying about social science and Humanities. The Trudeau Scholarship and Fellowships programs offer international scholarship to doctoral students.

Institutional Based Scholarships

  1. York University International student scholarship:
  2. Students must have a minimum grades point average 78% from public university or college. The student receives worth $ 8,253, 430 in the form of scholarship to cover their tuition fees and other financial resources.

  3. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship:
  4. The total number of 37 scholarships offered to students. It covers the cost of attendance, cost of living in Canada including other expenses like books, tuitions fee. Students need to pursue graduate degree from university or college.

  5. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship:
  6. Foreign students who are registered full time in an undergraduate degree program and student must have a minimum GPA 3.20. The university offer worth $ 8, 84,290 for students to cover their all expenses.

  7. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship:
  8. The University offer scholarship for those students who studied in University of Manitoba. Students must have a GPA 3.0. University offer scholarship for master’s students worth $ 8, 25,340.00 and for Doctoral $ 10, 61,150.

  9. University of British Columbia Scholarship:
  10. This scholarship is eligible for those students who are on study permit amount $ 2,358,120 to cover their educational journey and cost of living.

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