Canada remains one of the most desirable destinations for international students. Known for its quality education, multicultural environment, post-study work opportunities, and immigration-friendly policies, it attracts hundreds of thousands of students every year. If you are planning to study in Canada in 2025, obtaining a Canadian study permit is essential.
This comprehensive, step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from admission to approval—about applying for a Canadian Study Permit in 2025.
What is a Study Permit?
A Canadian study permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada.
Note: It is not a visa. It does not allow you to enter Canada. Once your study permit is approved, you may also be issued a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter the country.
Who Needs a Study Permit?
You need a study permit if:
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Your program lasts more than 6 months.
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You are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
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You are taking academic, professional, or vocational training.
🧾 Step-by-Step Guide to Applying in 2025
Step 1: Choose Your Program and Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
What is a DLI?
A Designated Learning Institution is a school authorized by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.
How to Find One:
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Visit the official IRCC website and search for DLIs.
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Check if your intended university/college is listed.
Pro Tip:
Only students enrolled in DLIs are eligible for a study permit and a future Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Step 2: Gather Admission Requirements and Apply to the School
Each institution has its own admission criteria, but common documents include:
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Academic transcripts
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English/French language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
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Statement of Purpose (SOP)
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Passport copy
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Application fee
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Letters of recommendation
Important Deadlines:
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Fall Intake (Sept): Apply by December–March
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Winter Intake (Jan): Apply by July–September
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Summer Intake (May): Apply by October–December
Step 3: Receive Your Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
Once accepted, your DLI will send you an official Letter of Acceptance—a mandatory document for your study permit application.
Make sure it includes:
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DLI number
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Name of institution and your program
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Level of study
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Tuition fees
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Estimated duration
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Start and end dates
Step 4: Check Eligibility and Gather Documents for IRCC
Before applying, ensure you meet these conditions:
Eligibility Criteria:
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Valid LOA from a DLI
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Proof of financial support
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Clean criminal background
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Medical examination (if required)
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Intent to leave Canada after studies (unless transitioning to PR)
Required Documents:
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Valid Passport
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Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
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Proof of Funds (Bank statements, GIC, scholarship letter, etc.)
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Passport-Sized Photos
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Immigration Forms (IMM 1294, IMM 5645, etc.)
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Letter of Explanation / SOP
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Medical Report (if applicable)
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Police Clearance Certificate (if applicable)
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Language Test Results
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Tuition Fee Receipts (optional but helpful)
Step 5: Financial Proof – Show You Can Support Yourself
In 2024, IRCC updated the minimum proof of funds required. For 2025, the updated cost of living is estimated to be around:
| Province Cost | t of Living (CAD/year) |
|---|---|
| All provinces (except Quebec) | $20,635 (student) + $7,000 (spouse) + $3,500 per child |
| Quebec | $15,078 (student) |
Note: This is in addition to tuition and travel costs.
Acceptable Financial Proof:
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Bank statements (past 6 months)
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GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)
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Scholarship letter
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Proof of education loan
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Parent/sponsor affidavit and income documents
Step 6: Create a MyCIC Account and Complete Your Application
Go to the IRCC portal and:
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Create an account or sign in.
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Fill out the online form (IMM1294).
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Upload your documents in PDF/JPEG format.
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Pay the application fee:
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CAD 150 (Study Permit fee)
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CAD 85the (Biometrics fee, if required)
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Payment Method:
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Credit card or debit card (VISA, MasterCard, etc.)
Step 7: Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, you’ll receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL).
Steps:
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Schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
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Attend the appointment and provide:
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Fingerprints
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Photograph
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This is a mandatory step unless you provided biometrics in the last 10 years.
Step 8: Medical Examination (if required)
You may need to undergo a medical exam if:
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You’re from a country with high TB incidence.
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You plan to work in healthcare, child care, or teaching.
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Your program is longer than 6 months.
How to Proceed:
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Book with a Panel Physician approved by IRCC.
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Submit the IMM 1017B form during your exam.
Step 9: Wait for Processing and Check Application Status
Processing Time (Estimates for 2025):
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India: 4–6 weeks (under SDS)
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Nigeria: 8–12 weeks
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Philippines: 4–6 weeks
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Rest of world: 6–10 weeks
You can check your application status in your IRCC MyCIC account anytime.
Step 10: Get a Decision and Your Port of Entry Letter (POE)
If approved, you’ll receive:
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Letter of Introduction (LOI) / POE Letter (not your study permit)
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TRV or eTA (entry authorization)
Keep these documents ready while traveling. You’ll receive your actual study permit at the port of entry (Canadian airport).
📄 Sample Timeline for a September 2025 Intake
| Stage | Ideal Time to Complete |
|---|---|
| Research & Choose School | October–November 2024 |
| Apply to College/University | December 2024 – February 2025 |
| Receive Offer Letter | February – March 2025 |
| Gather IRCC Documents | March 2025 |
| Apply for a Study Permit | April 2025 |
| Biometrics & Medicals | April–May 2025 |
| Receive POE Letter | June–July 2025 |
| Fly to Canada | August 2025 |
✍️ What is the Student Direct Stream (SDS)?
SDS is a faster processing stream available for students from select countries, like:
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India
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Nigeria (included in 2024)
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China
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Vietnam
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Philippines
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Senegal
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Pakistan
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Morocco
Benefits:
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Faster processing (within 20 calendar days)
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Streamlined documentation
Requirements:
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GIC of CAD 20,635
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IELTS score of 6.0 in each band
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First-year tuition paid
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Upfront medical and biometrics
🎓 After Approval: What to Do Next
1. Prepare to Travel
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Book your ticket in advance.
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Organize housing and airport pickup.
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Pack important documents in your hand luggage.
2. Documents to Carry:
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Passport
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LOI / POE Letter
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TRV/eTA
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Admission Letter
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Fee receipts
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GIC proof
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Accommodation details
3. Arrive in Canada
Your Study Permit will be issued at the Canadian port of entry by a CBSA officer after verifying your documents.
🧑🎓 What if Your Study Permit is Refused?
Common reasons for refusal:
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Insufficient proof of funds
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Weak SOP
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Gaps in education history
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No strong home ties
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Incomplete documents
How to Respond:
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Reapply with corrections
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Submit a better SOP
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Improve your documentation
You can also request GCMS notes to understand the exact reason for refusal.
✅ Summary Checklist
| Task | Completed? |
|---|---|
| Choose a program & DLI. | ☐ |
| Received Letter of Acceptance | ☐ |
| Gathered all documents | ☐ |
| Proof of funds prepared | ☐ |
| Created an IRCC account | ☐ |
| Submitted application & paid fees | ☐ |
| Gave biometrics | ☐ |
| Medical exam (if needed) | ☐ |
| Received POE Letter | ☐ |
| Booked flight and accommodation | ☐ |
| Arrived in Canada | ☐ |
💬 Final Thoughts
Applying for a Canadian study permit may seem complex, but with the right information, careful preparation, and a timeline, it becomes entirely manageable. Canada is not only a land of academic opportunity but also a gateway to permanent residency and a brighter future.
The 2025 intake is expected to be highly competitive, so start early and submit the strongest possible application.
Stay tuned to https://bsc.support.gen.tr for more resources, sample SOPs, real student experiences, and application tips!
Would you like me to now proceed with Post 5: “How to Secure a Full-Ride Scholarship for Undergraduate Study”?
