Canada Student Visa Checklist

Lucia Kwag
Dec 12, 2025
3 min read

Canada attracts thousands of international students every year for its high-quality of education, multicultural society, and wide branch of opportunities after graduation. But before arriving, international students must secure a valid study permit - and meet several important requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Failing to satisfy any requirements can lead to refusal or delays. Reading this blog will make you understand key requirements for a smooth application process.

Who Needs a Study Permit?

If you're a foreign national (i.e. not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident) and plan to study at a secondary or post-secondary institution in Canada, you generally need a study permit.
Short-term programs less than six months often do not require a study permit - but for longer programs, you must apply before you travel.
- For short-term programs and travel, you can apply for Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
If you plan to study in Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) region (i.e. attend a school in Quebec), your application needs a CAQ in addition to the standard requirements.

Key Documents & Application Requirements

When applying for a Canadian study permit, you will need:

A valid passport or travel document.
A letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada.
A Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter, depending on the province where you plan to study. Failure to include one often leads to application return.
Proof of financial support: funds for living expenses, plus tuition and travel costs.
Additional checks: a medical exam, police clearance certificate, or other documents to prove admissibility may be required.

Also note that the standard fee for a study permit application is CAN $150.

Financial Requirements (2025 Update)

As of September 1, 2025, the financial support requirements for international students outside Quebec have increased.

Number of people (with applicant)	Minimum funds required (per year)
1 (applicant alone)	CAN $22,895
2	CAN $28,502
3	CAN $35,040
4	CAN $42,543
5	CAN $48,252
6	CAN $54,420
7	CAN $60,589
Each additional person	+CAN $6,170

These funds are intended to cover living costs (housing, food, daily expenses). Note that this requirement is in addition to first-year tuition, travel costs, and any other fees.

Accepted proof of funds may include bank statements, proof of a Canadian bank account (if funds are transferred), scholarship/sponsorship letters, or other financial documentation.

Other Conditions & What IRCC Will Check

When you apply, IRCC will also assess:

Whether you intend to leave Canada at the end of your studies.
Your criminal record or inadmissibility issues - a police certificate may be required.
Your health (sometimes a medical exam is requested, depending on origin country or program).
For Quebec: validity of the CAQ/PAL/TAL.

Also, if you plan to transfer from one Canadian institution to another while studying, note that as of 2025 the rules have become stricter: a new study permit may be required before starting at the new institution.

Tips & Common Pitfalls for Applicants

Apply early - processing times vary by country.
Ensure all funds are documented and variable - weak financial proof is a common reason for refusals.
Double-check PAL/TAL requirement for your chosen province. Missing this may cause your application to be returned.
Be honest and consistent - background checks, health, and intentions to return matter for admissibility.
If transferring within Canada, plan for extra paperwork (new permit may be required).

What's Changed in 2025 - What You Should Know

The minimum funds requirement rose from ~CAN $20,635 to CAN $22,895 for a single applicant as of September 1, 2025.
For the first time, updated thresholds apply broadly across provinces, reflecting rising living costs.
Even if you previously tried applying (or studied), new applications post-2025 must meet these stricter financial standards.

Conclusion - Plan Ahead & Be Thorough

Obtaining a study permit as an international student in Canada is definitely feasible - but doing it right requires careful planning, especially when it comes to documentation and finances. Given recent increases in fund thresholds, it's more important than ever to prepare well in advance, keep evidence organized, and ensure you meet every requirement.