Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
It is issued to foreign nationals who intend to study in Canada in a program lasting more than 6 months. Allows for long-term studies at a university, college, language school, or another accredited educational institution. To begin the process, an applicant must obtain a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, followed by a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), where required. A study permit application must be submitted prior to travelling to Canada. If an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visa is required for entry, it will be issued automatically upon approval of the study permit.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 6 months to 5 years
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
Depending on the applicant’s citizenship, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an eTA is issued together with the study permit. The validity of these entry documents generally corresponds to the expiry date of the student’s authorized status, which is usually up to 5 years. However, when crossing the border, the medical examination must be valid at the time of entry; it is valid for 12 months from the date of the examination.
from 6 months to 5 years
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
The validity of entry documents (TRV and eTA) generally corresponds to the expiry date of the student’s authorized status. The validity period of a study permit generally corresponds to the length of the academic program indicated in the letter of acceptance, plus an additional 90 days. These 90 days are provided to allow the student time to prepare to leave Canada or to apply for an extension of status. A Study Permit is an authorization to reside and study in Canada, while a TRV or eTA remains required each time the student crosses the border. Generally, the maximum validity of TRV or eTA is 5 years. *If a student completes their program earlier than planned, the study permit may expire 90 days after the actual end of the program, even if the permit’s original validity period was longer.
Individually
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
If the academic program is extended, the student must apply to renew the Study Permit before the current permit expires. The extension is generally granted for the remaining duration of the program, plus an additional 90 days to allow for preparation to leave Canada or to apply for further extension or change of status. The permit can be extended multiple times, provided all IRCC requirements are met.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
Allows for multiple entries for the duration of the visa.
from 15 days to 2 months
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
The processing time depends on the applicant’s country of residence, the completeness of the submitted documents, seasonal demand, and any additional requirements such as biometrics or an interview. The average processing time usually ranges from a few weeks to a couple of months. Official processing times may be longer: in some cases, IRCC indicates that applications can take several months to process, especially during peak submission periods. *Applications submitted by doctoral students, including those for accompanying family members, are generally processed within a period of two weeks.
$100 (~$74) - Temporary Resident Visa
$7 (~$6) - eTA
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
The standard processing fee for a study permit is CAD 150 per application. For foreign nationals who require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada, the visa fee is CAD 100 for a single or multiple-entry visa. If the applicant is eligible under the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program, the fee is CAD 7. The fee for providing biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) is CAD 85 per person, or CAD 170 for a family applying together.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel to Canada, with at least 2 blank pages.
Visa application form
Completely filled out.
Photograph
Must be taken within the last 6 months, have a plain white or light background, and be clear, with no shadows or retouching. The standard size is 35×45 mm (or 50×70 mm for certain application categories). The face must be fully visible, with a neutral expression and eyes looking directly at the camera. Only medical or religious head coverings that do not obscure the face are permitted; eyeglasses are allowed as long as there are no glare and the eyes are clearly visible. The photo must meet IRCC requirements for quality, lighting, and facial proportions.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Proof of accommodation
A copy of hotel reservation, rental contract, or letter from friends/family in Canada.
Letter of explanation
With explanations why the applicant wants to study in Canada and confirmation of the understanding responsibilities as a student.
Proof of financial means
The applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition fees, living expenses for themselves and any accompanying family members, as well as return transportation for all parties.
Attestation letter
A provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) must be provided and uploaded in the designated “Provincial attestation letter (required)” section of the application. If this section is not available, the PAL/TAL should be submitted in the “Client information” field. Applicants who qualify for an exemption must include supporting evidence in the “Client information” field. NB: Students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees at Canadian public universities are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement.
Letter of acceptance
Must be issued by the Canadian institution (e.g. school board, school district, University, etc.) on official letterhead, show the exact amount of tuition fees applicant are required to pay, the anticipated starting and finishing dates, and the date by which applicants need to register.
Certificate d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ)
If applicable. The Application for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies is intended for foreign nationals who wish to stay in Quebec to study there.
Custodian declaration (minor children)
If applicable. If the minor requires a custodian, applicant must include the Custodianship Declaration form (IMM 5646). The custodian in Canada must sign the first page, and the parents or legal guardians of the minor child in the child’s home country must sign the second page.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate or other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree; original letter of notarized consent for the minor to travel abroad from parents / legal guardian.
Itinerary
Documents confirming planned activities and travel arrangements, such as tickets, event registrations, travel itinerary, etc.
Family information
Each applicant who is 18 years of age or older must complete this form.
Use of a representative
Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form. If applicable.
Travel history
Includes copies of previous visas in a passport.
Authority to release personal information to a designated individual
Authority to release personal information to a designated individual The applicant needs this form if it's necessary to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release the personal information to someone applicant choose. If applicable.
Marriage certificate
Or another document confirming relationship or guardianship. If applicable.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; visa, residence permit or other supporting document confirming resident status if the country of residence is different from that listed in applicant's passport.
Registration documents
For companies, schools, businesses and organizations inviting the applicant.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Certificate of criminal record
Confirming no criminal record in the applicant’s home or residence country.
Old passport
With visas for the last 5 years.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Hold a genuine passport with a valid expiry of over 6 months.
Have a confirmed return ticket within the permitted stay period.
Have a valid address in Canada where foreigner will be staying.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Temporary resident visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Student visa
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranusuppor@outlook.comEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Student, graduate student, doctoral student, master's student
Last updated 2026-01-19