Canada Student Visa for Indian Students
Canada issues over 800,000 study permits a year — and Indian students are the #1 nationality. This guide covers every step from university acceptance to landing in Canada, with zero jargon.
6-step Canada student visa process
Follow this sequence — skipping steps or applying in the wrong order is the #1 cause of delays for Indian applicants.
Apply to a DLI (Designated Learning Institution) and receive your official offer/acceptance letter. You cannot apply for a student visa without this.
Show you can cover tuition + CAD 10,000 (first year) living costs. Bank statements for 3–6 months, GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate), scholarship letters, or a sponsor letter all qualify.
Most Canadian universities require IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80+. Some accept Duolingo. Your acceptance letter specifies the minimum.
Apply through the IRCC portal (ircc.canada.ca). Upload acceptance letter, financial proof, passport, photos, and pay the CAD 150 study permit fee.
After submitting, you'll receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). Book a slot at VFS Global in India and pay CAD 85. Do this as early as possible — slots fill quickly.
Processing typically takes 4–12 weeks from IRCC. Once approved, you receive a Letter of Introduction (LoI) — the actual permit is stamped at the Canadian port of entry.
Canada student visa document checklist
Missing even one document can delay or reject your application. Use this as your final pre-submission check.
As of November 2023, IRCC discontinued the Student Direct Stream. Indian applicants now follow the regular study permit process. Applications take longer — apply early, ideally 4–5 months before your program start date.
Get your Canada student visa right the first time
Future Link's RCIC-authorized counsellors (R506940) review your profile, select the right DLI, and manage every step of your study permit application — from GIC setup to mock interview prep.