Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Canada Study Visa in 2027

Introduction

The Canada study permit application process can seem overwhelming at first — multiple forms, documents, fees, and steps. But when broken down step by step, it becomes very manageable. This guide gives you the complete, detailed step-by-step process to apply for a Canada study visa in 2027, whether you are applying under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) or the Regular Stream.

Who Needs a Study Permit for Canada?

You need a Canada study permit if:

• Your program is longer than 6 months
• You are studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• You are an international student (non-Canadian citizen, non-PR)

You do NOT need a study permit if your course or program is 6 months or less AND you will complete it within your authorized stay.

Step 1: Choose Your Program and University

Before you can apply for a study permit, you need an accepted offer from a DLI (Designated Learning Institution).

• Research programs that match your academic background and career goals
• Check the DLI list at canada.ca to confirm your chosen university is approved
• Compare tuition fees, location, post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility, and scholarship opportunities
• Apply to 3–5 universities to increase your acceptance chances

Important: Only programs at DLIs qualify for a study permit AND the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Step 2: Appear for English Language Test

Most Canadian universities require proof of English proficiency.

Accepted tests:

• IELTS Academic — most widely accepted, minimum 6.0–6.5 overall for most programs
• PTE Academic — accepted by many universities
• TOEFL iBT — accepted by most universities
• Duolingo English Test — accepted by some universities

For SDS (Student Direct Stream):

• IELTS Academic only, minimum 6.0 in each of the 4 bands (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)

Book your test early. Popular test centers can be fully booked 4–6 weeks in advance.

Step 3: Apply to Universities and Receive Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

• Submit online applications to your shortlisted universities
• Upload required documents: 10th/12th marksheets, graduation transcripts (if PG), IELTS scorecard, SOP, LORs, resume/CV
• Pay application fees (usually CAD 50–150 per university)
• Wait for conditional or unconditional offer letters
• Accept your preferred offer and pay the tuition deposit
• Request official LOA on university letterhead

Step 4: Open GIC and Arrange Financial Proof

IRCC requires proof that you can financially support yourself during your studies in Canada.

For SDS applicants:

• Open a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) with a participating Canadian bank
• Deposit CAD 20,635 — this covers your first year living expenses in Canada
• Participating banks: CIBC, Scotiabank, TD, RBC, BMO, National Bank of Canada
• GIC certificate is issued in 7–14 working days

For Regular Stream applicants:

• Show equivalent funds in your bank account or through a sponsor
• Provide 4–6 months of consistent bank statements
• If using a sponsor: provide their bank statements, ITR, salary slips, and a signed sponsorship letter

Step 5: Complete Your Medical Exam (IME)

• Visit an IRCC-approved Panel Physician in your city
• Complete the full Immigration Medical Examination
• Physician directly uploads results to IRCC — keep your Medical Reference Number (UMI number)
• Medical results are valid for 12 months
• For SDS: medical exam must be completed BEFORE submitting your study permit application

Find approved physicians at: ircc.canada.ca/english/information/medical/panel-physicians/

Step 6: Create Your IRCC Online Account

• Go to canada.ca and create a GCKey account (or Sign-In Partner account)
• Complete your profile: personal information, travel history, family information
• Answer all eligibility questions honestly

Note: If you have a family member also applying or accompanying you, they need separate accounts.

Step 7: Fill Out the Study Permit Application Forms

You will need to fill out the following IRCC forms online:

• IMM 1294 — Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada
• IMM 5645 — Family Information Form
• Schedule A — Background Declaration (IMM 5669) — if required

Important form-filling rules:

• Never leave fields blank — write “Not Applicable” or “N/A” where something does not apply
• All dates must be in YYYY-MM-DD format
• Use your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport
• Declare all travel history accurately

Step 8: Upload All Required Documents

Compile and upload the following documents to your IRCC application:

Mandatory documents:

• Valid passport (all pages scanned, including blank pages)
• Letter of Acceptance from DLI
• Proof of financial support (GIC certificate + bank statements)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• English language test scores (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL scorecard)
• Educational transcripts and certificates (10th, 12th, graduation)
• Passport-size photographs (as per IRCC specifications)
• Medical examination proof (UMI number/medical reference)

Additional documents (if applicable):

• Loan sanction letter (if using an education loan)
• Sponsor’s financial documents (if sponsored)
• Previous visa refusal letters (if any — must be declared)
• Custody documents (if you are a minor)

Step 9: Pay the Application Fee

• Study permit fee: CAD 150 per applicant
• Biometrics fee: CAD 85 per person (CAD 170 for a family)
• Payment accepted via credit/debit card online through your IRCC account
• Save the payment receipt

Step 10: Submit the Application

• Review all documents and forms one final time
• Click “Submit” on your IRCC application
• You will receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) — save this document
• IRCC will send a biometrics request letter if biometrics are required

Step 11: Give Biometrics

• Book a biometrics appointment at the nearest VFS Global/VAC centre
• Bring your biometrics instruction letter and passport
• Biometrics include: fingerprints (10 fingers) and a digital photograph
• Processing starts fully after biometrics are received by IRCC

Step 12: Wait for Processing and Decision

• SDS: ~20 working days after biometrics
• Regular stream: 8–16 weeks
• You may receive an Additional Document Request (ADR) — respond promptly
• Final decisions: Approval (PPR — Passport Request) or Refusal

Step 13: Receive Approval and Travel to Canada

• After approval, you receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction
• Submit passport to VAC for visa stamp (if your country requires a visa)
• Book flights — arrive before or on your program start date
• At the Canadian airport/border, CBSA officer will issue your actual study permit
• Study permit is a physical document — keep it safe throughout your stay

Conclusion

The Canada study permit application process in 2027 follows a clear structure. Each step builds on the previous one, and missing any step can delay your application significantly.

At Shreehari, we assist students through every step of the process — from university selection to visa approval. Contact us for a free consultation and let us help you make your Canada dream a reality.