An Easy Guide To Getting A Canadian Student Visa In 2025

If you're considering studying abroad for your first degree or a Master's degree, Canada should be at the top of your list. With its world-class education system and excellent academic standards, it's a popular choice for international students.

To make this happen, we've broken down everything you need to know when applying for a Canadian student visa in 2025.

Eligibility Requirements For A Canadian Student Visa In 2025

What you need to arm yourself with in this process is understanding what works and qualifies you for a Canadian student visa. It is only when this is verified that other steps can make sense.

Educational qualifications.

To get a Canada student visa, you must have completed your high school education. But if you're applying for a post-graduate program, you will need a bachelor's degree.

Recognised Canadian institution.

Before you can apply for a student visa, you will need an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). These are schools approved by the government to accept international students.

Proof of identity and provincial attestation letter (PAL).

As of January 22, 2025, a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) will be necessary if you're applying for a study permit in Canada. Also, you'll need to have a valid form of identification to be able to apply successfully.

Proof of financial stability.

You will also need to prove that you can support yourself financially while studying in Canada. Like showing you have enough funds for tuition, living expenses, and a return ticket. Here are some ways to prove you're financially stable:

Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you’ve transferred money to Canada
Your bank statements for the past 4 months
A bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
A letter from a person or institution who's going to sponsor financially.
Proof of funding paid from within Canada either you've a scholarship or you've been accepted in a Canadian-funded educational program

Zero criminal charges.

Your application is more likely to be considered if you have no criminal record, verified through police and legal reports.

Good health.

Depending on your country and health history, you may be required to pass some medical fitness tests to ascertain you are in good shape to fulfill your academic requirements.

List Of Documents You'll Need For Your Canadian Student Visa In 2025

Here is the step-by-step process to apply for a Canada international student visa:

Get an offer letter from a DLI university.
Start applying for a visa online.
Get your checklist code.
Prepare your paperwork.
Obtain English language test scores.
Continue online student visa application.
Pay application fee.
Attend an interview.
Apply for a study permit..

The above steps are detailed further below:

1. Get an offer letter from a Canadian university.

This involves applying for your course of choice from a DLI university. If your application gets shortlisted, you will receive an offer letter for subsequent applications.

2. Start applying for a visa online.

Begin your Canada international student visa application online. This process will take you through some basic questions to ensure you are eligible.

3. Get your checklist code.

If eligible, you will receive a personal checklist code. This code will guide you through the application process and inform you of the documents you need.

4. Prepare your paperwork.

You might be required to get a medical exam, temporary residence permit, biometrics, police examination certificate, English test scores, a Statement of Purpose, and proof of sufficient funds to support you financially.

5. Obtain English language test scores.

Make sure you have the required English test scores. For example, if you've a bachelor's degree, you'll need an overall score of at least 6.0 bands. For a master’s degree, you need an overall score of at least 6.5 bands.And, for a graduate program, you need an overall score of at least 6.5 bands. Or if you've a diploma course, you need an overall score of at least 5.5 bands.

6. Continue online student visa application.

Sign in the account you've created on the CIC website, also known as the MyCIC account. Add the personal checklist code you'll receive, fill out the application form, and upload all the required documents.

7. Pay application fee.

For the study permit, you have to pay 150 CAD. The biometrics fee per person is 85 CAD, but a family of 2 or more people would pay up to 170 CAD.

8. Attend an interview.

You may receive a call from your local visa office for an interview if required. We have outlined helpful tips below to succeed at visa interviews.

9. Apply for a study permit.

Finally, submit your application to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for approval and receive your visa if shortlisted.

Best Practices For Canadian Student Visa Application In 2025

1. Incomplete Applications: make sure all forms are filled out correctly and all documents are provided.
2. Incorrect Information: double-check all personal details to avoid discrepancies.
3. Weak Proof Of Funds: make sure your financial documents clearly show you have enough funds.
4. Have A Good Statement Of Purpose (SOP): a well-written Statement of Purpose (SOP) can make or break your application, so make it align with your career goals.
5. Avoid Late Submissions: apply well before deadlines to account for processing times.
6. If an interview is part of your process, preparation is key:
7. Know Your Application: you’ll need to be familiar with the details of your application and be able to discuss them.
8. Financial Plan: be prepared to explain how you will fund your education and living expenses with clarity.
9. Study Plans: clearly state why you chose your particular program and how it fits your career goals.
10. Be Punctual:: being well-prepared shows the consular officer you are committed and serious.

Understanding Embassy Fees And Payment Options In Canada

For your study permit application, you only need to pay 150 CAD. However, for the biometrics, you'll have to pay a separate fee. The fee is 85 CAD for one person, but it's up to 170 CAD for a family of two or more people.

After your visa application is finalised, paying your Canada tuition fee becomes necessary. This is where CadRemit comes in, you can use it to pay your tuition fees in Canada.

To pay your tuition fees on CadRemit, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your CadRemit account.
2. Tap School
3. Choose the wallet you want to send money from.
4. Add the amount you want to send.
5. Tap Continue
6. Choose the province of the school you want to make payment to.
7. Then choose the school you want to make payment to.
8. Add your name and ID.
9. Confirm the details and add your PIN, then tap Send

Ready To Embark On Your New Journey In Canada

There are many good reasons to study abroad. However, to get your Canadian student visa approved, be sure to take note of the important requirements, documents, and best practices. When it’s time to pay your tuition, use CadRemit for instant payments directly to supported Canadian schools on the platform.

Start your journey today!

FAQs On The Canadian Student Visa Process

How Long Does The Canadian Student Visa Process Take?

A Canada student visa processing time can take up to 3 months.

Are English Tests Required To Get Admission In Canada?

Canada is an English-speaking nation. Thus, an overall IELTS score of 6.0 bands is required.

How Much Bank Balance Is Required For A Canadian Student Visa?

As per the 2024 update, the required account balance is 20,635 CAD aside from tuition fees.

Are There Changes To Spousal Open Work Permits For International Students?

Yes. Since January 21, 2025, only spouses of masters degree, doctorate and select industry students can now apply for a family OWP.

Clinton Nwachukwu

CadRemit Editorial

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