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Immigration & Visas

Visa Requirements for Studying IT in Canada

A step-by-step breakdown of the documents, fees, and timelines you need to know before applying for a Canadian study permit and temporary resident visa.

$150 Study Permit Fee (CAD)
$85 Biometrics Fee (CAD)
4–16 wk Typical Processing Time
Understanding the Basics

Study Permit vs. Temporary Resident Visa

These two documents serve different purposes, yet applicants frequently conflate them. Understanding the distinction early prevents costly reapplication delays.

Study Permit

The study permit is the primary document that authorises you to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. It is not a visa and does not grant entry to the country on its own. Instead, it stipulates the conditions of your stay — the institution you may attend, program duration, and whether you are permitted to work on or off campus. Most IT programs longer than six months require a study permit. IRCC typically issues permits for the length of your program plus an additional 90 days to allow time for travel arrangements after graduation.

Fee: CAD $150 Required for programs > 6 months

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

The TRV — sometimes called a visitor visa — is the document that allows you to physically enter Canada. Citizens from visa-exempt countries receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead, which costs only CAD $7 and is processed electronically. Whether you need a TRV or an eTA depends on your nationality. If you require a TRV, it is typically processed alongside your study permit application, so you do not need to submit a separate request. The TRV is stamped in your passport and may be single-entry or multiple-entry depending on IRCC's assessment.

Fee: CAD $100 (or $7 eTA) Entry document, not a study authorisation
Documentation

Required Documents Checklist

Missing a single document is the most common reason for study permit refusals. IRCC officers assess completeness before they assess merit — an incomplete file often results in a return-without-review rather than a request-for-information.

Document Details Required
Letter of Acceptance (LOA) From a DLI-listed institution. Must include your full name, program name, duration, and start date. Mandatory
Valid Passport Must be valid for the full duration of your studies. Include all previous passports if applicable. Mandatory
Proof of Financial Support Bank statements (6 months), GIC receipt (CAD $20,635 for 2026), or sponsorship letter. Must cover tuition + living costs. Mandatory
Passport-Sized Photos Two photos meeting IRCC specifications (35mm × 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months). Mandatory
Statement of Purpose A letter explaining why you chose Canada and this specific IT program. Keep it under 500 words and factual. Mandatory
Language Test Results IELTS Academic (6.0–6.5 overall) or equivalent TOEFL/PTE/CELPIP scores. Check your institution's minimums. Mandatory
Medical Exam Results Immigration Medical Examination (IME) by a panel physician. Required for stays over 6 months from certain countries. Conditional
Police Clearance Certificate From your home country and any country you have lived in for 6+ months since age 18. Conditional
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Since January 2024, most provinces require a PAL to confirm your study plan aligns with provincial capacity. Mandatory
Application Process

Step-by-Step Visa Application Timeline

Start this process at least five to six months before your program's intake date. Rushing leads to incomplete files, which leads to refusals.

  1. 01

    Secure Your Letter of Acceptance

    Apply to your chosen DLI and receive a formal LOA. Confirm the institution's DLI number — IRCC cross-references this during processing. If the number is missing or incorrect, your application stalls before a human even reviews it. For IT programs, ensure the LOA specifies co-op or internship components separately, as these may require an additional co-op work permit.

    Timeline: 2–8 weeks before permit application
  2. 02

    Obtain Provincial Attestation Letter

    Since January 2024, IRCC requires a Provincial Attestation Letter for most study permit applications. The process varies by province — Ontario uses a lottery-based allocation system, while British Columbia processes on a first-come basis. Your institution typically initiates this, but processing timelines differ: Ontario PALs often arrive within 10 business days, whereas Quebec's CAQ (Certificat d'acceptation du Québec) can take four to six weeks.

    Timeline: 1–6 weeks
  3. 03

    Prepare Financial Documentation

    IRCC needs to see that you can cover tuition plus at least CAD $20,635 per year in living expenses (2026 threshold). The cleanest approach: open a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) with a participating Canadian bank. Officers treat GIC receipts as strong proof because the funds are locked and released monthly. Supplement with six months of bank statements showing a consistent balance — sudden lump-sum deposits raise questions about the source of funds.

    Timeline: 1–3 weeks
  4. 04

    Submit Online Application & Biometrics

    Create an IRCC online account, complete the IMM 1294 form, upload all documents, and pay the CAD $150 study permit fee plus CAD $85 biometrics fee. After submission, you will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) within 24 hours. Schedule your fingerprints and photo at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC). You have 30 days from the BIL date to complete biometrics — missing this window delays your entire file.

    Timeline: 1–2 days for submission + 1–4 weeks for biometrics appointment
  5. 05

    Medical Examination (If Required)

    Applicants from certain countries or those planning to study in healthcare-adjacent programs must complete an Immigration Medical Examination with an IRCC-designated panel physician. The exam includes a general physical, chest X-ray, and blood/urine tests. Results are uploaded directly to IRCC by the physician. Book your appointment early — panel physician availability can be limited in smaller cities, and results take 5 to 10 business days to process.

    Timeline: 1–3 weeks
  6. 06

    Receive Decision & Prepare for Arrival

    Processing times vary by country — applications from India currently average 7 weeks, while applications from Nigeria can take 12 to 16 weeks. Once approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) letter of introduction, which a border officer will exchange for your physical study permit upon arrival. If you need a TRV, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker. Arrive in Canada at least two weeks before your program start date to handle SIN registration, bank account opening, and housing logistics.

    Timeline: 4–16 weeks processing
Costs

Visa and Permit Fee Breakdown

All fees are in Canadian dollars and reflect 2026 IRCC published rates. These are government fees — they do not include third-party costs such as credential evaluations or courier charges.

$150
Study Permit
Processing fee, non-refundable
$85
Biometrics
Valid for 10 years once collected
$100
Temporary Resident Visa
Or $7 eTA for exempt countries
~$250
Medical Exam
Varies by country and physician

Total estimated government fees: approximately CAD $385–$585 depending on your nationality and medical requirements.

Avoid These Pitfalls

Top Reasons Study Permits Get Refused

IRCC publishes refusal statistics but not detailed breakdowns by reason. Based on publicly available GCMS notes and patterns our consultation team has observed since 2021, these five issues account for the overwhelming majority of rejections. Each one is preventable with proper preparation.

A refusal does not permanently bar you from reapplying, but it does create a paper trail that future officers can see. Addressing the original refusal reason in a subsequent application — with additional evidence or a revised statement of purpose — is critical to overturning the decision.

1

Insufficient Proof of Funds

Large, unexplained deposits made shortly before the application. Officers look for sustained financial history, not last-minute transfers.

2

Weak Purpose of Visit

Vague or contradictory statements about why you chose this program or why Canada. Officers want to see a logical career trajectory, not generic praise of Canadian education.

3

Ties to Home Country Not Demonstrated

IRCC must believe you will leave Canada after your studies (unless you transition through a legal pathway). Evidence of property, family, or employment commitments in your home country strengthens your case.

4

Missing or Expired Documents

Expired language test scores, missing police clearance, or an LOA from a non-DLI institution. Triple-check every expiry date before uploading.

5

Previous Immigration Violations

Overstaying a previous visa, working without authorization, or failing to disclose travel history. Honesty is non-negotiable — IRCC has access to Five Eyes immigration databases.

Country-Specific Info

Do You Need a TRV or an eTA?

Your nationality determines whether you need a Temporary Resident Visa (stamped in your passport) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (processed online). Here are the most common origin countries for IT students and their requirements.

India

TRV Required

Processing averages 7 weeks. SDS (Student Direct Stream) is no longer available as of 2024 — all applications follow the standard study permit process. GIC strongly recommended for proof of funds.

Nigeria

TRV Required

Processing can extend to 12–16 weeks. WES credential evaluation is nearly always required. Strong statement of purpose and documented ties to Nigeria are critical for approval.

Philippines

TRV Required

Processing averages 8–10 weeks. IELTS Academic scores of 6.5 overall are commonly required. Medical exam mandatory from IRCC-designated panel physicians in Manila or Cebu.

Brazil

eTA Only

Brazilian citizens are visa-exempt and only need a CAD $7 eTA for air travel. Study permit still required for programs over 6 months. Processing is generally faster at 4–6 weeks.

United Kingdom

eTA Only

UK citizens are visa-exempt. Language testing is waived for English-speaking nationals. Study permit processing averages 4 weeks. No medical exam required for most IT programs.

China

TRV Required

Processing averages 6–8 weeks. IELTS or Duolingo English Test accepted by most institutions. Medical exam from designated panel physicians in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu.

FAQ

Visa Questions Answered

Can I travel outside Canada and re-enter on a study permit?
Yes, but you need a valid entry document to return. If you hold a multiple-entry TRV, you can leave and re-enter freely as long as the visa has not expired. If you hold a single-entry TRV, you will need to apply for a new one before travelling. eTA holders can re-enter as long as their eTA remains valid (typically five years or until passport expiry). Always carry your study permit, LOA, and proof of enrolment when crossing the border — officers verify active student status at the port of entry.
What happens if my study permit application is refused?
A refusal does not permanently prevent you from reapplying. You will receive a refusal letter with the general reason (often vague — codes like "not satisfied applicant will leave Canada"). You can request your Global Case Management System (GCMS) notes through an Access to Information request, which provides the officer's detailed assessment. Address each concern specifically in your next application with additional documentation, a revised statement of purpose, or stronger financial evidence. There is no mandatory waiting period between applications, but submitting an identical file will almost certainly result in another refusal.
Do I need a separate work permit for co-op or internship programs?
If your IT program includes a mandatory co-op or work placement that is an integral part of the curriculum, you need a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit. This is applied for at the same time as your study permit and requires a letter from your institution confirming that the work component is a program requirement. The co-op work permit is only valid while you are enrolled as a student — it expires when your study permit expires. Off-campus work (up to 20 hours per week) does not require a separate permit; it is authorised through a condition on your study permit.
How long does biometric data remain valid?
Biometrics collected by IRCC remain valid for 10 years. If you provided biometrics for a previous Canadian visa or permit application within the last decade, you do not need to provide them again. IRCC will confirm this in your application status. The one-time CAD $85 fee covers the full 10-year validity. If your biometrics expire and you submit a new application, you will need to pay the fee and attend a Visa Application Centre again.
Can I change my program or institution after arriving in Canada?
You can transfer to a different DLI or change programs, but you must update IRCC and may need to apply for a new study permit depending on the nature of the change. If you switch to a completely different field or institution type (e.g., from a college to a university), IRCC may require a new application with updated documentation. Always report changes to your DLI's international student office first — they will guide you on whether a permit amendment or new application is needed. Failing to report institutional changes can jeopardise your immigration status.
What information does IT Education in Canada collect, and is it shared with IRCC?
We collect only the information you voluntarily share through our consultation form — your name, email, and details about your educational goals. We do not share your data with IRCC, educational institutions, or any government body unless you explicitly authorise us to do so. Our services are informational and consultative; we are not an immigration law firm and do not submit applications on your behalf. For full details on how we handle your data, see our Privacy Policy.
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