Documents for Canada Study Permit

After receiving a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you’ll need these for your study permit application:

• Valid Passport:
  Must be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada. Include copies of all pages with stamps, visas, or markings.
• Letter of Acceptance (LOA):
  Official LOA from a DLI, stating the program, duration, and start date. For Quebec, you’ll also need a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) if studying in the province.
• Proof of Financial Support:
  Evidence of sufficient funds to cover:
  • First-year tuition fees (as per LOA).
  • Living expenses: CAD 20,635/year (as of 2025, excluding tuition) for most provinces; CAD 22,635 for Quebec (if not studying at a Quebec-based DLI).
  • Return transportation costs.
  • Acceptable documents: bank statements (past 4 months), Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian bank (e.g., CAD 20,635 for Student Direct Stream), student loan letters, or scholarship/funding letters.
• Language Proficiency (if applicable):
  Not always required for study permit but may be requested if your LOA doesn’t confirm language ability. Provide IELTS, TOEFL, or TEF/TCF results if needed.
• Passport-Sized Photos:
  Two recent photos meeting IRCC specifications (35mm x 45mm, name and date of birth on back).
• Medical Examination (if applicable):
  Required if you’ve lived in certain countries for 6+ months in the past year or plan to work in healthcare/education. Must be done by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
• Letter of Explanation:
  A letter explaining why you want to study in Canada, your study plan, ties to your home country, and intent to leave after your permit expires.
• Custodian Declaration (if under 19):
  For minors, a notarized Custodian Declaration form signed by parents/legal guardians and a Canadian custodian, plus proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate).
• Translated Documents:
  Any non-English/French documents must include a certified translation with the translator’s name, signature, and confirmation of accuracy.
• Study Permit Application Form:
  Completed online via the IRCC portal or on paper, along with the study permit fee (CAD 150 as of 2025) and biometrics fee (CAD 85).
• Biometrics:
  Fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) after applying, valid for 10 years.

Additional Documents for Travel and Arrival

These ensure a smooth entry into Canada and help with post-arrival formalities:

• Study Permit Approval Letter:
  The Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction issued by IRCC. Present this with your LOA and passport to receive your study permit upon arrival.
• Accommodation Details:
  Proof of housing (e.g., university residence contract, homestay agreement, or private lease). Arrange temporary accommodation if permanent housing isn’t confirmed.
• Health Insurance:
  Mandatory in some provinces (e.g., British Columbia). Purchase private health insurance or confirm coverage through your institution until provincial healthcare (if applicable) begins.
• Health Records:
  Vaccinations, prescriptions (in English/French), and a doctor’s note for medications. Check Canadian regulations for restricted drugs.
• Photocopies and Digital Copies:
  2–3 copies of key documents (passport, LOA, study permit approval letter, etc.) and secure digital versions (e.g., cloud storage). Keep one set in carry-on, one in checked luggage, and one with family.
• Local Currency:
  CAD 100–200 for immediate expenses (e.g., transport, food). Exchange money before departure or at the airport.
• Letter of Acceptance:
  Your official LOA from the DLI, useful for immigration checks at the border.
• International Student Identity Card (ISIC):
  Optional but offers discounts on travel, services, and attractions in Canada and globally. Apply before departure or at your destination.

Optional but Useful Documents

• Social Insurance Number (SIN) Application:
  Required if you plan to work on/off-campus (up to 20 hours/week during term). Apply after arrival at a Service Canada office; takes ~2 weeks.
• Prepaid Forex Card:
  A prepaid card in CAD (e.g., HDFC ForexPlus or similar) for tuition, books, and expenses, often with student discounts.
• Scholarship/Loan Documents:
  Award letters or loan agreements for budgeting or immigration queries, if applicable.
• Travel Itinerary:
  Flight details and airport transfer plans (e.g., to university or accommodation).