Canada's Study Permit is the document that allows international students to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for longer than 6 months. With over 800,000 international study permit holders, Canada is now the second-largest destination for international students globally.
Student Direct Stream (SDS): if you're a national of India, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Senegal, Morocco, Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Pakistan, or Trinidad and Tobago, you may qualify for SDS — a faster, streamlined process with processing times of 20 calendar days (vs. 60–90 days standard). Requirements: enrolled at a DLI, IELTS score of 6.0 in each band, upfront payment of one year's tuition, GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) of CAD $10,000 or CAD $20,635 depending on the province.
Documents required (standard): acceptance letter from a DLI, proof of identity, proof of financial support (CAD $10,000–$15,000 per year of study plus tuition), proof of ties to home country, medical exam (if required), police clearance certificate (some nationalities).
Post-graduation work permit (PGWP): one of the most valuable aspects of a Canadian student visa. After completing your degree, you can apply for a PGWP of up to 3 years for a degree of 2+ years. After working in Canada for 1–3 years, you can apply for permanent residence through Express Entry.
2026 changes: IRCC has announced reduced international student caps for 2025–2026. Competition for spots at popular institutions is higher. Apply early — December or January for September intake.
Cost of study: tuition ranges from CAD $13,000–$30,000 per year depending on programme and institution. Living costs: CAD $12,000–$15,000 per year outside major cities, CAD $18,000–22,000 in Toronto or Vancouver.
Trippatron's visa specialists assist with complete Study Permit applications including SDS eligibility assessment, GIC setup guidance, and biometric appointment booking. Our Canada study permit approval rate is 93%.