India → Canada: the Study Permit roadmap
A Canadian study permit lets international students study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and is the most common entry route for the "study" goal, since it leads to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and then permanent residence via Canadian work experience. For 2026, IRCC caps study permit applications (309,670 spaces requiring a Provincial Attestation Letter) and requires a single applicant outside Quebec to show CAD $22,895 in living funds plus first-year tuition and travel. Figures are confirmed against official IRCC fee and policy pages; the proof-of-funds figure took effect September 1, 2025 and is reviewed annually, so confirm on canada.ca before applying.
Moving from India
- You apply for the Study Permit at the Canada consulate, embassy, or visa application centre that serves India, confirm the office and the current appointment wait for your region.
- Qualifications and work experience earned in India usually need a credential assessment or recognition before they count toward Canada's requirements.
- Budget for certified translation and apostille or legalisation of your India documents (degree, police certificate, civil records).
- Check whether a India passport needs a short-stay visa for any in-person biometrics or interview steps.
General guidance for any India to Canada applicant; the eligibility and fees below are set by Canada.
At a glance
Who qualifies
- Hold a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Provide a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) unless exempt (master's and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt from Jan 1, 2026)
- Prove enough funds: CAD $22,895 living costs (outside Quebec) plus first-year tuition and travel, scaling up per accompanying family member
- Be a law-abiding applicant with no criminal record (police certificate may be required)
- Be in good health and complete a medical exam if required
- Satisfy an officer you will leave Canada when your study permit expires
Your step-by-step roadmap
Secure admission and attestation
- Get a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Have the institution obtain a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) if your program requires one
- Gather proof of funds (bank statements, GIC, education loan, or scholarship)
Apply for the study permit
- Submit the online application with acceptance letter, PAL, proof of funds, and passport
- Pay the CAD $150 study permit fee and CAD $85 biometrics fee
- Complete biometrics and a medical exam if requested
Arrive and study
- Receive port-of-entry letter and travel to Canada
- Enroll and maintain full-time enrollment and study conditions
- Work on/off campus within permitted hours during studies
Transition to work (PGWP)
- Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (up to 3 years) after graduating from an eligible program
- Meet PGWP language requirement (CLB/NCLC 7 for degrees, CLB/NCLC 5 plus eligible field of study for college programs)
- Gain skilled Canadian work experience
Apply for permanent residence
- Accumulate about 12 months of skilled work experience for Canadian Experience Class
- Enter the Express Entry pool (or pursue a Provincial Nominee Program)
- Receive an invitation, submit the PR application, and obtain permanent residence
Government fees
Timeline & path to citizenship
Timeline: From securing a DLI acceptance and PAL to receiving a study permit typically takes a few months (permit processing roughly 6 to 18 weeks), and a realistic study-to-PR journey runs about 3.5 to 4 years from the start of a two-year program through PGWP work to permanent residence.
Citizenship: After becoming a permanent resident (commonly via Canadian Experience Class following PGWP work experience), you can apply for Canadian citizenship once you have lived in Canada as a PR for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the preceding 5 years and meet language and other requirements.
This is general information to help you plan, not legal advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration professional.