It’s no wonder Canada’s become such a popular destination for international students. It boasts world-leading business schools, such as University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and UBC Sauder School of Business, both ranked in the FT’s Global MBA rankings.
So, what does it take to secure a student visa, or study permit, to attend university in Canada? Here is a breakdown of the essential information behind applying for a Canada student permit, from required documents to costs and processing times.
What documents are needed for a Canadian student visa?
To apply for a Canadian study permit, you’ll need to provide a number of documents, including:
A valid passport (must be valid for the duration of your stay)
Two recent passport-style photos
Letter of acceptance from your chosen program of study
Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), if required, to confirm approval to study by the province where your university is based
Proof of funds: As of 2024, $CAN$20,635 is the level of funding that international students making visa applications will be expected to show they have to cover the first year’s tuition, travel costs, and living expenses. You must show you can fund your stay without working in Canada. Examples of documentation include: proof of payment for accommodation, proof of student or educational loan, proof of a Canadian bank account, or a letter from a person or institution providing financial support.
Additional potential requirements:
Letter of explanation—to explain your intent to study in Canada and acknowledge your responsibilities as an international student
Medical exam certificate—required if you plan to stay longer than six months, or have spent time in certain countries (check applicability here)
Police certificate—to show you do not have a criminal record.
How much does a student visa application for Canada cost?
There is a flat fee of $CAN150 (around $109) to apply for a study permit in Canada. There may be an additional cost of $CAN 85 (around $60) for a biometric application to submit fingerprints and photos.
How long does it take to process a student visa application to Canada?
Processing times will depend on the time of year and which country you are applying from. Average processing time is estimated at around six weeks, but may take anywhere up to three months for certain countries and applicants.
It’s worth noting that visa approval ratings have hovered at around 60% in recent years, but in 2025 dropped to just under 50%, due to stricter requirements around funding and post-study plans. You can apply for your study permit as soon as you receive your acceptance letter from your institution, so it’s highly recommended to apply as early as possible to avoid delays.
Can I work while studying on a student visa in Canada?
If you’re looking to gain work experience or supplement your income during your studies, it’s good news—you can work up to 24 hours a week off-campus while you are studying, without a separate work permit.
There are certain stipulations worth knowing about. You must be on a full-time program that is at least six months long, and you are only allowed to work once your study program has begun. You can, however, work multiple jobs to make up these hours.
During breaks in your study holidays, there are no restrictions on the number of hours you’re allowed to work off-campus, as long as you’re a full-time student before and after your break.
What are the rules for staying in Canada after my MBA or master’s?
If you’re looking to stay on in Canada after you graduate, you’ll be pleased to know that Canada has been long renowned as one of the easiest countries for a work visa.
MBA and master’s graduates are automatically granted a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon completion of their studies, and can stay for up to three years in the country to work. Degree programs must have been at least eight months long (applicable to most post-graduate business programs).
Some recently policy changes have adjusted eligibility requirements for the PGWP:
- You must have graduated from a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution
- You need to have maintained full-time student status during each semester of your study program (although this can switch to part-time in your final semester)
- You’ll need to apply for your PGWP within 180 days of completing your studies
Once you’ve completed your PGWP, MBA and master’s graduates are still in a strong position to seek longer term work, and even permanent residence, in Canada. There are a number of work visa programs on offer including Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class programs.
Canada: Still a top choice for international students
Canada remains a leading destination for international students from pre-enrollment through post-graduation, with prestigious universities, streamlined visa processes, and excellent opportunities to work and settle in dynamic industries and cities. Recent changes make funding requirements stricter, but Canada’s pathways from education to employment and residency continue to attract top global talent.
Article summary
To apply for your Canada student visa, you’ll need to provide a copy of your passport, a letter of acceptance, proof of funds, as well as certain other required documents. You’ll pay a fee of $CAN150 to apply, and you can expect to wait between six weeks and three months. It's worth applying as soon as you have your acceptance letter to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements outlined above. You can stay on after your studies for up to three years, after which you’ll need to apply for permanent residence.
