Canada Student Visa Complete Guide

• #1 destination for international students for higher education
• 15000+ courses offered to students
• More than 800 scholarships with up to CAD 15000 for doctoral students
• Over 100 public and private universities (3 in global Top 100)
• Tuition fee for undergraduates is between CAD 1800 to 20000

Overview: Canada Study Visa for UK Students

The Canada Study Visa, officially known as a study permit, allows international students to pursue academic programs at recognized institutions in Canada. Issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this visa not only facilitates world-class education but also offers the opportunity to work part-time and apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completion of studies.

Important Announcement: Canada to Issue 437,000 Student visas in 2025

Canada will issue 437,000 student visas in 2025. 

Here is a breakdown of the 2025 study permit allocations by Canadian provinces:

Province or territory	Total expected number of study permits to be issued to all PAL/TAL-required students	Kindergarten to grade 12 applicants (PAL/TAL-exempt)	All other PAL/TAL-exempt applicants
Alberta	32,660	72,200	48,524
British Columbia	53,589
Manitoba	10,021
New Brunswick	6430
Newfoundland and Labrador	4664
Northwest Territories	220
Nova Scotia	8297
Nunavut	220
Ontario	1,16,740
Prince Edward Island	1250
Quebec	72,977
Saskatchewan	8869
Yukon	339
Total	3,162,76	72,200	48,524

Canada Student Visa Types

• Study Permit:- It allows you to study in universities of Canada for the entire duration of the program. To be eligible, you must have been accepted as an international student in a Canadian educational institution. You need to provide proof of enrollment and financial support, as well as your language proficiency.
• Student Direct Stream (SDS):- SDS allows international students to get a study permit in as little as 20 calendar days. SDS is applicable if you meet specific requirements, like English or French language proficiency and proof of financial support.
• Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ):- In Canada, the province of Quebec has its own set of rules in most cases. So, if you want to study at a College in Quebec, you need a CAQ besides your Canada study permit. CAQ issued by Quebec’s provincial government states that you meet immigration requirements to live and study in Quebec.

Canada Student Visa Eligibility Criteria 

To apply for a Canada Study Visa, you must:

• Hold a valid Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Demonstrate proof of financial support for tuition and living expenses
• Have no criminal record (police clearance required)
• Undergo a medical examination (if applicable)
• Prove your intent to return to the UK after completing your studies

Documents Required for a Canada Student Visa 

Document	Description
Letter of Acceptance (LOA)	From an approved DLI
Proof of Funds	Sufficient to cover tuition and living costs
Passport	Valid for entire study duration
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Academic goals and study rationale
IELTS / TOEFL Score	English/French proficiency for admission
Police Certificate	Verified clean criminal record
Medical Exam	Required for certain countries/programs

Canada Student Visa Benefits

• For international students like you looking to get a Canada study visa, it is essential to get a study permit, too.
• A study visa allows you entry into Canada, while a study permit will enable you to study at Canadian DLIs.
• Even if you have a Canada student visa, the immigration officer at the border is well within the rights to deny you entry into Canada.
• Your study permit gives you the right to stay and study in Canada; it has all the relevant details about your stay in Canada.
• There are various courses under student visa for international students in Canada that offer you a unique and enriching experience.
• If you are a resident of certain nations, you can get your study permit faster by applying online through Student Direct Stream (SDS).
• Most SDS is processed within 20 calendar days for a fee of CAD 150, provided you meet eligibility and submit biometrics.
• Canada’s problem of labour shortage means international students like you have great chance to work under post study work permit.
• Studying in Canada, you get to work in top Canadian medical, IT and mining sector companies.

Reasons to Study in Canada

• Canada has French and English as 2 official languages. In Canada, French is spoken chiefly in Quebec province. Yet, a majority of Canadian universities use English as a medium of instruction, so language won’t be an issue for international students like you from the UK.
• Canada is a technologically advanced nation with many opportunities for work and career advancement.
• Canada is safe and peaceful, allowing international students to pursue their passion and expand their knowledge base.
• Canada’s stable economy ensures its citizens enjoy a very high standard of living, including international students.
• International students like you can apply for various scholarships in Canada to fund their studies.
• Visa provisions allow you to work a specified number of hours per week to support yourselves while you are still studying.
• Canada is a melting pot of diverse cultures and ethnicities; its cosmopolitan environment ensures Canada is one of the most hospitable countries.
• Canada is an affordable country for international students, thanks to Canada’s low cost of living and cheap tuition fees.
• Canadian student visas are easier to get than in other countries. They offer various programs to international students to help them pursue multidisciplinary programs.
• Canada only considers the academic performance of international students in high school rather than their performance in tests like SAT or ACT.
• You earn more studying and working in Canada than in UK; Canada average annual salary is CAD 70000, in UK it is UKP 31750.

Study Intakes of Canada

Intake	Month/s
1st	January
2nd	May
3rd	September

• Academic intakes in education institutes in Canada happen according to semester, which is according to season.
• The 3 season-wise academic intakes at the institutions of Canada are fall, winter, and summer.

Top Universities in Canada

• There are 2 main types of education institutes in Canada, namely public and private universities.
• The public universities funded by federal, territorial, and provincial governments receive student tuition fees.
• The private universities function exclusively on funds received through fees, donations, and research grants.

QS World University Rankings 2024
Canada Rank	Global Rank	University
1	21	University of Toronto
2	30	McGill University
3	34	University of British Columbia
4	111	University of Alberta
5	112	University of Waterloo
6	114	Western University
7	141	Université de Montréal
8	182	University of Calgary
9	189	McMaster University
10	203	University of Ottawa

The other popular universities in Canada that you, as an international student, can opt for are:-

• Queen’s University at Kingston
• Dalhousie University
• Simon Fraser University
• University of Victoria (UVic)
• University of Saskatchewan
• York University
• Concordia University
• Université Laval
• University of Guelph
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• University of Windsor
• Carleton University
• University of Manitoba
• University of New Brunswick
• Université du Québec 
• University of Northern British Columbia
• Université de Sherbrooke
• Toronto Metropolitan University
• University of Regina
• Vancouver Island University

List of Affordable Universities in Canada

Regarding higher education, Canada is the preferred choice for international students. It is home to some of the most well-known affordable universities and colleges in the world compared to the USA, UK, and other English-speaking nations.

S. No.	University	Annual Fees in CAD
1	Algonquin College	16000 to 22000
2	Bow Valley College	18000 to 35000
3	Brandon University	13000 to 15000
4	Canadian Mennonite University	17000
5	Dalhousie University	9192 / year
6	University of Calgary	24400 for UG
7	University of Guelph	32000 for UG 15000 to 30000 for PG
8	University of Manitoba	17000 to 25000
9	University of Saskatchewan	19130 to 30060
10	Memorial University of Newfoundland	11460 / year
11	Humber College	12000 to 22000
12	Northern Lights College	10900 to 18556
13	Conestoga College	10500 to 12000
14	University of St. Boniface	4600 to 7500
15	McGill University	15324 to 29666
16	Humber College	10687 to 19807
17	Lethbridge College	4500 to 51800
18	Simon Fraser University	5300 / year
19	University of Prince Edward Island	7176 / year
20	Carleton University	7397 / year

Steps to Apply for Canada Student Visa

You can follow the below steps to apply for a Canada student visa:

Step 1: Choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and secure an acceptance letter.
Step 2: Collect the required documents listed above.
Step 3: Submit your study permit application online through the IRCC portal.
Step 4: Pay the visa processing fee (CAD 150).
Step 5: Complete biometrics and attend an interview if requested.
Step 6: Await a decision from IRCC.
Step 7: Once approved, receive your Port of Entry Letter of Introduction and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), if applicable.

Working While Studying in Canada

International students can work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions
• Full-time during scheduled breaks (e.g., summer or winter holidays)
• No separate work permit is needed, as long as your study permit includes work eligibility.

Canada Student Visa Costs 

Student Visa Type	Base Application Charges in CAD
Study permit (including applications for extensions)	150
Biometrics fees (per person)	85
Biometrics fees for a family (2 or more applicants) total fee for families applying together	170

Canada Student Visa Processing Time

• The study permit processing time for Canada from the UK is at least 7 weeks to 12 weeks.
• SDS from the UK to Canada takes 20 days, provided you submit all necessary documents before your course commences.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Graduates of eligible programs at PGWP-participating institutions may apply for a work permit valid up to 3 years. This is a valuable pathway for gaining Canadian work experience and qualifying for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) via Express Entry.

• Available to international students who complete a full-time program from a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• The program must be at least 8 months in duration
• Permit validity ranges from 8 months to 3 years, based on program length
• No job offer is required to apply for PGWP
• PGWP is a one-time opportunity; you cannot apply again
• Allows full-time work in Canada with any employer
• Enables graduates to gain Canadian work experience
• Serves as a key step toward Canadian permanent residency via Express Entry

Visa vs eTA for UK Citizens

Criteria	Study Permit (Visa)	eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Who Needs It?	UK citizens studying in Canada for more than 6 months	UK citizens studying in Canada for 6 months or less
Purpose	Long-term academic programs, degrees, diplomas	Short-term courses, language programs, or university exchange programs
Application Type	Online application via IRCC with full documentation	Online eTA application through IRCC
Processing Time	4 to 10 weeks (varies)	A few minutes to a few days
Work Eligibility	Can work up to 20 hours/week if permit includes work conditions	Not permitted to work
PGWP Eligibility	Eligible if enrolled in a PGWP-approved institution	Not eligible
Biometrics Required	Yes	No
Entry Type	Single or multiple entry based on visa issued	Multiple entry for 5 years or until passport expiry

Canada Student Visa Dependents

• As per Canadian laws, UK nationals studying in Canada can bring in their spouse or legal partners who are eligible to apply for a spousal open work permit for the entire duration of study in Canada.
• UK nationals coming to Canada on a student visa can bring dependent children under 22 years to stay and study (if eligible) for entire duration of their stay.

Pathway from Study to PR (Permanent Residency) in Canada

• Complete a full-time post-secondary program from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), valid for up to 3 years depending on program length
• Gain at least 1 year of full-time skilled Canadian work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
• Meet minimum language proficiency requirements (typically CLB 7 or higher)
• Create an Express Entry profile under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score with Canadian education and work experience
• Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency
• Submit your PR application through IRCC and await final approval

How Y-Axis Can Help You?

Y-Axis offers comprehensive support at every stage of your Canada study journey, ensuring a smooth and successful transition:

• University and Program Shortlisting: We help you identify and apply to Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and programs aligned with your academic goals and career plans.
• SOP and Documentation Guidance: Our expert team assists in drafting compelling Statements of Purpose (SOPs) and organizing all required visa documents.
• Visa Filing and Interview Preparation: We offer end-to-end support in filing your student visa application and conduct mock interview sessions to boost your confidence.
• Post-Arrival Support: We guide you with settlement advice, helping you adapt to student life in Canada and connect with essential services.

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