Student Visa Requirements

Planning to study in Canada from India? Learn the 2025 student visa requirements for Indian students including documents, financial proof, IELTS score, and eligibility.

Canada Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students (2025)

Thousands of Indian students dream of studying in Canada each year, and getting a student visa (study permit) is one of the most important steps. But what exactly do you need to qualify?

Here’s a complete breakdown of the Canada student visa requirements for Indian students applying in 2025 — including eligibility, documents, and tips.

Who Needs a Study Permit?

Any Indian student planning to study in Canada for more than 6 months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)must apply for a Canada Study Permit.

You’ll also need a visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada, but these are issued automatically with your permit approval.

Canada Student Visa Eligibility Criteria (Indians – 2025)

To qualify for a study permit, you must meet the following:

Requirement	Details
Acceptance Letter	From a DLI (Designated Learning Institution) in Canada
Financial Proof	Enough funds to cover tuition + living expenses
No Criminal Record	Police clearance certificate may be required
Medical Exam	Mandatory for Indian students
Language Proficiency	IELTS/TOEFL score (for SDS stream)
Genuine Intent	Show that you’re a real student and will return if required

Required Documents for Indian Students

Here’s the full list of documents you’ll need when applying for a Canada study permit:

Academic Documents

10th, 12th mark sheets
Degree certificates / transcripts

Admission Documents

Offer letter from a DLI
Tuition fee payment receipt

Personal Documents

Valid passport (for duration of stay)
Passport-sized photos (as per IRCC specs)
Family details, birth certificate (if requested)

Financial Documents

GIC Certificate (usually C$10,000–20,000)
Proof of tuition fee payment
Bank statements (if applying via non-SDS)

Language Test Results

IELTS Academic (recommended band 6.0+ overall)
TOEFL (if accepted by institution)

Special Pathway: Student Direct Stream (SDS) for Indian Students

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a faster way for Indian students to get their visa (processing time ~20 days).

SDS Requirements:

IELTS score: Minimum 6.0 in each band
GIC of C$10,000+
Tuition fee payment for first year
Application submitted online with complete documents

Apply through the IRCC portal: www.canada.ca

Tips to Strengthen Your Visa Application

Write a strong SOP explaining your goals & course
Prepare finances in advance – don’t wait till the last minute
Double-check document formats – file size, type, translations
Apply early (3–6 months before intake) to avoid delays

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

Weak SOP or unclear career plan
Incomplete financial proof
Low IELTS score for SDS
Applying to non-DLI institutions
Suspected non-genuine intent to study

Related: How to Write an SOP for Canadian Colleges – Template + Tips

Bonus Download: Canada Visa Requirement Checklist [PDF]

Make sure you don’t miss anything!
Click here to download the FREE checklist PDF
Includes all documents, SDS tips, and bonus SOP writing tips.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Canada Study Permit
Top Colleges in Canada for Indian Students
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Explained

Featured Image Idea:

A Canadian flag and student ID card + checklist illustration
Use stock photos of happy international students in front of a university

Final Thoughts

Getting a Canadian student visa may seem complex, but it becomes easy when you’re prepared. Focus on getting your documents in order, write a clear SOP, and ensure financial readiness — and your dream of studying in Canada could come true in 2025!