June 2, 2025 
Before you can achieve your aspiration to study in Canada, the student visa process is an important first step. Canada is a leading destination for international students, with world-class universities, multicultural society, and cosmopolitan cities like Toronto. Whether you’re interested in Canada’s high standards of education or its multicultural society, studying in Canada is a great experience to become globally minded.
As you begin this process, it’s important to have the freshest information available on the visa process to make the transition seamless. This guide offers the newest information available on how to obtain a Canada student visa in 2025, so you can go through the process confidently and clearly.
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Canada student visa updates 2025
It is critical for would-be international students to stay current with Canada’s changing student visa policies. Numerous key updates will influence the way students apply for and renew their study permits in 2025. The following are the latest and forthcoming changes:
- Intake cap on international student permit applications: The Government of Canada will introduce an intake cap on international student permit applications to steady growth in the subsequent two years. For the period 2025 and –2026, the new annual target is 437,000 study permits, down from 10% from the target for 2024. The new cap will now extend to graduate students (master’s and PhD levels), who were not included before, with 12% of allocation room reserved for them. This decrease might be more significant for students coming in for undergraduate programs, i.e., bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, or certificate programs.
- Regional effects on study permits: The decline in the number of study permits in Canada will likely be more pronounced in greater provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia. Therefore, students who are interested in studying in these areas might encounter greater competition when they are applying for a study permit as compared to those who are interested in Nova Scotia or Quebec.
- New attestation letter requirement: Starting January 2024, students who submit study permit applications are required to get an attestation letter from the province or territory in which they intend to pursue their study. This document is extra evidence of the validity of their application.
- New cost-of-living conditions: As of January 2024, foreign students will be required to prove they have a minimum of CAN$20,635 to fund their living costs, up from the current CAN$10,000. This is in line with increasing living costs and assuring that students are sufficiently funded to sustain themselves in Canada. Be aware that Quebec has distinct student requirements.
- Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility changes: From November 2024, new area of study requirements will be in effect for graduates of college-level programs and certain university programs. IRCC has given a list of 966 programs that are eligible, and students graduating from these programs will be able to obtain a PGWP.
- Extended PGWPs for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD graduates: Graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD courses in Canada will soon qualify for three-year PGWPs. Such graduates are exempt from the new field of study criteria, giving them extended time to gain valuable Canadian work experience after graduation.
- Spousal open work permit eligibility changes: Spousal open work permits will become even more limited. Towards the end of this year, spouses of master’s students whose program lasts less than 16 months will no longer qualify for an open work permit. This update limits eligibility and impacts spouses of students in different program types.
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The requirements for a student visa in Canada
Meeting certain requirements and carrying out particular duties while in Canada are necessary to obtain a student visa. An outline of everything you need to know is provided below:
Eligibility Criteria
To get a Canada student visa, candidates need to fulfill a number of conditions so that their stay is legal and their study is incident-free. Following are the major conditions:
- Acceptance by a designated learning institution (DLI): You should have an admission offer from a designated learning institution in Canada prior to applying for a student visa. A DLI is an educational institution sanctioned by a territorial or provincial government to accept international students.
- Demonstrate financial adequacy: You must be able to show that you possess the necessary financial means to sustain your stay in Canada. This encompasses paying your tuition, personal living expenses and those of any dependents joining you, and return transportation.
- No criminal record: For its citizens’ safety and well-being, Canada insists on student visa applicants having no criminal record.
- Good health and medical examination: Depending on your home country and health history, you might need to have a medical examination by a panel physician certified by the Canadian government.
- Intent to depart Canada when the permit expires: During the application process for a visa, you need to persuade an immigration officer that you will depart Canada when your study permit expires. This might mean showing proof of having ties to your home country, like family members, a job opportunity, or a piece of property.
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Responsibilities while studying in Canada
There are a number of obligations you must fulfil to keep your legal status after obtaining your Canada student visa and starting your studies:
- Make steady progress towards finishing your program: You are supposed to actively pursue your education and consistently move closer to finishing the program of your choice. This entails making progress from one academic term to the next, attending classes on a regular basis, and fulfilling academic requirements.
- Respect the guidelines specified in your study permit: There will be requirements associated with your study permit that you must adhere to. These circumstances could include your eligibility for employment and/or travel in Canada, as well as if you need to undergo an immigration medical examination.
- Stop studying if requirements are no longer met: You must stop studying if you, for any reason, are no longer in compliance with the terms of your study permission. Deportation or other legal repercussions could result from continuing to study in such a situation.
Maintaining your legal position as an international student in Canada and making sure your study experience runs smoothly depend on fulfilling these obligations.
How to apply
Make sure you have the following paperwork on hand before submitting your application for a student visa to Canada:
- Acceptance letter from the chosen educational establishment
- Identity verification
- Evidence of financial backing
- A letter outlining your motivations for attending school in Canada and your comprehension of your obligations as a student
- medical examination (if any)
Unless you have a disability that prevents you from submitting your application online or you are a stateless person, refugee, or non-national resident with an identity or travel document, you must submit your application online.
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After you apply
There are a few crucial actions to do after submitting your application for a student visa:
- If necessary, schedule a biometrics collecting appointment.
- processing of an application for a study permit. You might be required to submit more information, go through a police check or medical examination, or attend an interview. Make sure to account for the time required for this in your application schedule.
- If your situation changes while the application is being processed, update it.
- If accepted, your study permit will be shipped to you if you are already in Canada or picked up at the port of entry when you arrive.
The entry letter of introduction you will receive upon approval is not a study permit, so know that. When you get to Canada, you’ll need to show it to a border services officer. If necessary, you might also be granted a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
Preparing for your arrival
Planning ahead and completing a few necessary procedures before to your arrival can help to ensure a smooth transition to life in Canada. Here are some crucial actions to think about:
- Make sure you have enough health insurance for the duration of your visit to Canada. International students can get health insurance in some provinces, but depending on where you’ll be studying, you could need to get private health insurance.
- Banking in Canada: Managing your money while you’re a student requires opening a Canadian bank account. Look into banks that provide better interest rates and reduced costs for students.
- Accommodation: To save stress at the last minute, book your lodging in advance of your arrival. Choose between off-campus rentals, which might offer greater independence and possibly lower rates, and on-campus accommodation, which offers convenience and a built-in community.
You can concentrate on savouring your new academic and cultural experiences in Canada as soon as you get there by organising these necessities in advance.
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Want To Study in Canada?
Don’t worry if you’re still having trouble understanding the Canada student visa application process. With the correct assistance, you can keep organised and informed, finish your visa application successfully, and have a seamless transition to studying in Canada.
From preparing your application to adjusting to your new study abroad experience in Canada, a knowledgeable Career Width counsellor can help you at every step of the process. If you’re prepared to go forward, schedule a free counselling session with Career Width right now.