Canada Study Visa 2026: Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Students
Introduction: Why Canada Study Visa 2026 Matters for Indian Students
For Indian students, Canada has emerged as the most popular study abroad destination after the USA. According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), India accounts for 40% of all international students in Canada. Why this trend?
Canada offers:
- Affordable tuition compared to USA/UK.
- Easier student visa approval rates (especially under SDS).
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) up to 3 years.
- Immigration-friendly policies that ease the transition to Permanent Residency (PR).
This Canada Study Visa 2025 guide covers: eligibility, visa process, costs, scholarships, job opportunities, PR pathways, and tips to avoid refusal.
Why Study in Canada in 2026?
Affordable & Quality Education
- Tuition fees are 30–40% lower than the U.S.
- Degrees are globally recognized.
Work While Studying Indian students can work 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks.
Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Up to 3 years work permit after studies, depending on course duration.
PR Pathways Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) favor international graduates.
Top-Ranked Universities
University of Toronto, McGill University, UBC, University of Waterloo, McMaster University.
Types of Canada Study Visas in 2026
- Study Permit: Required for all international students studying longer than 6 months.
- SDS (Student Direct Stream): Fast-track visa for Indian students with IELTS 6.0+ in each band and CAD 10,000 GIC.
- Non-SDS: Standard visa process, longer approval time.
Canada Study Visa 2026 Eligibility for Indian Students
Admission Offer: Must have a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Proof of Funds: At least CAD 20,635 (₹12–13 lakhs) annually + first-year tuition.
Valid Passport: Valid until course completion.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0+ (SDS), TOEFL iBT 80+, PTE 60+.
Medical Exam & Biometrics: Mandatory for Indian applicants.
Step-by-Step Canada Study Visa 2026 Process
Step 1: Apply & Get Admission
- Apply to DLIs online.
- Receive Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
Step 2: Arrange Finances
- Pay first-year tuition fee.
- Open a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) account with CAD 10,000 (~₹6.2 lakhs).
Step 3: Gather Documents
- LOA, GIC certificate, tuition receipt.
- Passport, photographs, SOP.
- Medical & biometrics appointment confirmation.
Step 4: Apply Online via IRCC Portal
- Create account, fill visa form.
- Upload scanned documents.
- Pay CAD 150 application fee + CAD 85 biometrics fee.
Step 5: Attend Biometrics & Medical
- Biometrics at VFS Global centers in India.
- Medical exam at IRCC-approved hospitals.
Step 6: Visa Processing & Approval
- SDS processing time: 4–6 weeks.
- Non-SDS processing time: 8–12 weeks or more.
Documents Required for Canada Study Visa 2026
- Valid passport.
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
- Completed visa application form (IMM 1294).
- Tuition fee payment receipt.
- GIC certificate (proof of CAD 10,000 deposit).
- Bank statements/ITR for additional funds.
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE results.
- SOP (study plan).
- Medical exam certificate.
- Biometrics appointment slip.
- Police clearance certificate (if asked).
Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students 2026
Tuition Fees
- UG Programs: CAD 12,000 – 20,000/year (₹7–12 lakhs).
- PG Programs: CAD 15,000 – 25,000/year (₹9–15 lakhs).
- MBA: CAD 25,000 – 45,000/year (₹15–27 lakhs).
Living Expenses
- Housing: CAD 5,000 – 8,000/year.
- Food: CAD 3,000 – 4,000/year.
- Transport: CAD 1,200 – 1,500/year.
- Health Insurance: CAD 800 – 1,200/year.
Total annual cost: CAD 25,000 – 40,000 (₹15–24 lakhs).
Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada 2026
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – CAD 50,000/year (PhD).
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS).
Shastri Indo-Canadian Fellowships.
University-specific scholarships (Toronto, McGill, UBC).
Commonwealth Scholarships.
Tip: Apply early with strong SOP & high academic scores.
Work Opportunities While Studying in Canada
- Part-Time Jobs: Up to 20 hours/week during semester.
- Full-Time Jobs: During breaks.
- On-Campus Jobs: Library, admin, research labs.
- Co-op Programs: Paid internships integrated with degree.
Post-Study Work Opportunities in Canada (PGWP 2026)
- Courses < 2 years → PGWP equal to program duration.
- Courses ≥ 2 years → PGWP up to 3 years.
- Eligible for jobs in tech, healthcare, engineering, and finance.
PR Pathways for Indian Students in Canada
Express Entry System (points-based).
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – e.g., Ontario, British Columbia.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – for students with Canadian work experience.
Canada Study Visa 2026 Refusal Reasons
- Weak financial proof.
- SOP not convincing.
- IELTS score below SDS minimum.
- Academic background mismatch with chosen program.
- Lack of strong ties to India.
Solution: Strong documentation + clear study plan.
FAQs: Canada Study Visa 2026
Q1. How long does Canada Study Visa 2026 take to process?
SDS: 4–6 weeks, Non-SDS: 8–12 weeks.
Q2. What is the minimum IELTS requirement?
6.0 in each band under SDS.
Q3. Can Indian students work full-time in Canada?
No, only 20 hrs/week during classes. Full-time only during breaks.
Q4. Can I apply for PR after studying in Canada?
Yes, via Express Entry, PNP, or CEC after 1 year of skilled work.
Q5. What is GIC for Canadian study visa?
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate of CAD 10,000 as proof of living expenses.
Conclusion: Secure Your Canada Study Visa 2026
With affordable education, abundant scholarships, work rights, and PR pathways, Canada Study Visa 2025 is one of the best choices for Indian students. The process requires timely applications, financial planning, strong SOPs, and accurate documentation.
At PR Study Abroad, we help Indian students with university admissions, SOP drafting, IELTS coaching, visa filing, and scholarship guidance. Our experts ensure your Canadian dream becomes a reality.
Contact us today to begin your Canada study journey in 2026!
