Study Permit for applicants from Cameroon

Source: IRCC processing times, updated October 26, 2026

• Dakar visa office (IMM 5826) recommended filing dates: before 15 June for September, before 15 October for January, before 15 February for May.
• Bank statements for at least 4 months, with the source of any lump-sum deposit documented; sponsors must explain their support and show proof of relationship.
• A one-page study plan answering IRCC's set questions, plus a CV if you left full-time studies more than 2 years ago.
• If approved, the visa can take up to 3 weeks to be issued after you hand in your passport at the VAC.
• Cameroon was not part of the former Student Direct Stream. The Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot is listed in the Dakar instructions. Proof of funds: IRCC's current living-cost figure for one student outside Quebec is CAN$23,448 a year plus tuition and travel (applications on or after 1 September 2026); any older dollar figure printed in a visa office checklist is superseded by the IRCC website.

Biometrics

Give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application centre in Yaoundé after paying the biometrics fee; biometrics given for a visitor visa or study permit stay valid for 10 years, and IRCC cannot issue a visa or permit beyond their expiry date.

Visa application centres: Yaoundé.

Official IRCC page

Medical exam

Cameroon is on IRCC's list of countries where an immigration medical exam is required for stays over 6 months, so most study permit applicants (and visitors staying more than 6 months, including super visa applicants) need an exam by an IRCC panel physician; your own doctor cannot do it. Find a panel physician.

Official IRCC page

Police certificate

IRCC does not list a police certificate as an upfront requirement for a visitor visa or for a study permit from this visa office; IRCC may ask for one during processing, for example if you declare a criminal record. IRCC only accepts a police clearance certificate issued by the Judicial Police in Yaoundé; a Bulletin No. 3 on its own is not accepted.

Cameroon's certificate: Police Clearance Certificate (Certificat de police) (Directorate of the Judicial Police (PJ Elig-Essono), Yaoundé; a Bulletin No. 3 from the Ministry of Justice or the trial court of your birthplace must be obtained first).

Official IRCC page

• ircc.canada.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp?countrySelect=CM
• ircc.canada.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5826e.pdf
• canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents/financial-support.html
• canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/end-student-direct-stream-nigeria-student-express.html
• canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/contact-ircc/offices/international-visa-offices.html

Checked against these pages on October 11, 2026. Visa offices update their checklists; always use the version linked from your application.

• Bangladesh
• Egypt
• Ghana
• India
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• South Africa

• Visitor Visa from Cameroon

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