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Applying from India

Study Permit for applicants from India

The rules for a Canadian study permit are the same in every country. What changes for applicants from India is the checklist the responsible visa office publishes, the financial documents it expects, where you give biometrics, and whether you need a medical exam or a police certificate. This page covers those differences, each with its official source.

Jacinth Immigration Canada teamReviewed by a licensed RCICLast updated

Entry requirements

Before you apply

Rules that apply to India passport holders
Visitor visa (TRV) to enter CanadaRequired
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo)Required

Processing times

IRCC processing times for applicants from India

Application typeIRCC estimateDays
Study Permit8 weeks56
Family Sponsorship8 months240
Super visa82 days82
Visitor Visa31 days31
Work Permit10 weeks70

Source: IRCC processing times, updated November 2, 2026

Applying from India

What is different for applicants from India

  • The Student Direct Stream ended at 2:00 p.m. ET on 8 November 2024; applications are now processed in the regular study permit stream, which accepts a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) as proof of funds. India was an SDS country.
  • New Delhi visa office checklist (IMM 5818, February 2026) includes a Study Permit Questionnaire: you must name any agent or representative and list all study and work since age 18 with no gaps.
  • Applications received after 1 April (May intake), 1 August (September) or 1 December (January) are unlikely to be processed in time.
  • Provide income tax returns for you and your parents for 2 years, a funding letter from each sponsor, and individual mark sheets (consolidated mark sheets are not accepted).
  • 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and travel (applications on or after 1 September 2026); any older dollar figure printed in a visa office checklist is superseded by the IRCC website.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, medical and police

Biometrics, medical exam and police certificate

Biometrics

Give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application centre in one of 10 Indian cities (New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Mumbai or Pune) 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: New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune.

Official IRCC page
Medical exam

India 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 says you will be asked for a police certificate for a study permit only if you declare a criminal record; the New Delhi visit checklist does not list one upfront. Character certificates are not accepted.

India's certificate: Police Clearance Certificate (Issued through the Passport Seva system: local district police station, passport office, Indian embassy or consulate, or BLS International Centre abroad).

Official IRCC page

Sources

Official sources

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