Study Permit for applicants from Kenya

Source: IRCC processing times, updated October 26, 2026

• Nairobi visa office checklist (IMM 5839, February 2026) requires a signed bank verification consent form so IRCC can confirm your bank statements with the bank.
• Bank statements covering the past 4 months, with the source of any lump-sum deposit documented.
• Applicants who work or worked for government, military or police must complete the employment table with detailed duties.
• Family Information Form IMM 5645 and a study plan answering IRCC's set questions.
• Kenya was not part of the former Student Direct Stream. 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and travel (applications on or after 1 September 2026); any older dollar figure printed in a visa office checklist is superseded by the IRCC website.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 Nairobi 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: Nairobi.

Official IRCC page

Medical exam

Kenya 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.

Kenya's certificate: Police Clearance Certificate (Directorate of Criminal Investigations (Criminal Records Office), Nairobi).

Official IRCC page

• ircc.canada.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp?countrySelect=KE
• ircc.canada.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5839e.pdf
• canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents/financial-support.html
• canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/medical-exams/requirements-temporary-residents/country-requirements.html

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

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

• Visitor Visa from Kenya

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