Study Permit for applicants from Philippines

Source: IRCC processing times, updated November 2, 2026

• 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. The Philippines was an SDS country.
• Manila visa office checklist (IMM 5836, February 2026): NBI clearance (original, within 3 months, dry seal and thumbprint) for applicants 18 or older; extra court records are needed if it shows a remark.
• Passport needs at least 2 blank visa pages and 6 months validity; the study permit cannot be issued beyond passport validity.
• Provide an official fee schedule from the school (tuition, housing and meals, other costs) and 6 months of bank records with income tax documents.
• 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and travel (applications on or after 1 September 2026); any older dollar figure printed in a visa office checklist is superseded by the IRCC website.

Philippine citizens may get an eTA instead of a visa if flying to Canada and they held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or now hold a valid US non-immigrant visa; a visa is still needed by car, bus, train or boat.

Biometrics

Give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application centre in Manila or Cebu 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: Manila, Cebu.

Official IRCC page

Medical exam

Philippines 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

The Manila study checklist requires police certificates from applicants 18 or older (NBI original, issued within 3 months, with dry seal and thumbprint). The visit checklist asks for one only if you have ever been accused, arrested or tried for a crime.

Philippines's certificate: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Multi-purpose Clearance Certificate (National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)).

Official IRCC page

• ircc.canada.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp?countrySelect=PH
• ircc.canada.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5836e.pdf
• canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/end-student-direct-stream-nigeria-student-express.html
• 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/police-certificates/how/philippines.html

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

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• Cameroon
• Egypt
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• India
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• South Africa

• Visitor Visa from Philippines

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