Canada Student Visa Fees & Costs
The real upfront money you need to plan for in 2026
Budgeting for Your Canada Study Permit
The cost of a Canada student visa is more than a single application fee. For most Indian students, the real budget is made up of the study permit and biometrics fees, a large sum parked as proof of funds or in a GIC, a tuition deposit, and insurance — plus the cost of tests, translations, and courier.
Understanding all of these early prevents last-minute stress. Some are official government fees, while others are living-cost and admission requirements you must show to qualify. Exact fees and figures change, so use this as a planning framework and confirm the current amounts before you pay anything.
Typical Upfront Costs to Plan For
| Cost item | What it is |
|---|---|
| Study permit application fee | The core government fee to apply for the permit |
| Biometrics fee | Fingerprints and photo collection charge |
| Proof of funds / GIC | Show CAD 22,895 living cost (single, outside Quebec) from Sept 2025 |
| Tuition deposit | Partial or full first-term tuition paid to the DLI |
| Medical insurance | Health coverage as required by your province or DLI |
| Tests & documents | IELTS or PTE, translations, transcripts, courier |
These are planning categories, not a fixed quote. Government fees, the GIC amount, and tuition vary and change — confirm current figures before paying.
The Proof of Funds Figure You Must Show
The single largest number in your plan is usually proof of funds. Effective September 1, 2025, a single applicant outside Quebec must show CAD 22,895 in living costs for the first year, in addition to first-year tuition and travel — the amount increases for each accompanying family member. Many students meet this through a GIC combined with an education loan sanction and bank statements.
Because your funds must look genuine and well-sourced, plan them well ahead of your application. Money that appears suddenly, or that cannot be traced to a clear source, is a common reason for refusal even when the total amount is correct.
Do not treat any single figure as permanent. The proof-of-funds requirement, application fees, and GIC amounts are updated periodically, so confirm the current numbers before you budget or transfer money, and keep clear evidence of where every rupee came from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Canada Study Budget with Confidence
Future Link Consultants (RCIC R506940) helps you map every fee, structure your GIC and proof of funds, and document your finances properly. Book a free assessment to build a clear, refusal-proof cost plan.