Canada Study Visa Process November 2025: SDS, GIC & Biometric Requirements Explained

If you’re thinking about studying in Canada, getting a study permit often called a student visa is a key step. This permit lets international students attend approved schools, known as designated learning institutions (DLIs).

Right now in November 2025, the rules from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) focus on things like showing you have enough money, which can include a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), submitting biometrics, and getting a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) for most folks.

One big change: the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which used to speed things up for people from certain countries, shut down back on November 8, 2024.

Here’s a quick rundown of the main points:

• Study permits are required for most: If you’re from outside Canada and your program is over six months, you’ll need one.
• Higher financial proof needed: For applications starting September 1, 2025, show at least $22,895 CAD for one person, not counting tuition or flights.
• No more SDS: Everyone goes through the regular application now.
• Biometrics for nearly everyone: Fingerprints and a photo are standard, with a few exceptions like U.S. citizens.
• PAL/TAL is a must for undergrads: But master’s and PhD students get a break starting January 1, 2026.
• Faster for grad programs: Doctoral apps are handled in about 14 days, and that’ll include master’s soon.

These details come straight from IRCC’s guidelines. Submitting everything correctly and early can help avoid hold-ups, though wait times differ by where you’re applying from.

Who Can Apply for a Canada Study Permit?

To get approved, you need to check a few boxes set by IRCC. That means being accepted at a DLI, proving you can cover your costs, staying healthy, and planning to head home after your studies. You also can’t have a criminal background that raises flags, and you have to follow Canadian rules while you’re there. For the full list, check out IRCC’s eligibility requirements.

What Documents Do You Need?

You’ll put together things like your passport, the acceptance letter from your school, financial proof, and a PAL or TAL if it applies. Depending on your home country, you might need a medical check or police clearance too.

How Much Does It Cost and How Long Does It Take?

The fee for the study permit itself is $150 CAD. As for timing, it varies—use IRCC’s processing times checker to get an idea based on your location.

Canada keeps welcoming international students, but they’re tweaking the system to handle things like housing shortages. For 2025, they’ve set a cap at 437,000 new permits, down 10% from last year, to keep everything balanced while still drawing in skilled people, especially for higher degrees.

Breaking Down the Study Permit

Think of a study permit as your official okay from IRCC to take classes in Canada—whether that’s university, college, or job training at an approved spot. It’s separate from your entry visa, but you need both to get in. If your course is longer than six months, apply for the permit before you travel. Shorter ones might not require it. The permit lays out specifics, like which school you can go to and how long you can stay. Since November 8, 2024, you can’t switch schools without applying for a new permit.

Make sure your school is on the approved list; otherwise, your application could get turned down. You can search for DLIs on the government’s official directory.

What Makes You Eligible?

Here’s what IRCC looks for:

• An offer from a DLI.
• Enough money for fees, living, and getting home.
• Strong reasons to return to your country afterward, like family or a job.
• No serious health issues or criminal history—sometimes you’ll need exams or certificates.
• Any extras your local visa office asks for.

If you’re bringing family, they might qualify for permits too, but the same rules apply. Heading to Quebec? You’ll need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), possibly along with a PAL.

What’s New in November 2025?

IRCC rolled out updates on November 4 to make it easier for grad students. If you’re doing a PhD and apply online from outside Canada, expect a decision in around 14 days. Come January 1, 2026, that’ll cover master’s programs too. Plus, those levels won’t need a PAL or TAL anymore, since they’re outside the cap.

The PAL system, which started in early 2024, sticks around for most undergrad and college applicants. It shows your spot fits within the province’s share of the national limit. PALs from January 22, 2024, to January 21, 2025, are good until the end of 2025. If you studied high school in Canada on a permit, you might skip the PAL for college starting January 1, 2025. No PAL? Your app likely gets sent back.

SDS wrapped up on November 8, 2024. It was great for quicker processing—about 20 days—if you were from places like India or China and met extras like paying tuition upfront and getting a GIC. Now, it’s all regular stream, so focus on a solid, complete application to speed things along.

Money-wise, the bar went up for apps after September 1, 2025, to match higher living costs. This is for everywhere but Quebec, which has its own setup.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Getting started isn’t too complicated if you follow these:

1. Get accepted at a DLI and grab your letter.
2. Secure a PAL or TAL if you need one.
3. Collect your docs, like money proof and ID.
4. Set up an IRCC online account and file your app.
5. Pay the $150 permit fee and $85 for biometrics if required.
6. Schedule your biometrics at a Visa Application Centre.
7. Do a medical if they ask.
8. Track your status online while you wait.

Online applications are usually faster and easier than paper ones.

Must-Have Documents

Gather these basics:

• Passport that’s still valid.
• Two new photos that meet passport specs.
• Your school’s acceptance letter.
• PAL or TAL for qualifying programs.
• Evidence of funds.
• A letter explaining why you’re studying and your home ties.
• For kids under 18, a custodian form.
• Medical or police docs if needed.

IRCC has country-by-country checklists to help.

Showing You Have the Funds—and How GIC Fits In

You have to prove you can pay your way without relying on work in Canada. For apps from September 1, 2025, onward (outside Quebec), here’s the minimum for living costs each year:

Family Size (You Included)	Funds Needed (CAD)
1	22,895
2	28,502
3	35,040
4	42,543
5	48,252
6	54,420
7	60,589
+1 more	+6,170

Cover the first year fully, and sketch out the rest. Bank statements, scholarships, or loans work, but a GIC is a solid choice.

A GIC is basically a safe deposit with a Canadian bank that pays out monthly once you’re there. It used to be required for SDS, but now it’s just a good way to show funds. You put in the amount—like $22,895 for one—and get a certificate. Banks such as TD or CIBC handle this without extra fees. It reassures IRCC your money’s real and ready.

Before September 2025, the single-person amount was $20,635, scaling up from there.

All About Biometrics

Biometrics mean your fingerprints and a photo to confirm who you are and boost security. If you’re 14 to 79, you’ll probably need them—exceptions for Canadians, permanent residents, Americans on temp stays, kids under 14, folks over 79 (unless claiming asylum), and some officials.

After applying, you’ll get a letter to book at a VAC. It’s quick, costs $85 per person (up to $170 for families), and lasts 10 years. No need to redo if yours are current. This step cuts down on fraud and helps process apps smoothly.

Wait Times, Costs, and Pro Tips

Times vary by country and how complete your app is—check IRCC’s tool for estimates. In November 2025, regulars might take weeks or months, but PhDs are fast at 14 days. Fees: $150 for the permit, $85 biometrics.

To boost your chances:

• Apply three to four months early.
• Keep docs up-to-date and translate if not in English or French.
• Check your IRCC account often.
• Don’t forget the PAL—that’s a common slip-up.

Once approved, you can work part-time on campus no problem, but off-campus needs extra okay.

FAQs