Understanding the total Canada study permit cost is essential for international students preparing their financial plan for studying in Canada. The core government application fee for a Canada study permit is $150 CAD, accompanied by an $85 CAD biometrics fee. Beyond these official immigration fees, applicants must show proof of $23,448 CAD for single applicant living expenses (excluding tuition and travel), alongside tuition deposits, medical exams, and administrative costs.
Quick Answer: How Much Does a Canada Study Permit Cost?
To budget accurately, international applicants should plan for both upfront immigration application fees and mandatory financial proof thresholds set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):
- Official IRCC Application Fee: $150 CAD.
- Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD.
- Minimum Living Expenses (Single Applicant): $23,448 CAD per year (plus tuition and return airfare).
- Immigration Medical Exam (IME): ~$150 – $300 CAD (varies by panel physician).
- Police Clearance Certificates & Translations: ~$50 – $150 CAD.
What Are the Government Fees for a Canada Study Permit?
When submitting your application through the IRCC portal, standard non-refundable processing fees apply.
- Study Permit Processing Fee ($150 CAD): This covers the evaluation of your application by an IRCC immigration officer.
- Biometrics Fee ($85 CAD): Required for capturing digital fingerprints and a facial photograph at an authorized Visa Application Centre (VAC).
- Family Biometrics Maximum ($170 CAD): Applicable if multiple family members apply for visas together at the same time.
What Financial Proof and Living Costs Are Required for 2026?
The most substantial part of the total Canada study permit cost involves demonstrating financial capacity to cover living expenses, tuition, and return transportation. Applicants outside Quebec must meet official baseline amounts based on their family unit size:
| Family Unit Size | Minimum Living Expenses (CAD/Year) | Mandatory Additional Costs |
| Single Student (Applicant only) | $23,448 | + 1st Year Tuition + Return Airfare |
| Student + 1 Family Member | $29,192 | + 1st Year Tuition + Return Airfare for both |
| Student + 2 Family Members | $35,888 | + 1st Year Tuition + Return Airfare for all |
| Student + 3 Family Members | $43,572 | + 1st Year Tuition + Return Airfare for all |
| Each Additional Dependent | + $5,847 | + Return Airfare |
Note: While full-time international students can work off-campus up to 24 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during scheduled breaks, anticipated earnings cannot be used to meet initial financial requirements.
What Other Essential Expenses Must You Budget For?
Beyond standard application fees and living expense proof, several additional upfront costs form part of the complete Canada study permit cost:
- Tuition Fees and Deposits: Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) generally require advance payment of the first semester or full first-year tuition.
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): If you opt for a GIC as proof of funds, you must deposit $20,000+ CAD with a participating Canadian bank, plus nominal bank processing fees.
- Immigration Medical Examination (IME): Must be performed by an IRCC-authorized panel physician. Fees typically range between $150 CAD and $300 CAD depending on regional panel rates.
- Police Clearance Certificates: Expenses incurred to secure character clearances from every country lived in for 6+ consecutive months since age 18.
- Certified Document Translations: Any document not originally in English or French requires professional translation and affidavit verification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the total initial Canada study permit cost for an individual?
At a minimum, the direct government fees are 235CAD ($150 study permit + $85 biometrics). However, the total financial requirement includes showing $23,448 CAD in living funds plus first-year tuition and airfare proof.
Is the study permit processing fee refundable if my application is refused?
No, the $150 CAD IRCC study permit processing fee and $85 CAD biometrics fee are non-refundable processing charges.
Can I use future earnings from part-time work to cover living expenses?
No. IRCC requires proof of funds to be fully available prior to departure; estimated future earnings from off-campus part-time work cannot substitute mandatory initial funds.
How eduaid Assists International Students
Calculating and preparing the full Canada study permit cost requires careful financial planning and accurate documentation. At eduaid, our experienced education and migration consultants provide comprehensive guidance, including course matching, DLI university admissions, Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) guidance, and study permit document auditing.
Contact eduaid today to plan your overseas education journey!