Planning to study in Canada? Understanding the total cost of your student visa is a crucial first step. Whether you’re budgeting for your entire journey or just preparing your financial documents, knowing how much the Canadian student visa costs in 2025 can help you plan smartly. The good news is: the visa itself isn’t too expensive, but there are a few more things to factor in. This guide breaks it down for you.
Key Takeaways
What Is a Canadian Student Visa?
Let’s start with the basics. A Canadian student visa is officially called a Study Permit. It allows international students to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) across Canada. In most cases, you’ll also receive a temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) along with your study permit — these allow you to enter and stay in Canada legally.
The study permit is valid for the duration of your academic program, plus 90 extra days to help you prepare to leave Canada or apply for a post-study visa like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
What Are the Basic Student Visa Fees in 2025?
In 2025, the application fee for a Canadian study permit remains CAD 150. This is a flat fee charged by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and must be paid online when you submit your application.
However, that’s not the only cost. You’ll also need to pay:
- Biometrics fee: CAD 85 (this is mandatory for most applicants)
- Visa processing fee (if you apply via VAC or VFS): Service charges may range from CAD 40 to CAD 60, depending on your country
So in total, most students should budget around CAD 235 to CAD 300 for the core visa process, including biometrics and service charges.
Also Read: How Can You Study in Canada Without IELTS in 2025?
What Other Mandatory Expenses Should You Consider?
While the actual visa fee is modest, it’s just the beginning. You’ll need to prove that you have enough funds to support yourself while in Canada, and some of this money will need to be spent upfront.
Here’s what else to account for:
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) – If you’re applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), you’ll need to purchase a GIC worth CAD 20,635 in 2025. This is a financial requirement to show that you can support your living expenses in Canada.
- Tuition fee payment – Most Canadian universities require that you pay the first semester’s or first year’s tuition upfront before issuing the Letter of Acceptance. This could range from CAD 8,000 to CAD 25,000, depending on your course.
- Medical Examination – If required, an upfront medical exam can cost around CAD 100 to CAD 200 in your home country.
- Document translation and courier services – Not everyone needs this, but if your documents aren’t in English or French, certified translations can add to the cost.
Are There Different Fees for SDS vs. Non-SDS Applications?
No — the application fee (CAD 150) is the same whether you apply through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) or a regular (non-SDS) route. The main difference is in the speed of processing and the financial documentation required.
SDS applications are generally faster but require:
- A CAD 20,635 GIC
- Full tuition payment for the first year
- IELTS score of 6.0 or higher in each band
Non-SDS applicants have more flexibility in documents, but processing times may be longer, and scrutiny is usually higher.
How Do You Pay the Canada Student Visa Fee?
You must pay the fee online via the IRCC portal using a credit or debit card. After creating your account and filling out the visa form, you’ll be directed to the payment section.
You’ll also need to:
- Save and print the payment receipt
- Upload it with your application documents
- Keep a copy for your records (especially important if you apply via a VFS centre)
If you’re using an immigration consultant, make sure you’re the one making the payment through your account, or at least ensure transparency in the process.
Also Read: Which In-Demand Jobs in Canada Could Get You PR in 2025?
Is the Fee Refundable If Your Visa Gets Rejected?
Unfortunately, no — the CAD 150 application fee is non-refundable, even if your student visa gets rejected. The same applies to the biometrics fee. However, if you paid tuition or GIC and got refused, most universities and banks do allow refunds with proper documentation.
Make sure to read your university’s refund policy and the bank’s GIC cancellation terms carefully, and apply for refunds promptly if your visa is denied.
Are There Any Hidden Costs?
None that are officially part of the visa process, but there are a few things students often overlook:
- Passport renewal costs if your passport is close to expiring
- Travel insurance (not required by IRCC but useful during the initial journey)
- Currency conversion and bank transfer charges when paying tuition or GIC from overseas
It’s always smart to build a buffer of CAD 300 to 500 for these unexpected or miscellaneous expenses.
Final Thoughts
The cost of a Canadian student visa in 2025 remains relatively affordable — CAD 150 for the application, plus CAD 85 for biometrics, and maybe a few more charges depending on your method of application. But it’s the financial proof and upfront commitments like tuition and GIC that represent the real expense.
Still, the investment is worth it for most students. With access to world-class education, part-time work rights, and a clear path to permanent residency, Canada remains a top destination. Just make sure you plan your budget carefully and prepare every document well, because getting the visa is the first big step in your Canadian journey.
Reference: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp
