How to Obtain a Canadian Student Visa (Study Permit) in 2026

 

 

Which visas can you obtain to study in Canada?

Canada offers two main types of visas/permits:

• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
  Suitable for:

  • tourism

  • short-term study (up to 6 months)

  • business and guest trips

  Length of stay — up to 6 months per trip

• Study Permit
  Required for:

  • studies longer than 6 months

  • schools, colleges, universities

  • long-term language programs

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An important point

Although Canada is considered a country with immigration opportunities, when applying for a visa you must prove that you:

• are travelling specifically to study, not to immigrate

• plan to return once your studies are complete

Immigration officers assess applications comprehensively

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Key requirements

To obtain a Study Permit you need to:

1. Receive a Letter of Acceptance

2. Prove that you have sufficient financial means:

   • tuition

   • accommodation

   • additional expenses

3. Justify the purpose of your studies (a logical academic path)

4. Demonstrate ties to Kyrgyzstan (family, work, property)

5. Have no visa violations

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Factors that influence the decision

The immigration service assesses:

• financial solvency

• the logic behind your choice of program

• the stability of your life situation

• visa history

• the applicant's age

For example:

• long gaps in study or work may reduce your chances

• a lack of overseas travel — an additional risk factor

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Where do you submit your documents?

The application is submitted:

• online through the portal of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

After submitting, you need to:

• provide biometrics at a visa application centre

• undergo a medical examination if required

If required, citizens of Kyrgyzstan may provide biometrics at any accredited Canadian visa application centre abroad

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Do you need an appointment?

• Application — online

• For biometrics — an appointment is mandatory

• For the medical exam — an appointment at an accredited clinic

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Processing times

• Study Permit — on average several months (approximately 8–16 weeks)

• TRV — timelines may be significantly longer

Timelines depend on the immigration service's workload

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In-person attendance

Required for:

• providing biometrics

• undergoing the medical exam

If you have already provided biometrics for a Canadian visa within the past 10 years, you do not need to provide them again

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Cost

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada:

• Study Permit — about 150 CAD

• Biometrics — about 85 CAD

Payment is made online

The medical exam is paid for separately (the cost depends on the clinic)

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The visa application process

1. Preparing your documents

2. Creating an account on the official website

3. Filling out the form and uploading documents

4. Paying the fees

5. Providing biometrics

6. Undergoing the medical exam (if required)

7. Receiving the decision

If the decision is positive:

• you need to provide your passport for the visa to be affixed (TRV)

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Preparing your documents

• Documents are submitted electronically

• The original passport is required for biometrics and visa issuance

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Translating your documents

All documents must be:

• in English or French
  or

• accompanied by a translation

Requirements:

• the translation is certified by a translator

• notarisation is usually not required

• an apostille is not required

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Important

If refused:

• the applicant receives a letter stating the reason (usually in a general form)

• you can reapply after correcting the mistakes