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 visa and permit:

• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
  Suitable for:

  • tourism

  • short-term study (up to 6 months)

  • business and family visits

  Length of stay — up to 6 months per trip

• Study Permit
  Required for:

  • study lasting longer than 6 months

  • schools, colleges and universities

  • long-term language programmes

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One important point

Although Canada is known for its immigration opportunities, your visa application must show that you:

• are travelling specifically to study, not to immigrate

• intend to return home once your studies are complete

Immigration officers assess each application as a whole.

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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 for:

   • tuition

   • accommodation

   • day-to-day expenses

3. Justify the purpose of your studies with a coherent academic path

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

5. Have no visa violations on record

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What influences the decision

The immigration service looks at:

• your financial standing

• the rationale behind your choice of programme

• the stability of your personal circumstances

• your visa history

• your age

For example:

• long gaps in study or work can reduce your chances

• having little or no history of overseas travel is 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

Once you have applied, you then need to:

• give your biometrics at a visa application centre

• have a medical examination if required

Where necessary, citizens of Kyrgyzstan may give their biometrics at any accredited Canadian visa application centre abroad.

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Do you need an appointment?

• Application — online

• Biometrics — an appointment is mandatory

• Medical exam — an appointment at an accredited clinic

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Processing times

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

• TRV — timelines may be considerably longer

Timelines depend on how busy the immigration service is.

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In-person attendance

Required for:

• giving your biometrics

• having the medical exam

If you have already given biometrics for a Canadian visa within the past 10 years, you do not need to give 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, and the cost depends on the clinic.

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The visa application process

1. Prepare your documents

2. Create an account on the official website

3. Fill in the form and upload your documents

4. Pay the fees

5. Give your biometrics

6. Have the medical exam (if required)

7. Receive the decision

If the decision is positive:

• you submit your passport so the visa can be affixed (TRV)

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Preparing your documents

• Documents are submitted electronically

• Your 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 must be certified by a translator

• notarisation is usually not required

• an apostille is not required

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Important

If your application is refused:

• you receive a letter stating the reason, usually in general terms

• you can reapply once you have addressed the issues