Study Permit Canada Fees: Costs, Tips, and How to Apply

    Study Permit Canada Fees
    • ByEnu
    • April 14, 2026

    Planning to study in Canada? Budget surprises can derail your dreams. Study permit Canada fees start simple but add up fast with biometrics, medical checks, and proof of funds at 22,895 CAD for living costs plus tuition. Expect total direct costs around 500 to 1,000 CAD, excluding the funds you show but don’t spend upfront.

    This guide breaks down every fee from official IRCC sources. You’ll get steps to apply, hidden extras, and tips to save. Always check the IRCC website for the latest, as prices shift. Students like those who navigated UK visas smoothly often praise counselors for spotting these costs early, making Canada moves stress-free too.

    Quick Answer: Current Study Permit Canada Fees (Read This First)

    Need the basics now? Here’s the core lineup for 2026 from IRCC data.

    FeeAmount (CAD)Notes
    Study permit application150Per person, new or extension
    Biometrics85Per person; 170 max for family
    Restoration (status + new permit)396.25If you lose status; up from Dec 2025
    Medical exam200-400Varies by panel physician
    Proof of funds (living)22,895Show for 1 year + tuition; not paid to IRCC
    Police certificates0-100Country-dependent

    Total IRCC fees often hit 235 CAD for one person. Add medical for 535 CAD typical. These apply to most undergrads at designated learning institutions (DLIs).

    What Is a Canada Study Permit and Who Pays These Fees?

    A Canada study permit lets international students attend DLIs for programs over six months. It proves you plan to study, leave after, and have funds. Visa-exempt folks like some Europeans still need it for long stays.

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    Applicants pay fees, but sponsors or parents can cover them. Submit online via IRCC portal. Fees go to processing, not refunds even on refusal.

    Counsellors help clarify who pays what, much like pros guiding UK or Australia apps. Focus stays on your acceptance letter from a DLI.

    Key Components of Study Permit Canada Fees

    Core parts include these must-haves:

    • Application fee: 150 CAD base for permit.
    • Biometrics: 85 CAD if required by your country.
    • Restoration fee: 396.25 CAD total if status lapses.
    • Medical exam: Needed for certain fields or countries; pay clinic directly.
    • Proof of funds: Show 22,895 CAD living plus tuition via GIC or statements.
    • Open work permit for spouse: Extra 155 CAD if applying.

    Check IRCC’s fee page for your case. These keep processes fair and funded.

    Study Permit Application Fee Breakdown

    Pay 150 CAD online per person. It’s non-refundable, covers new permits or extensions. Inside Canada extensions cost the same; outside adds travel plans.

    Use credit card via IRCC account. No cash or checks. Families pay per member, no discounts.

    Biometrics and Other IRCC Charges

    Biometrics at 85 CAD gets fingerprints and photo, valid 10 years. Families cap at 170 CAD. Book at Visa Application Centres (VACs).

    Restoration jumped to 396.25 CAD December 2025: 246.25 for status plus 150 permit. Avoid by extending early.

    Step-by-Step: How to Apply and Pay Study Permit Canada Fees

    Follow these to pay right.

    1. Get DLI acceptance letter (LOA).
    2. Gather passport, photos, funds proof.
    3. Create IRCC secure account online.
    4. Start application, answer questions.
    5. Pay 150 CAD study permit fee via portal.
    6. Upload docs; pay biometrics if prompted.
    7. Visit VAC for biometrics or medical.
    8. Submit and track status.
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    Before you pay checklist:

    • Valid LOA from DLI.
    • 22,895 CAD + tuition proof ready.
    • Passport valid six months past program.
    • No criminal issues.

    Pay at step 5 locks your spot. Processing takes weeks; apply early.

    All Hidden Costs: Beyond Basic Study Permit Canada Fees

    Direct fees hit 235 CAD, but extras pile on. Medical runs 200-400 CAD at panel physicians. VAC services vary by country, often 30-50 CAD. Police certificates cost 0-100 CAD.

    IELTS or translations add 250 CAD. Courier fees: 50 CAD. Total paid: 500-1,000 CAD example for solo student (150 app + 85 bio + 300 med + 100 misc).

    Proof of funds isn’t a fee; show 22,895 CAD living (spouse adds 5,607 CAD). Use GIC; it returns post-arrival. Tuition proof separate, often 20,000+ CAD first year.

    Pros and Cons of Canada Study Permit Costs

    ProsCons
    Affordable base 150 CAD vs US/UKHigh proof of funds at 22,895 CAD
    Transparent IRCC listRestoration penalty 396 CAD
    Family biometrics cap 170 CADMedical varies 200-400 CAD
    GIC option recoups fundsNo paid priority processing
    Exemptions for grads soonVAC fees extra by location

    Costs stay lower than peers, but plan funds tight.

    2026 Updates and Changes to Study Permit Canada Fees

    No base study permit hike; sticks at 150 CAD. Restoration rose December 2025 to 396.25 CAD. Proof of funds hit 22,895 CAD via LICO September 2025.

    Masters/PhD at public DLIs skip PAL from January 2026, outside cap of 408,000 permits. Faster processing for some grads. See IRCC changes.

    Common Mistakes with Study Permit Canada Fees and Fixes

    • Forget biometrics: App returns; fix by checking instructions first.
    • Short funds proof: Refusal likely; show full 22,895 CAD + tuition.
    • Wrong payment method: Delays; use IRCC portal only.
    • Skip medical: Auto refusal; list panel physicians early.
    • Late extension: Pay restoration 396 CAD; apply 30 days before expiry.
    • Ignore family caps: Overpay biometrics; apply together.
    • No GIC details: Proof fails; get from banks like Scotia.
    • Miss country rules: Extra docs; use IRCC tool.
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    Pros like those praising counselors avoid these. One student noted full support from app to visa, hassle-free.

    Tips to Save on Study Permit Canada Fees

    1. Apply early to dodge restoration.
    2. Family biometrics at 170 CAD cap.
    3. Pick low-cost panel physician.
    4. Use GIC for proof; gets returned.
    5. Check grad exemptions for PAL.
    6. Bundle police certs if needed.
    7. Free language tests if school accepts.
    8. Book free counseling from experts.
    9. Pay online to skip VAC lines.
    10. Group apps with spouse/kids.
    11. Track fees on IRCC payment site.
    12. Avoid re-applies with checklists.
    Detailed pie chart infographic showing the breakdown of typical Canada study permit fees: medical exam 40%, application fee 30%, biometrics 15%, other costs 15%. Vibrant blues and greens, clean modern design on white background, professional style with subtle shadows.

    This pie chart breaks down typical study permit Canada fees.

    FAQs: Study Permit Canada Fees Answered

    How much are study permit Canada fees total?
    Around 235 CAD IRCC (150 app + 85 bio), plus 200-400 medical.

    Does it include biometrics?
    No, add 85 CAD separate if required.

    Proof of funds for 2026?
    22,895 CAD living + full tuition year.

    Are fees refundable?
    No, even on refusal.

    Medical exam cost?
    200-400 CAD at approved clinics.

    Priority processing fee?
    None, but grads get faster tracks.

    Spouse work permit extra?
    155 CAD application.

    Can sponsors pay?
    Yes, but applicant submits.

    Conclusion

    Study permit Canada fees total 235-600 CAD direct from IRCC, plus medical and misc for 500-1,000 CAD. Proof of 22,895 CAD living seals it. Check IRCC.gov.ca always.

    Ready to apply? Book free counseling at gostudyin.com/free-consultation for personalized help. Save time and avoid pitfalls like pros do. Your Canada study starts now.

     

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