Most Pakistani students dream of studying in Canada. This requires a study permit (also referred to as a student visa) to do it legally. This guide covers the Canada student visa process for Pakistani students, including rules, procedures, costs, SDS and non-SDS categories, and success tips. Studylead Consultants will take you through all the stages of your study in Canada.
Study visa for Canada from Pakistan
To the Pakistani students studying in Canada, it means access to internationally acclaimed universities, international research, a safe and multicultural environment, and working opportunities during and after studies. Canada is a good choice for many due to its open doors to work and migration routes, according to studies.
What is a Student Visa?
A study permit is the legal authorization required to study in Canada. The period of study qualifies it to last. Immigration officials will also examine the documents once the student gets to Canada, and they might be given the permit at the border.
The permit may not be required for courses less than six months, but in most cases, degree or diploma courses require a permit.
Canada Study visa requirements
Eligibility: How to apply for Canada visa for student? & who can apply?
- To apply in Pakistan, the following are the minimum requirements:
- Possess a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Demonstrate that you can afford tuition and living expenses and travel back.
- Be a real student (would like to do as the rules say, go home or move to the legal world, legally).
- Good health (medical check-up where necessary) and no serious criminal record.
- Obey Canadian laws.
Documents You Must Prepare
- The following are the important documents that you ought to prepare beforehand:
- A Letter of Acceptance (LOA) of a DLI.
- Valid passport – should be valid during your period of study.
- Evidence of finances – see below for SDS non-SDS differences.
- Biometrics: photo + fingerprints at the Visa Application Center.
- IRCC-approved doctor medical exam (where necessary).
- Police certificate (if asked).
- Academic transcripts, certificates, and mark sheets.
- Purpose (SOP) of your study intentions and objectives.
Any other documentation that is demanded by the visa office in Pakistan.
There is also a provincial attestation letter (PAL or TAL) or Quebec Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) required in most instances. Study permits have document rules, and this is one of them.
Canada student visa fees
To demonstrate having adequate funds to meet:
- Tuition for first year
- Living expenses
- Travel and other costs
In case student have dependents (spouse, children), their fees are also included.
Beginning on September 1, 2025, in the provinces not in Quebec, you will be required to demonstrate having a minimum living cost of CAD 22895 per person
This was previously CAD 20635 of living costs between January 2024 and August 2025.
You may prove funds via:
- Bank statements
- (GIC) (on SDS route)
- Proof of tuition paid
- Scholarships, loans, letters of sponsorship.
Any other acceptable financial documentation.
The Canada study visa price in Pakistan
The cost, including the visa process, is as follows.
- Application fee for the study permit: CAD 150.
- Biometrics fee: CAD 85/per person.
Charges of VAC/service centre in Pakistan (biometrics submission and document submission). Costs of medical examination, police certification, document translation, the cost of a courier, etc.
The living and tuition in Canada will be considerably more (tuition fees can be between CAD 13,000 and 40,000 or more per year, depending on your course program)
SDS
SDS is a quick and easy pathway to qualified applicants. It is sold in Pakistan and other countries.
- You should be a Pakistani national to make an application.
- Acceptance from DLI
Full payment of the first year tuition fee charges, or evidence that will be paid in the first year.One of the SDS deposited in a Canadian bank, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), typically of a particular amount (previously CAD 10,000 but revised amounts).
- Evidence of language exam (IELTS, etc.) with minimum scores (e.g, 6.0 in every part)
- Up front (where necessary) medical exam and a police certificate.
- At the time of application, you must not reside in Canada.
The application is processed quickly in case it meets SDS requirements. A great number of SDS applications are determined within approximately 20 calendar days (or weeks). SDS has proven to be faster and thus, many Pakistani students are attracted to it in case they are qualified.
Non-SDS (Regular Route)
In case the student is not eligible for SDS, then it follows the non-SDS or regular study permit path. It is more flexible and general, and often slower.
- Acceptance from DLI (same)
- finances (tuition + living).
- Passport, identity, transcripts, SOP, etc.
- Medical/police as required
- Language test (differing at each university)
When they are not SDS, they do not necessarily have to pay first-year tuition and deposit to GIC, but it is good to demonstrate financial solidity. Others report that it is possible not to have to pay in full a year of tuition; in the case of non-SDS, the student just needs to demonstrate the capacity to pay.
Processing time in non-SDS is more time-consuming (weeks to a few months). It is by the completeness and strength of your own application.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Apply and get acceptance (LOA)
Students have applied to a university in Canada (DLI). Once accepted, get the LOA.
2. Prepare required documents
Bring all the aforementioned documents (LOA, passport, transcripts, evidence of funds, medical, police, etc.)
3. Provincial attestation or CAQ (province of Quebec).
(PAL/TAL) or (CAQ) if needed.
4. Apply online
Present the application in the IRCC portal. Special purposes had limited the use of paper.
5. Pay fees
Not less than 150 CAD 150 permit fee, 85 biometrics, and other service fees.
6. Book biometrics at VAC
Apply fingerprints and photos at the Visa Application Center.
7. Wait decision
It is the IRCC where your application is handled. SDS are faster, non-SDS are slower.
8. If approved, travel & study
A letter of introduction (Port of Entry letter) will be issued, and a temporary visa will be granted to travel. Present papers and switch on the permission to study within the Canadian border.
Recent Discontinuation: SDS Discontinuation
By November 8, 2024, SDS (Student Direct Stream) will be eliminated irrespective of whether the applicant is a Pakistani or not. It means that SDS and non-SDS lines are already united, and all new cases are processed as per the general regulations.
Canada Removes SDS Stream: What Pakistani students should be aware of
Student visa processing simplification and unification have seen Canada get rid of the SDS stream. At present, Pakistani students are no different as they also undergo the same process, and there is no special fast-track.
This implies that the applicants should have all their applications prepared and documents of proof of funds ready at the very beginning. Processing time can be different according to the workload of the visa office, the completeness of the application, and security checks.
Employment during and after University
- During school term, students can work part-time (e.g, 20 hours/week) provided they have permission (permit must have this specified).
- Many of the programs allow you to work full-time during breaks and holidays.
- After completing studies, students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). That gives them permission to remain in Canada and work up to 1-3 years, according to the time of study and school.
Canada Study Visa: Estimated Cost and Advice for Pakistani Students
To the Pakistani students intending to study in Canada, here is the approximate estimate of the cost and some tips that are very critical in preparation. The visa and biometrics costs are approximately CAD 235, and tuition varies between CAD 13,000 and 40,000 and above, based on the program and the university.
Cost of living may be approximately CAD 20,000 or above, depending on the city, and other expenses include books, health insurance, travel, and accommodation. All in all, the first-year cost can range from CAD 30,000 to 60,000 and more. To prepare, apply early, maintain documents, rely on reputable financial sources, compose an honest Statement of Purpose, and be informed of the changes in immigration, particularly because SDS benefits are not offered anymore.
Final Word
- To study in Canada, students require a study visa (permit).
- Whether to exist with SDS or non-SDS, currently, everything is performed in accordance with the general rules, as SDS was phased out at the end of 2024.
- They have to prepare LOA, proof of funds, identity, medical, police, SOP, and others.
- Apply payments and biometrics charges.
- Apply online and do biometrics through VAC.
- Study and work at the same time and find a job based on PGWP.
- There is no room to make errors, do not delay, keep in touch, and we, as The Studylead Consultant, will guide the students throughout their process for Canada.