If you’re planning to study in Canada, understanding the documents required for a Canada study permit is crucial. Phoenix GRS helps thousands of international students—from India, Nigeria, the Philippines, and beyond—secure their Canadian study permits with complete and compelling applications. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you organize your paperwork correctly and improve your odds of approval.
1. Proof of Acceptance (Letter of Acceptance)
- Must be from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Contains full name, date of birth, program details (name, duration, start date), and DLI information .
- For Quebec: you also need a CAQ (Certificat d’acceptation du Québec) and sometimes a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), depending on program length .
Without an official acceptance, your application will be returned or refused.
2. Completed Application Form – IMM 1294
- The IMM 1294 (Application for Study Permit Made Outside Canada) must be completed and validated.
- Also include other required forms:
- IMM 5707 – Family Information
- IMM 5645 – Sponsor form (if applicable)
- IMM 5707 – Family Information
IMM 5646 – Custodianship Declaration (students under 19).
3. Valid Passport or Travel Document
- Passport should remain valid for the entire duration of your program—or at minimum one year.
- Permit cannot be issued beyond passport validity .
4. Proof of Financial Support
IRCC requires proof you can cover:
- Tuition fees for the first year
- Living expenses for at least one year (as of January 1, 2024: CAD 20,635)
- Return travel costs
- Recent bank statements (4–6 months), scholarship letters, GIC (if applying via SDS), parental sponsorship letters with proof, education loan documents .
Top-tier applications go beyond the bare minimum to show clarity, stability, and strength of funds.
5. Digital Photo / Passport-Sized Photographs
- Digital photo (online application) or two printed passport‑size photos (offline).
- Must meet IRCC technical specs: neutral expressions, plain background, recent photo (within 6 months) and correct dimensions (typically ~35 × 45 mm) .
6. Letter of Explanation / Study Plan (Recommended)
- While not officially mandatory, IRCC strongly recommends a one-page letter explaining your reasons for studying in Canada, your choice of program/institution, future plans, and your intent to return home .
- Also referred as a study plan or SOP, this helps demonstrate you are a genuine student and not seeking immigration via study permit .
7. Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
- Required if:
- You have lived in a designated country for 6+ consecutive months in the past year, or
- You plan to work in a public‑health‑sensitive field (healthcare, education, childcare) .
- You have lived in a designated country for 6+ consecutive months in the past year, or
- Must be done by a panel physician approved by IRCC; results are directly submitted to IRCC .
8. Biometrics
- Fingerprints and photo are required in most cases, especially for applicants outside Canada. Biometrics are valid for 10 years .
9. Police Clearance Certificate (if applicable)
- IRCC may request a certificate to confirm no criminal record. Typically required for applicants over 18 or from certain regions .
10. Additional Documents (Specific Circumstances)
Depending on your situation, IRCC may ask for:
- Custodianship Declaration Forms (for minors under 19) .
- Evidence of co-op or work requirement letters, if your program mandates internship or paid work work experience .
- Academic transcripts, diplomas, language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL) if needed or to strengthen your case .
Birth/marriage certificates, property documents as proof of home ties, if relevan.
Summary Table
Document Type | Description / Purpose |
Letter of Acceptance (LOA) | Official offer from a DLI (plus CAQ/PAL for Quebec) |
Application Forms (IMM 1294, etc.) | Completed application and client/family forms |
Valid Passport | Must be valid through your intended stay |
Proof of Financial Support | Tuition, ~CAD 20,635 living cost, travel—via bank statements, GIC, etc. |
Digital Photo or Photos | Recent, IRCC-spec technical photos |
Letter of Explanation / SOP | Strongly recommended narrative of study intent and career goals |
Medical Exam (IME) | Required in many cases |
Biometrics | Fingerprint & photo submission |
Police Certificate (if requested) | Evidence of clean criminal record |
Other Supporting Documents | Custodianship, co-op proof, academic transcripts, translations |
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Follow IRCC Visa Office Instructions: Some countries require additional documents—always check the specific list via your visa office .
- Translate and notarize any documents not in English or French. Use certified translators.
- File naming and clarity: label each upload (e.g. “Passport_John_Doe.pdf”).
- Ensure consistency: names, dates, and sponsor details must match across all forms and documents.
- Submit stronger proof than minimum: especially financial documents show consistency over months, not just sudden deposits .
Why the Right Documents Matter
✔ Avoid Delays or Returns
If a required document is missing, IRCC may either return your application (with all fees forfeited) or refuse it outright—leading to delays or denial.
✔ Mitigate Misunderstandings
SOPs and explanations reduce doubts on your intent, sponsorship, or program relevance, minimizing risk of refusal.
✔ Faster Processing (via SDS)
Eligible applicants from countries like India, China, Nigeria, or the Philippines can apply through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) for faster processing—but must include GIC, proof of first‑year tuition payment, and language scores .
How Phoenix GRS Helps You
At Phoenix GRS, we specialize in guiding students through every step of the Canada study permit application process:
- Full document checklist customized to your nationality and visa‑office requirements
- Help preparing IMM forms, LOA verification, bank statements, GIC setup, and affidavits
- Professional drafting and review of SOP/Letter of Explanation
- Support with medical exam scheduling and biometric bookings
- Guidance for SDS applications and translations where needed
Contact Phoenix GRS
Whether you’re just starting or need help refining your existing application, Phoenix GRS is here to help you get it right—every single time.
Address: 2nd Floor, KMJ Identity, Post Office, No.515, 20th Main Rd, above Chaayos, Koramangala 8th Block, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560095
Email: [email protected]
Phone:+91 9071570020
+91 9164373352
Website: https://phoenixgrs.com/
Final Thoughts
Applying for a Canada study permit is a critical step toward achieving your academic goals abroad. The right documents required for Canada study permit, prepared carefully and fully compliant with IRCC guidelines, enormously increases your chance of success.
Organize each document meticulously, write a compelling SOP, and ensure financial clarity—then your application becomes not just complete, but convincing.
Phoenix GRS is ready to support you at every stage. Reach out today and take your first step toward studying in Canada with confidence!
