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Canada Student Visa Document Checklist

Last updated1st Dec 2025
3 mins read
30.7K views
Ankit Dogra
Published by Ankit Dogra

Canada & UAE Marketing Specialist | Manager - Client Relations & SES

To apply for a Canada study permit, international students must prepare a set of official documents. These help the visa officers verify your identity, financial stability, and intent to study.

There are two application routes:

  • SDS (Student Direct Stream) - Faster processing if you meet eligibility
  • Non-SDS (Regular stream) - Standard process if SDS conditions aren't met

Let's look at the documents you'll need for both.

Canada Student Visa Documents Checklist (General)

DocumentMandatoryNotes
Letter of Acceptance (LOA)YesFrom a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Valid PassportYesMust cover the full study period
Passport-sized PhotosYesAs per IRCC photo specs
Visa Application Form (IMM 1294)YesCompleted and signed online
Family Info Form (IMM 5645)YesFor applicants with dependents
Tuition Fee Receipt (1 year)YesProof of paid fees or bank receipt
Proof of Funds (GIC or bank)YesMinimum CAD $22,895 (as of 2025)
SOP / Letter of ExplanationYesExplain study intent and post-study plans
Medical Exam Receipt (IME)YesFrom an IRCC-approved panel physician
Police Clearance CertificateYesFrom your home country (if required)
IELTS / PTE / TOEFL Score ReportYesLanguage proof (min IELTS 6.0 for SDS)
Biometrics Appointment ConfirmationYesRequired after application submission

What Extra Documents Are Needed for SDS Applications?

To qualify for SDS (Student Direct Stream), you must provide:

SDS-Specific DocumentPurpose
IELTS score ≥ 6.0 in each bandMandatory for SDS eligibility
GIC of CAD $10,000Guaranteed Investment Certificate
Proof of full tuition payment (1 year)Must be paid in advance

SDS applications are usually processed in 20 calendar days.

How to Prove Financial Support for Canada Visa?

You must show that you can pay:

  1. Tuition fees
  2. Living expenses (min. CAD $22,895 per year)
  3. Return travel costs

Accepted proofs include:

  • Bank balance certificate (past 6 months)
  • GIC receipt (for SDS)
  • Education loan letter from a recognized bank
  • Income tax returns or property documents (for family sponsors)

What to Include in Your SOP (Statement of Purpose)

  • Why you chose Canada and the university
  • Course details and future plans
  • How it relates to your past education/work
  • Financial support explanation
  • Commitment to return or lawful stay after studies

Final Tips Before You Submit

  • Always double-check expiry dates on your passport and documents
  • Make sure your GIC and tuition payments are from recognized institutions
  • Get your IELTS/PTE scores early to avoid delays
  • Prepare your SOP with expert guidance. It can make a big difference

AECC helps students apply for Canada student visas with complete document support, mock visa interviews, and personalised counselling.

Canada Study Visa Document Checklist FAQs

Ankit Dogra
Published by Ankit Dogra

Canada & UAE Marketing Specialist | Manager - Client Relations & SES

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With over a decade of experience in the overseas education sector, Ankit Dogra is a marketing and student recruitment specialist with deep expertise in the Canada and UAE markets. He has a proven history of success at top multinational companies like AECC, ApplyBoard, and IDP Education.

What makes Ankit's perspective unique is his holistic understanding of the entire student journey. Beyond just admissions, he leads the Student Essential Services (SES) vertical, which includes crucial support like education loans, accommodation, GIC accounts, and money transfers. This means he doesn't just help students get into university; he helps them build their new life abroad.

As a Manager at AECC, Ankit is responsible for growing student enrollment numbers from the South Asia region for Canada and the UAE. His extensive background in digital marketing, certified by a Digital Marketing Course, allows him to provide the most current and effective advice for students navigating the modern, online world of university applications.

Ankit can help you with

  • Navigating Beyond Admissions: Get expert advice on the "next steps" after your acceptance letter, including securing an education loan, finding accommodation, and setting up your finances.
  • Understanding Canada & the UAE: Benefit from his focused expertise in the Canadian and UAE education markets to make informed choices about your future.
  • Building a Digital-First Application: Use his certified digital marketing knowledge to understand how to present yourself effectively online to universities and admissions teams.
  • Making a Smooth Transition: Leverage his experience with Student Essential Services to ensure every aspect of your move abroad is planned and stress-free.

Ankit holds an MBA in Marketing, which, combined with his extensive hands-on experience, makes him a powerful guide for any student's international education journey. 

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