Pakistani students choose to study in Canada for its high-quality education, variety of programs, and post-study opportunities. This Canada student visa guide for Pakistani students provides an overview of the current study permit process, requirements, costs, and the assistance provided by Sash Overseas Advisers.

Please note: IRCC closed the Student Direct Stream (SDS) on 8 November 2024, and it will no longer be available. The regular study permit stream is now used by Pakistani students.

Canada Student Visa Requirements for Pakistani Students

This Canada student visa guide for Pakistani students outlines the key documents typically needed:

• Valid passport
• Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) (if applicable)
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Proof of funds
• English language test results (if required)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Medical examination (if necessary)
• Police Clearance Certificate (as required)
• Biometrics

The living expense requirement for one applicant (excluding first-year tuition and travel expenses) is CAD 22,895 for those outside Quebec.

How to Apply for a Canada Study Permit

By following this Canada student visa guide for Pakistani students, the application process can be easier to manage.

Choose a Program and University

Choose an appropriate course and designated learning institution according to your academic background and career objectives.

Get Admission

Submit your application to the institution of your choice along with your academic records and language test scores. Once accepted, you will be issued your LOA.

Arrange Financial Proof

Create proof of ability to pay tuition, living expenses, and travel. Bank statements, scholarships, and eligible financial documents may be used.

Prepare Your Documents

Prepare your passport, LOA, PAL (if applicable), academic records, financial documents, SOP, and other necessary documents.

Apply Online

Apply for a study permit via the IRCC online application system, upload documents, and pay the fees.

Complete Biometrics

Complete the biometrics as instructed after application and submit them at the designated Visa Application Centre.

Wait for the Decision

Under the regular stream, processing times vary. Applicants are advised to refer to the latest information on the processing time of IRCC before applying.

Canada Study Visa Fees

This Canada student visa guide for Pakistani students also covers the main application costs:

Item	Fee
Study permit	CAD 150
Biometrics	CAD 85
Living-expense funds	CAD 22,895

The exchange rate may affect the amount of PKR, so applicants are advised to check the current fees before payment.

IELTS Requirement

The Canada student visa guide for Pakistani students should differentiate between university admission and immigration requirements. Your institution may require you to take an English test such as IELTS. Each university, college, and program will have its own requirements, so students should consult their institution’s requirements.

Common mistakes to avoid

This Canada student visa guide for Pakistani students suggests that you should avoid mistakes such as the following:

• Incomplete financial documents
• Inconsistent information in your SOP and application
• Selecting an inappropriate program
• Ignoring PAL requirements where applicable
• Submitting unclear documents
• Using obsolete SDS data
• Applying too near to the desired intake

How Sash Overseas Advisers assists students with Canada student visa guide for Pakistani students

There are several key steps in the Canada student visa guide for Pakistani students process. Sash Overseas Advisers can help students choose the right university, apply for admission, guide you through your SOP, prepare your documents, organize your financial documents, guide you through PAL, and support you in your study permit application.

Our team guides students through the process and creates a well-structured application that aligns with their academic profile and study objectives.

For more information, visit Sash Overseas Advisers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do Pakistani students have access to SDS?

No. This Canada student visa guide for Pakistani students confirms that SDS was closed permanently on 8th November 2024. Students are now applying through the regular study permit stream.

How much proof of funds is needed?

Outside Quebec, a single applicant will need to demonstrate CAD 22,895 for living expenses, in addition to tuition and travel expenses.

Do students in Pakistan need a PAL?

The requirements for PAL vary by program and institution. One is required for most undergraduate and college applicants, while master’s and doctoral students are exempt as of January 1, 2026.

What is the Canada study permit fee?

The study permit fee is CAD 150, plus a CAD 85 biometrics fee (if applicable).

How can Sash Overseas Advisers help with a Canada student visa guide for Pakistani students?

Sash Overseas Advisers can assist students with university selection, application for admission, preparation of SOPs, organizing documents, financial advice, PAL advice, and preparation of study permit applications.