Documents Required for Canada Student Visa from India 2026
Filing a Canadian study permit requires strict adherence to the document list. Even a single missing paper can result in visa processing delays or immediate refusal. Below is the complete checklist for Indian applicants under the standard SDS and Non-SDS routes.
Mandatory Documents Checklist:
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA): Official acceptance letter issued by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): Mandatory attestation letter issued by the province where your university is located.
- Proof of Identity: A valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): GIC receipt showing payment of CAD 20,635 as proof of living funds.
- Tuition Fee Receipt: Receipt proving payment of the first-year tuition fee.
- Language Proficiency Scores: Academic IELTS (minimum 6.0 in each band) or PTE equivalent.
- Upfront Medical Exam: Receipt or certificate of medical check-up at an empanelled physician.
- SOP & Academic Transcripts: Statement of Purpose detailing study intent, along with graduation and school marksheets.
SDS vs Non-SDS Processing:
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) offers faster processing times (often under 20 days) for applicants meeting the GIC and language requirements. Non-SDS applies if you are submitting alternative financial support (like liquid assets, income taxes, or sponsor proofs) instead of a GIC.