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Canada student visa requirements: What you need to study as an international postgraduate

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If you’re planning to pursue a master’s or another postgraduate program in Canada, you’ll need more than an acceptance letter – you’ll need to meet the Canada student visa requirements. Your visa doesn’t just let you enter the country; it determines how you can live, study and work while building a future in Canada.

Here’s what you need to know about what this visa does, how to apply and how to protect your status once you’re in Canada.

What is a Canada student visa and what does it allow you to do?

In Canada, the student visa typically includes two key documents: your study permit and, if required, a temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA). Together, they let you:

  • Enroll in a recognized institution: Your study permit is your legal status in Canada – it’s what allows you to study full time at Canadian universities for international students, more formally known as designated learning institutions (DLIs).
  • Work on or off campus: While studying, you can work up to 24 hours per week off campus and full time during scheduled breaks.
  • Bring your family: In many cases, your spouse or partner can apply for an open work permit, and your children can attend school.
  • Transition to PGWP Canada eligibility: Completing a recognized program with a valid study permit in Canada makes you eligible for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP), which can open doors to permanent residency.

This visa isn’t just a travel document – it’s the key to fully participating in academic and professional life in Canada.

International student reviewing a checklist of Canada student visa requirements on a laptop in a bright dorm room.

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Have questions about the visa process? MPOWER's immigration resources are for students like you.

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Key Canadian student visa requirements and the application process

To secure your Canada student visa, and navigate the Canada study visa process, you’ll need to:

  • Receive an acceptance letter from an approved university (DLI).
  • Show proof of financial support: You’ll need to demonstrate that you can cover tuition, living costs and return travel expenses.
  • Provide clear documentation: A valid passport, recent photographs and sometimes biometrics or medical exams are required.
  • Apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal and pay the processing fee.
  • Attend a visa interview or provide additional documents if requested by IRCC.

Processing times can vary, so it’s smart to apply as early as possible – ideally several months before your program begins.

How to protect your Canadian student visa status

Your study permit comes with responsibilities that can affect your ability to stay in Canada:

  • Stay enrolled and make progress: You must be actively pursuing your master’s abroad at a university to maintain your status.
  • Respect work limits: Exceeding allowed work hours (like 24 hours/week during classes) can lead to visa problems or bans on reentry.
  • Keep documents up to date: Renew your passport and study permit before they expire to avoid status gaps.
  • Watch for program changes: Transferring schools or changing programs may require notifying IRCC or getting a new permit.

Understanding these requirements helps protect your visa – and your future in Canada.

International student in a coffee shop calculating tuition and living costs on a laptop with a maple leaf sticker.

Why MPOWER Financing?

For international postgraduates heading to Canada, funding your studies is directly tied to securing your visa. MPOWER Financing knows this – and their approach is designed to help you meet the Canada student visa requirements confidently.

MPOWER offers no-cosigner student loans for international students, designed to cover not just tuition but also other university-invoiced education expenses. Their fully digital process makes it easy to secure funding from anywhere in the world, with clear documentation that can help support your visa application.

MPOWER’s support goes beyond providing Canada student loans. Their team provides guidance on how to align your funding with visa deadlines, what documents to gather for proof of financial support and how to avoid common financial pitfalls that can jeopardize your status. For international postgraduates, this isn’t just about funding your degree – it’s about building a complete financial plan that supports your success in Canada, from arrival to graduation and beyond.

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FAQs

What’s the difference between a study permit and a visa for Canada?

The study permit lets you stay and study in Canada, while the visa (TRV or eTA) lets you enter the country.

How much money do I need to show for financial support?

Att least CA$20,635 per year to cover tuition and living costs, but this can vary by province and program.

Can I work while on a Canadian study permit?

You can work up to 24 hours per week during classes and full time during breaks, without a separate work permit.

Do I need to renew my study permit?

Yes – if your program is extended or you change schools, you must renew or update your permit before it expires.

How can MPOWER help with the financial support requirement?

MPOWER’s no-cosigner private student loans can help you meet IRCC’s proof of funds requirements, making the visa approval process easier.


*Rates as low as 9.99% (10.89% APR). This interest rate and APR includes a 0.25% discount for automatic recurring payments.

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