Canada Study Permit Fees and Costs: Complete 2025 Guide

Breakdown of Official Government Fees

Core Study Permit Application Fee: CAD $150

Every study permit application requires the base fee of CAD $150, regardless of your country of origin or program length. This fee is non-refundable once your application is submitted, even if it’s refused.

What this means for you: This fee covers the processing of your application by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It does not guarantee approval, but it’s required to begin the assessment process.

Biometrics Fee: CAD $85

Most applicants must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) as part of their application. The biometrics fee is CAD $85 for individuals, or CAD $170 for families applying together.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants often forget to pay the biometrics fee upfront, causing processing delays when IRCC requests the payment later. Pay both fees simultaneously to avoid delays.

If you’re applying from a biometrics-exempt country: Citizens of the United States and certain other countries may be exempt from biometrics requirements. Check the official IRCC biometrics requirements page for current exemptions.

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Fee: CAD $100

Students from visa-required countries need a TRV in addition to their study permit. This fee applies to citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry to Canada.

What this means for you: If you’re from India, China, Nigeria, or most other countries, you’ll need to pay this additional fee. Check if your country requires a TRV on the IRCC website.

Family Member Fees

If you’re including family members in your application:

• Spouse/partner study or work permit: CAD $150-255
• Dependent children visitor records: CAD $100 each
• Family biometrics: CAD $170 (covers up to 4 family members)

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Even if not required immediately, consider including spouse work permit applications to avoid separate processing delays later.

Additional Required Costs

Medical Examinations

Medical exam requirements vary significantly by country and can cost CAD $200-450 per person. These exams must be completed by IRCC-approved panel physicians.

If you’re applying from India, China, or Philippines: Medical exams are typically required for study permits over 6 months. Budget CAD $300-400 for comprehensive exams.

If you’re applying from the United States or Western Europe: Medical exams are usually not required unless you have specific health conditions or have lived in certain countries recently.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants booking medical exams with non-panel physicians, resulting in rejected results and additional costs. Always verify your doctor is on the IRCC panel physician list.

Police Certificates and Background Checks

Police certificates are required from every country where you’ve lived for 6+ months since age 18. Costs vary by country:

• Canada: CAD $25 (RCMP criminal record check)
• United States: USD $18 (FBI background check)
• United Kingdom: £45 (ACRO police certificate)
• India: INR 500-2000 (varies by state)
• China: CNY 200-400 (varies by region)

What this means for you: Start these processes early, as some countries take 8-12 weeks to issue certificates. Factor in courier costs for international delivery.

Document Translation and Certification

Non-English/French documents require certified translation, typically costing CAD $50-150 per document. Academic transcripts, birth certificates, and other official documents often need translation.

If you’re applying from countries with non-Latin scripts: Budget CAD $200-500 for translation services. Use only certified translators recognized by provincial translation associations.

Courier and Mailing Expenses

While most applications are submitted online, some supporting documents may require physical submission:

• International courier services: CAD $50-150
• Domestic registered mail: CAD $15-25
• Document return services: CAD $25-50

Optional Professional Services

Immigration Consultant Fees

Licensed immigration consultants typically charge CAD $1,500-4,000 for study permit applications, depending on complexity and services included.

What this means for you: Professional assistance can significantly improve application quality and reduce rejection risk, especially for complex cases or applicants from high-refusal-rate countries.

Document Preparation Services

Professional document review and preparation services range from CAD $300-800, including:

• Statement of Purpose review and editing
• Document organization and checklist verification
• Application form completion assistance
• Supporting document optimization

Translation Service Costs

Professional translation services charge CAD $30-50 per page, with certified translation adding CAD $20-30 per document for certification fees.

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: For critical documents like academic transcripts, invest in certified translation services rather than trying to save money with uncertified translators.

Payment Methods and Process

Online Payment Options

The preferred payment method is online through the IRCC portal using:

• Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
• Debit cards with international capabilities
• Online banking (for Canadian bank accounts)

What this means for you: Online payments process immediately and provide instant confirmation. Keep payment receipts as proof of payment for your application.

Alternative Payment Methods

For applicants unable to pay online:

• Certified bank drafts or money orders
• Wire transfers (additional banking fees apply)
• Third-party payment services (where available)

Real mistake we’ve seen: Using personal checks or non-certified payment methods, resulting in application delays and potential refusal. Always use accepted payment methods listed on the IRCC website.

Fee Payment Receipts

All fee payments generate receipts that must be included with your application. These receipts contain unique reference numbers that IRCC uses to verify payments.

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Print and keep multiple copies of all payment receipts. Digital copies can become corrupted or lost.

Refund Policies and Conditions

Government fees are generally non-refundable once applications are submitted. Limited refund conditions include:

• Duplicate payments made in error
• Technical errors in payment processing
• Application withdrawal before processing begins (rare circumstances)

What this means for you: Ensure all information is correct before submitting payment, as refunds are extremely difficult to obtain.

Cost-Saving Strategies

DIY Application Approaches

Self-preparing your application can save CAD $1,500-4,000 in consultant fees, but requires significant time investment and attention to detail.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants attempting DIY applications without proper research, resulting in refusals that cost more than professional assistance would have. Assess your situation honestly before deciding.

Document Preparation Tips

• Organize documents systematically to avoid duplicate translation costs
• Use official government sources for forms and requirements
• Prepare all required documents simultaneously to avoid piecemeal processing

Timing Considerations for Fees

• Apply early to avoid rush processing requests
• Complete medical exams and background checks in parallel with application preparation
• Monitor exchange rates for optimal payment timing

If you’re applying from countries with volatile exchange rates: Consider paying fees when your local currency is strong against the Canadian dollar.

Fee Calculator: Estimate Your Total Costs

Basic Application (Single Applicant):

• Study permit fee: CAD $150
• Biometrics fee: CAD $85
• TRV fee (if required): CAD $100
• Subtotal: CAD $235-335

With Additional Requirements:

• Medical examination: CAD $300
• Police certificates: CAD $50-200
• Document translation: CAD $200
• Total Range: CAD $785-1,035

Including Professional Services:

• Immigration consultant: CAD $2,000
• Document preparation: CAD $500
• Total with Professional Help: CAD $3,285-3,535

What this means for you: Budget for the higher end of ranges if you have complex circumstances, multiple countries of residence, or are from countries with higher refusal rates.

Payment Methods Comparison

Cost Breakdown by Country of Origin

High-Volume Countries:

India: CAD $635-935 (including medical exam, higher documentation needs) China: CAD $585-885 (including medical exam, translation costs) Nigeria: CAD $685-985 (including medical exam, multiple police certificates)

Lower-Cost Countries:

United States: CAD $235-435 (minimal additional requirements) United Kingdom: CAD $335-535 (moderate additional requirements) France: CAD $285-485 (EU citizen advantages)

If you’re applying from a country with high refusal rates: Budget for professional assistance to improve your chances of approval and avoid reapplication costs.

Refund Policy Details

Resources from AVID

📎 [Download: Complete Fee Payment Checklist] – Ensure you haven’t missed any required fees

📝 [Sample Budget Worksheet] – Calculate your total application costs by country

📄 [Payment Receipt Organization Guide] – Keep track of all your payments properly

🧠 [Common Fee-Related FAQs] – Answers to the most frequent payment questions

💱 [Currency Converter Tool] – Convert CAD fees to your local currency