Doc Summary
Planning to study in Canada? Understanding the current student visa (study permit) fees—and the extra costs many applicants overlook—will help you budget accurately and avoid delays. Below is a clear, up-to-date guide to the mandatory fees, common situational costs, and how to pay them correctly.
At-a-glance fee summary (2025) #
- Study permit application fee: CAD $150
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo): CAD $85 per person
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) stamp (if required): CAD $100
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) (if visa-exempt): CAD $7
- Visa Application Centre (VAC) services (if used): Varies by country
- Medical exam (if required): Varies by clinic and country
- Police certificate, translations, courier: Varies
Official fees are published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/fees.html
What you must pay for a Canada student visa application #
1) Study permit application fee — CAD $150
This is the core fee for your study permit application (including extensions). See IRCC’s study page: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html
2) Biometrics — CAD $85 per person
Most applicants must give biometrics. If you provided biometrics in the last 10 years, you may not need to give them again. Details: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/biometrics.html
3) Entry document fee (if applicable): TRV or eTA
– TRV (Temporary Resident Visa): CAD $100, required for citizens of visa-required countries: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/temporary-resident-visa.html
– eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): CAD $7, for most visa-exempt air travelers: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html
4) Visa Application Centre (VAC) service fees (if used)
If you attend a VAC to give biometrics or submit/collect your passport, expect local service and courier fees that vary by location. Check your nearest centre via VFS Global: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/
Situational and additional costs to consider #
- Immigration medical exam: Required for many applicants; fees vary by panel physician and country. Guidance: IRCC medical exam requirements.
- Police certificates: Required depending on country and length of stay; fees and processing times vary.
- Translations and notarisation: If any documents aren’t in English or French, certified translations may be required.
- Passport transmission and return courier: If a TRV needs to be placed in your passport, your VAC may charge transmission and courier fees (varies by country).
- Restoration of status (inside Canada): If your status expires, restoration generally costs CAD $200 plus the new study permit fee (CAD $150), totalling CAD $350 (if eligible to restore).
- Study permit extension (inside Canada): CAD $150.
- New TRV from inside Canada (after getting/renewing a permit): CAD $100.
- Co-op work permit (if your program requires it): No processing fee, but biometrics may still be needed if not already provided.
- Dependants: If bringing a spouse/partner or children, separate fees apply (e.g., spouse open work permit fees and biometrics).
How to pay your fees #
Pay online through IRCC using the IRCC Portal or GCKey with a valid credit/debit card. You will receive receipts and, when applicable, a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL). After receiving your BIL, book your biometric appointment with a VAC: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/. Keep all receipts for your records. Official IRCC fee payment guidance is here: IRCC fees.
FAQs: Canada student visa fees #
How much is the Canada student visa application fee?
The current study permit fee is CAD $150, plus CAD $85 for biometrics (if required). You may also need to pay a TRV $100 or eTA $7, depending on your nationality.
Is the Student Direct Stream (SDS) more expensive?
No. SDS does not have a higher IRCC processing fee. It does, however, require meeting stricter financial and documentation criteria.
Are fees refundable if I’m refused?
IRCC processing fees are generally non‑refundable once processing has begun. Some fees may be refundable if you withdraw before processing starts. See IRCC’s refund policy: IRCC fee refunds.
Do I always need to pay for biometrics?
Most applicants do. If you gave biometrics within the last 10 years for a previous application, you may not need to give them again.
Do exchange rate changes affect the fee?
IRCC fees are set in CAD; your bank’s exchange rate and any card or international transaction fees may change the amount in your local currency.
Tips to avoid extra costs #
- Apply online via the official IRCC portal and pay fees only through IRCC.
- Confirm whether you need a TRV or eTA before paying for passport transmission.
- Check if your previous biometrics are still valid (up to 10 years).
- Use standard VAC services; premium add-ons are optional.
- Submit a complete application to avoid delays and costly re-submissions.
Get expert support #
Fees change, and requirements differ by country and personal circumstances. For tailored advice and a smooth application, speak with Skills Campus—Australia’s trusted consultants for study pathways, recognition of prior learning, and global student mobility.
Ready to apply? Contact us for a personalised fee checklist and step-by-step guidance: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact
