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Canada study permit requirements for Filipinos

In Canada, a student visa is called a study permit. Upon applying for a study permit, you will receive a student visa if your application is accepted.

Requirements for obtaining a study permit vary depending on your application stream. You can either apply in the Regular Stream or Study Direct Stream (SDS). The following requirements are applicable to all applicants from the Philippines in both Regular and SDS streams:

Canada study permits and visas - what you need to know

Navigating through the Canada visa application process can be complex. However, it is important that you make sure you have the correct study permit for your international studies before moving to Canada from the Philippines.

As study permit conditions may change quickly, you will need to make sure you follow up-to-date advice for the best chances of having your permit application approved. The best place to find this information is directly on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Your IDP counsellor can direct you to the relevant IRCC information and can help you find authorized immigration representatives if need be. With the support of IDP’s overseas education placement experts, you can confidently apply for your Canada study permit to pursue your dreams overseas. All you need to do is enquire with us for free.

Who should apply for a Canada student visa?

To be eligible for a Canada study permit, you must meet specific requirements. These include having a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of financial support, no criminal record, and a physician certified health check-up, among others. A DLI is a Canadian institution that has been approved by the provincial or territorial government to accept international students. If you plan to apply for a post-secondary institution in Canada, you will need to ensure the school is on the DLI list.

If you match this student profile, then you will need a visa to study abroad in Canada. Follow our detailed checklist below for all the documents necessary to complete your visa application:

Application for a Canada study permit – essential documents checklist

1. Family Information Form (IMM 5707) fully completed, dated and signed. If not applicable, write N/A.

2. Original passports and a copy of the passport bio-data page

Minor children:

  • Birth certificate.
  • Notarized Custodianship Declaration – Custodian for Minors Studying in Canada (IMM5646), if applicable.
  • If accompanied by one parent for the duration of studies, a notarised consent letter from the non-accompanying parent is required.

3. Letter of Acceptance from the Designated Learning Institution where you intend to study stating:

  • unconditional admission;
  • course title;
  • duration of study;
  • level of study;
  • start date (multiple start dates, if applicable); and
  • latest possible date of admission.

4. Official fee schedule which includes:

  • tuition;
  • accommodations and meal plans; and
  • miscellaneous expenses (medical insurance, books, memberships).

5. A Statement of Purpose (SOP) or personal study plan: An SOP contains a description of your proposed program of studies as it relates to your academic, technical, or vocational background and future career goals. The SOP should be fully and authentically written by you, and should not be written using AI software. If the visa officer detects or determines that your SOP has been falsified, written using AI, or copied elsewhere, it will automatically be refused and your visa application may be denied.

6. Proof of studies: You must provide evidence of all current and past education, including but not limited to:

  • copies of all diplomas and certificates;
  • evidence of ongoing enrolment (if applicable);
  • post-secondary transcripts;
  • other academic transcripts (up to date).
  • Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) if you will be studying in Quebec. 

7. NBI Clearance: Required for applicants 18 years old or over.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If submitting an online application, scan and upload your Police Certificate.

8. NBI certificate (Original Copy) issued within the last 3 months and marked with dry seal and your thumbprint (Personal Copy not acceptable).

9. Background questionnaire: If you have answered “yes” to any of the background information questions on the application form, provide a completed and signed Schedule 1 form (Application for Temporary Resident Visa – IMM 5257B) and include it with your application.

10. Proof of Financial Support: You must provide information to establish that you have sufficient funds to cover your travel, first year tuition fees, and other expenses incurred while living in Canada. If you have dependents, those costs must also be accounted for. Documentation for this section may include:

  • Your own, your spouse, or your parents’ financial documents (e.g. bank records, bank books and statements, or fixed deposits) for the past six (6) months.
  • Your own, your spouse, or your parents’ income tax documents (NOA for an individual residing in Canada) with employment reference letters, indicating earnings OR evidence of self-employment or other business income.

You may refer to the table below for the minimum amount of funds you are required to establish you possess for the application process. For example, an individual with 3 dependents (4-person household) will need to show they have at least CAN$38,346 for living expenses. All amounts listed below are applicable as of 1 January, 2024.

Updated proof of funds needed to study in Canada (as of January 1, 2024)
Number of family members (including the applicant)Amount of funds required per year (not including tuition)
1CAN$20,635
2CAN$25,690
3CAN$31,583
4CAN$38,346
5CAN$43,492
6CAN$49,051
7CAN$54,611
If more than 7 people, each additional family memberCAN$5,559

Individuals planning to study in Quebec must also prove they meet the specific financial requirements for studying and living in Quebec.

Note: You must submit a certified translation with any document that is not in English or French.

Study permit conditions are reviewed and changed on a continuing basis by the Canadian Immigration Authority. The most accurate way to find this is to use the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. 

Source: Immigration Canada

Additional study permit requirements for applicants using the Regular Stream
Additional study permit requirements for applicants using the Study Direct Stream

Canada study visa for Filipinos - do you need one?

All Filipino citizens need a visa to enter Canada for study purposes. 

Anyone who intends to study in Canada for more than six months must obtain a mandatory Canadian study permit, which serves as a student visa for the duration of their stay.

Enquire with IDP Philippines for free

Entry to Canada as a Filipino citizen

Do remember that having a study permit does not automatically guarantee entry to Canada. Upon arrival, students must present their study permit and other required documents to a border services officer for verification.

Fees for Canada study permit application

The application process for a Canada study visa involves certain costs:

  • Study Permit Application Fee - $150 CAD
  • Biometrics Fee - $85 CAD

Additional costs may vary, and include medical exams, courier fees, and language proficiency tests. Former students looking to restore their status in Canada may pay a restoration fee of $200 CAD.

What is the difference between SDS and Regular Stream Visa Application for Canada?

When applying for a Canadian study permit, Filipino students have the option to choose between two streams: the Study Direct Stream (SDS) and the Regular Stream. Understanding the differences between these streams can help you determine which one suits your needs best.

The SDS is a streamlined processing option designed to expedite study permit applications for eligible students from certain countries, including the Philippines. Here are the key features of the SDS:

  • Faster processing times: One of the most significant advantages of SDS is the faster processing times. In most cases, SDS applications are processed within weeks, allowing you to plan your studies in Canada more efficiently.
  • More stringent requirements: To qualify for SDS, you must meet stricter eligibility criteria compared to the Regular Stream. These criteria often include higher language proficiency scores and upfront tuition payment.
  • Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): SDS applicants are usually required to purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution. This GIC serves as proof of funds for your stay in Canada.
  • Medical examination: You may need to complete a medical examination before applying for SDS, depending on your country of residence and the duration of your intended stay in Canada. The IRCC provides a full list of accredited doctors and panel physicians who can provide the appropriate medical certification needed for visa application.
  • Institution choice: SDS applicants must have a confirmed admission offer from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and must only study at one of the DLIs in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, or Quebec.

Whereas the Regular Stream is the traditional study permit application process, available to students from all countries, including the Philippines. Its features are:

  • Standard processing Times: Regular Stream applications typically have standard processing times, which can vary depending on the volume of applications and other factors. It's essential to apply well in advance to ensure your study permit is processed on time.
  • Flexible requirements: While the Regular Stream still has specific requirements, they may not be as stringent as those of SDS. You'll need to meet the general eligibility criteria, including proof of funds, a letter of acceptance from a DLI, and a clean criminal record.
  • No GIC requirement: Unlike SDS, the Regular Stream does not mandate the purchase of a GIC, making it more flexible in terms of financial arrangements.
  • Wider institution choice: Students applying through the Regular Stream have the flexibility to choose from a broader range of DLIs across Canada, not limited to specific provinces.

Before selecting the stream for your study permit application, consult with your IDP education counsellor to assess your eligibility and determine which option aligns better with your study plans in Canada. Keep in mind that both streams provide opportunities for Filipino students to pursue quality education in Canada, but they differ in processing times and requirements.

All students applying to study in Canada, whether via SRS or Regular Stream, should also take note of the following:

  • Only registered migration agents can charge a fee to process visa applications.
  • Proof of funds (e.g. bank statements and bank certificates) should be for the past six (6) months.
  • Students from the Philippines currently in Canada with a tourist visa must return to the Philippines and apply for their student visa outside of Canada.

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Study Direct Stream

Study Direct Stream (SDS) provides a streamlined study permit application process for students who want to study in Canada.

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