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Canada · Study Permit fees

How Much Does the Canada Study Permit Cost?

Every published "$Study Permit fee" hides 30–60% of the real out-of-pocket. This page breaks the $Canada $Study Permit down into government fee, service charges, biometrics, premium options and the documentary side-costs that catch most applicants by surprise.

Study permit applicants under-budget because they think 'permit fee' equals 'visa cost' — the real out-of-pocket including GIC, PAL and ECA is closer to CAD 22,000, and lenders look at the full stack.

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Fee snapshot

Government fee

USD 110

Service / VAC

USD 40–65

Biometrics

USD 63

Who pays more, who pays less

Pays more: Applicants from biometrics-required countries pay an additional CAD 85; designated learning institution (DLI) deposits add CAD 10,000+ but are tuition, not visa, costs.

Pays less: Renewing inside Canada is cheaper — no VAC fee, no biometrics if already enrolled within the last 10 years.

Hidden costs to budget for

  • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) issuance fees vary by province
  • Upfront Medical Examination (UME) by a panel physician (USD 100–200)
  • Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,635 under the Student Direct Stream
  • ECA from WES, IQAS or ICAS (CAD 200–300) where required by the DLI

Payment, premium options & refunds

Paid online by credit card on the IRCC portal at submission; biometrics fee is bundled into the application charge.

Refund policy: Refunded only if biometrics were not yet collected and the application is withdrawn before assessment begins; refusal does not trigger a refund.

Common cost mistakes

  • Confusing the application fee with the issuance fee — some countries charge both
  • Paying a third-party agent's mark-up without realising the official fee is fixed
  • Forgetting that biometrics and IHS / insurance are paid upfront, not after approval

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Frequently asked questions

How much does the Canada Study Permit cost in 2026?⌄

The government fee is USD 110, plus USD 40–65 in service / VAC charges. Biometrics add approximately USD 63.

Is the Study Permit fee refundable if refused?⌄

Refunded only if biometrics were not yet collected and the application is withdrawn before assessment begins; refusal does not trigger a refund.

Who pays more for this visa?⌄

Applicants from biometrics-required countries pay an additional CAD 85; designated learning institution (DLI) deposits add CAD 10,000+ but are tuition, not visa, costs.

Who pays less or is exempt?⌄

Renewing inside Canada is cheaper — no VAC fee, no biometrics if already enrolled within the last 10 years.

What are the hidden costs?⌄

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) issuance fees vary by province Upfront Medical Examination (UME) by a panel physician (USD 100–200) Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,635 under the Student Direct Stream ECA from WES, IQAS or ICAS (CAD 200–300) where required by the DLI

How is the fee paid?⌄

Paid online by credit card on the IRCC portal at submission; biometrics fee is bundled into the application charge.

Can I pay extra to speed up?⌄

No official premium service exists for this visa. Beware of third-party agents claiming guaranteed expedited processing.