Canada student visa: the official document checklist

In short: the Study permit for Canada asks for 11 documents from every applicant, and 7 more when they apply to you. This list follows the official checklist the Canada mission publishes for applicants in Pakistan, read on 16 October 2026. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Where applicants in Pakistan submit: Apply online to IRCC (paper only for exemptions). Wait for the Biometric Instruction Letter, then book a free appointment at the Canada Visa Application Centre run by VFS Global in Pakistan (Islamabad, Park Road; the VFS site lists 3 centres) and upload the letter when booking (rule since 7 March 2026). Send your passport through the centre when IRCC asks for it.

Photo: General IRCC page: 2 recent passport-size photos with your name and date of birth on the back. Biometrics (fingerprints and digital photo) are taken at the visa application centre.

Passport: Islamabad visa office: 'a passport valid for at least six (6) months from the date of travel to Canada'; include all cancelled or expired passports.

Documents every applicant needs (11)

Documents that depend on your situation (7)

If you apply from another country

Each mission publishes its own list. What the official checklist for applicants in these countries adds or says differently:

Applying from Bangladesh

IRCC. For applicants in Bangladesh, IRCC's country page lists the Singapore office 'Additional Document Checklist - Study Permit' (IMM 5850, edition 02-2026), used with the general Document Checklist (IMM 5483). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Getting your papers ready in Bangladesh

Applying from China

Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai visa offices (IRCC) handle residents of mainland China; applicants add the office's 'Additional Document Checklist' (IMM 5977, 02-2026) to the normal IRCC checklist. Biometrics at a visa application centre. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Getting your papers ready in China

Applying from India

IRCC. For applicants in India, the New Delhi visa office 'Additional Document Checklist - Study Permit' (IMM 5818, edition 02-2026) is used together with the general Document Checklist (IMM 5483). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Applying from Malaysia

IRCC visa office in Singapore handles Malaysia; add the Singapore 'Additional Document Checklist' (IMM 5850, 02-2026) to the normal IRCC checklist. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Getting your papers ready in Malaysia

Applying from Nepal

IRCC: the Nepal application page gives the Bangkok visa office additional checklist (IMM 5819) and also links New Delhi 'Visa office instructions - University Students' (IMM 5957). Apply online. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Applying from Nigeria

IRCC Lagos visa office (Nigeria page gives 'Visa office instructions - Study [IMM 5832]'). Apply online; you must reside outside Canada when you apply. An interview may be required. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Getting your papers ready in Nigeria

Applying from Saudi Arabia

IRCC Riyadh visa office (Saudi Arabia page gives 'Visa office instructions - Study [IMM 5847]'). Each person, including children, submits their own application. Send photocopies unless told otherwise. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Getting your papers ready in Saudi Arabia

Applying from Sri Lanka

IRCC Colombo visa office (Sri Lanka page gives 'Visa office instructions - Study [IMM 5934]'). Apply online. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Applying from United Arab Emirates

IRCC Abu Dhabi visa office (UAE page gives 'Visa office instructions - Study [IMM 5814]'). Apply online. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Getting your papers ready in United Arab Emirates

Applying from United Kingdom

UK applicants apply online to IRCC (London visa office); biometrics at a visa application centre. No current London visa-office instruction sheet appears in IRCC's list, and the UK is not on the medical-exam country list. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Getting your papers ready in United Kingdom

Applying from United States

US citizens and US permanent residents may apply for the study permit at a Canadian port of entry (officer checks documents on arrival). IRCC lists visa offices in Los Angeles and New York for the USA; no current US visa-office instruction sheet appears in IRCC's list. IRCC says US nationals are excluded from biometrics. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Getting your papers ready in United States

How to prepare each document

Visa application form

Passport

Official verification: Only the issuing authority can confirm a passport; we never call it genuine.

Previous passports and travel history

National identity card (front and back)

Official verification: Only the national registry that issued it can confirm it.

Photographs

Admission document

Official verification: The university can confirm it; ask its admissions office by e-mail.

Pre-clearance (ATAS, CAQ, PAL and similar)

Official verification: The issuing authority.

Bank statement

Official verification: Only the bank can confirm a statement; we never call it genuine.

Sponsor's letter or affidavit of support

Official verification: The notary's register.

Scholarship letter

Official verification: The awarding body.

Tuition deposit receipt

Official verification: The university's receipt is the proof.

Police certificate

Official verification: The issuing police.

Medical or TB test

Official verification: The approved clinic.

Degree certificates

Official verification: The body that attests degrees in your country, and the foreign ministry, keep records; we never call a stamp genuine.

Explanation of study or work gaps

Additional documents

Study cover letter

Certified translation

Official verification: The translator's registration.

Parents' consent (under 18)

Official verification: The notary.

These preparation points are practical guidance; the official checklist decides what is asked.

Related

ForiForeign prepares and guides; you file your own application and the Canada authorities decide. Checklists change: open the official source before you submit.

ForiForeign.com · admin@foriforeign.com · WhatsApp +92 310 5048760 · Information drawn from official sources shown on each rule; not legal advice.

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