This page collects the 12 most common questions Kerala students and parents ask about the Canada student visa process in 2026. All answers reflect current IRCC policy as of May 2026, including post-2024 changes to PGWP eligibility, proof of funds requirements, and language test rules. For a destination overview, see our Canada destination page.
1.What is the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and should I apply through it?
SDS is Canada's expedited student visa pathway available to Indian students. As of 2026, it requires a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) admission letter, IELTS Academic 6.0 in each band (or equivalent PTE), a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 22,895, payment of the first-year tuition, and biometrics. The advantage is faster processing, typically 20 to 30 days versus 60+ days for the standard study permit. Most Kerala students should apply through SDS where eligible because the documentation requirements, while strict, are also more predictable.
2.What is the current proof of funds requirement for Canada?
As of 2025, Canada increased the proof of funds requirement to CAD 22,895 per year for students outside Quebec. Quebec has its own scheme with slightly lower amounts. The funds must be in addition to first-year tuition fees, which are paid separately. For SDS applicants, the CAD 22,895 is parked in a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) with a Canadian bank (Scotiabank, ICICI Bank Canada, CIBC are the most common). The GIC releases funds monthly to your Canadian account once you arrive.
3.How do I get a GIC for Canada and which bank should I use?
You can apply for a GIC entirely online from India. Scotiabank's StartRight Programme is the most popular among Kerala students because it is fully digital, processes in 3 to 5 working days, and the GIC plus initial bank account come bundled. ICICI Bank Canada is the second-most popular option, useful if you have an existing ICICI relationship in India. CIBC and TD are also valid options but require slightly more documentation. The GIC fee is CAD 200, which is paid upfront.
4.Do I need a medical exam for the Canada study permit?
Yes, if you are coming from India. The IRCC requires a medical exam by a panel physician (an IRCC-approved doctor). In Trivandrum and Kochi there are panel physicians authorised by IRCC. The exam takes about an hour and the results go directly to IRCC. You pay the panel physician's fee (approximately ₹5,000 to ₹7,000). Doing the medical exam before submitting your application (upfront medical) speeds up processing by 2 to 3 weeks.
5.Can I work part-time during my studies in Canada?
Yes. As of late 2024, the work limit increased to 24 hours per week during academic terms, up from 20 hours. You can work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (winter, summer, reading week). The work permission is built into your study permit, so no separate work permit is needed. Typical part-time jobs (campus assistant, retail, food service) pay CAD 17 to 22 per hour, which can cover CAD 800 to 1,500 per month after taxes. This is a meaningful contribution to living expenses but should not be planned as the primary income source.
6.What is the PGWP and how long can I work after graduation?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that lets you work for any employer in Canada after graduation. The duration depends on your programme length: programmes 8 to 23 months get a PGWP of equal duration, programmes 24+ months get a 3-year PGWP. A 2-year Masters earns the full 3 years. To be eligible, you must graduate from a DLI with a PGWP-eligible programme. Some private colleges and short certificates are NOT PGWP-eligible, so verify the programme's PGWP status before enrolling.
7.Can my spouse accompany me to Canada and can they work?
Yes. The spouse of a Canadian study permit holder can apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). This is an open work permit with no employer restriction. SOWP is granted for the duration of your study permit. For Masters and doctoral programme spouses, the SOWP is virtually automatic with documentation. For Bachelor and college programme spouses, the rules tightened in 2024 and SOWP is now restricted to spouses of students in PhD, Masters, or specific professional programmes.
8.What are common reasons for Canada study permit refusal?
The top reasons in 2026 are: insufficient proof of funds (most common), weak Statement of Purpose suggesting non-genuine study intent, gaps in education or employment that are not explained, low IELTS scores below 6.0 in any band for SDS, a previous visa refusal not disclosed, dependency concerns (spouse and children left behind without clear return ties), and unconvincing language proficiency despite passing IELTS. Each refusal letter cites specific reasons; review carefully and address those specific issues in reapplication.
9.If my Canada study permit is refused, can I reapply?
Yes, you can reapply immediately after a refusal. There is no waiting period required by IRCC. However, you should address the specific refusal reasons in your reapplication. A common mistake is reapplying with identical documentation; this almost always leads to a second refusal. Take 30 to 45 days to: get the Global Case Management System (GCMS) notes via an Access to Information request to understand the specific officer concerns, strengthen the weak areas, and resubmit with detailed addressing of each refusal point.
10.How much money do I need to show for the Canada SDS visa?
Total funds required for SDS in 2026: First-year tuition fees (paid to the university, typically CAD 20,000 to 50,000 depending on programme), GIC of CAD 22,895, and visa application fees plus biometrics totalling CAD 235. So the minimum upfront cash requirement before applying is approximately CAD 43,000 to 73,000 (₹27 to 45 lakh). This is the amount that must be visible before visa submission. For families using education loans, the bank's sanction letter and disbursement schedule serves as proof.
11.Do I need biometrics for the Canada study visa?
Yes. All Indian applicants must give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre. In Kerala, VFS Canada centres operate in Trivandrum and Kochi. The biometric fee is CAD 85 plus the local VFS service charge of approximately ₹1,200. Biometrics are valid for 10 years, so if you have given biometrics in the last 10 years for any Canadian application, you do not need to give them again. The biometric appointment typically takes 30 minutes.
12.Can I switch programmes or universities after arriving in Canada?
Yes, but with conditions. You can transfer between DLIs without changing your study permit, but you must inform IRCC of the change. If you switch from a PGWP-eligible programme to a non-eligible one, your future PGWP rights are affected. If you switch from a longer to a shorter programme, your PGWP duration may shrink. Switching programmes within the same DLI (e.g., from Engineering to Business at the same university) is generally fine. Always verify the impact on your study permit conditions before making changes.
13.Still have questions?
Every student's situation is slightly different. We file these visas and pathways every month from our Trivandrum and Kochi offices and can map your specific case in a 30-minute call.
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