Canada · Processing time
Canadian Study Permit: how long does it take?
By Sam Parks · Last checked:
Study permit processing varies widely by country; typical range 3–16 weeks. SDS applications generally faster.
How long does the Canadian Study Permit take to process in Canada?
The typical published decision window is 3 weeks – 4 months from a complete application. Study permit processing varies widely by country; typical range 3–16 weeks. SDS applications generally faster.
Verified against IRCC — Study permit processing times on 1 June 2026.
Typical wait
3 weeks – 4 months
from complete application
Government fees
CAD 150 study permit fee; CAD 85 biometrics.
Last checked
1 June 2026
Reality vs official timing
- Official clock
- Official window only
- Delay trigger
- After 112 days
- Source checked
- 1 June 2026
Use 3 weeks – 4 months as the published decision window; delays usually start after the upper end if the source has not issued a newer figure.
What is the Canadian Study Permit?
Study permit for international students at Designated Learning Institutions, governed by provincial study attestation caps.
Canadian study permits require acceptance at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) plus — since January 2024 — a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming the application counts toward the national study-permit cap.
- Sponsorship: You need a job offer or employer sponsor in Canada.
- Settlement: This route does not lead to permanent residence.
- Typical permit length: Programme length plus 90 days.
- Indicative government fees: CAD 150 study permit fee; CAD 85 biometrics.
How to read this estimate
The 3 weeks – 4 months window is the time IRCC — Study permit processing times typically associates with the Canadian Study Permit — measured from a complete, correctly-lodged application through to a decision, not from when you start gathering documents.
- Collecting documents, getting qualifications recognised, and booking consular appointments all happen before the clock starts.
- If the authority requests more information, the clock pauses until you reply — so a fast, complete response keeps your place in the queue.
- Processing times shift with application volumes and policy changes. The IRCC — Study permit processing times page linked below is the only figure that is current on the day you apply.
Official source
IRCC — Study permit processing times
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-quick.html
Cite or reuse this dataset
This figure is free to reuse under CC BY 4.0. Cite the Visa Atlas page for the compiled, dated dataset, and cite the official source for the underlying government rule.
Suggested citation
Visa Atlas, "Canadian Study Permit processing time dataset", https://visaatlas.org/processing-times/canada/study-permit-ca. Last verified 1 June 2026.
- JSON endpoint
- https://visaatlas.org/api/public/processing-times
Primary source (1)
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Canadian Study Permit take to process?+
The typical wait is 3 weeks – 4 months from submitting a complete application. Study permit processing varies widely by country; typical range 3–16 weeks. SDS applications generally faster. These figures come from IRCC — Study permit processing times and were last verified on 2026-06-01. Always confirm on the primary source before you apply.
When does the 3 weeks – 4 months clock start?+
The clock starts when IRCC — Study permit processing times receives a complete, valid application — not when you begin collecting documents. Gathering evidence, getting qualifications recognised, and booking consular appointments all happen before the window starts.
Is there a way to speed up the decision?+
Some Canada routes offer a priority or premium service for an additional fee. Check the linked primary source for current options — availability changes and varies by consular post.
What makes an application take longer than expected?+
The most common reasons for delays beyond the published window are: missing or incorrect documents, a request for more information (which pauses the clock until you reply), background or medical checks, and consular appointment backlogs in your country. Submitting a complete, well-organised application on day one is the single biggest thing you can do to stay inside the published window.
When should I treat my Canadian Study Permit application as delayed?+
Wait until you have passed the upper end of the published window (3 weeks – 4 months) before treating it as delayed. At that point, a single polite status enquiry through the official channel is reasonable. Do not chase repeatedly, as this tends to slow a case rather than speed it up.
Next steps
Reviewed by Sam Parks, Editor and lead researcher.