Dhiraj Kandel
Sr. Student AdvisorSchedule a free consultation with our expert counselors to discuss your study
Visa Requirements for Nepali Students to Study in Canada
Canada has become one of the most popular study destinations for Nepali students.
With world-class universities, affordable tuition compared to the US or UK, and opportunities to work while studying, thousands of students from Nepal choose Canada every year.
But before you can begin your academic journey, you need to secure a Canadian Study Permit (student visa).
Understanding the requirements, documents, and application process is very important to avoid delays or rejection.
This guide will explain everything Nepali students need to know about applying for a Canadian student visa.
Types of Student Visas for Canada
For Nepali students, the main option is the Canadian Study Permit. However, there are two pathways:
- Student Direct Stream (SDS)
- Faster processing (usually within 20 days)
- Requires upfront tuition payment and a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
- IELTS Academic with a minimum overall band score of 6.0 (no less than 6 in each skill)
- Non-SDS (Regular Study Permit Application)
- Longer processing time
- More flexible financial proof options
- Suitable if you cannot meet SDS requirements
Eligibility Requirements for Nepali Students
To apply for a study permit, you must:
- Have a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada
- Hold a valid passport.
- Show proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses.s
- Meet English or French language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores)
- Pass a medical examination (if studying for more than 6 months)
- Provide a police clearance certificate if required. ed
- Convince the visa officer that you will leave Canada after your studies (unless you get work or permanent residency later)
Required Documents for Canadian Student Visa (Nepali Applicants)
Here’s the checklist of documents you’ll need:
- Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian DLI
- Valid passport (must be valid for the duration of your study)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of funds (bank statements, GIC, sponsor letters, income sources)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE test scores)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your study plans and goals
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Immigration Medical Examination (IME) results
- Police Clearance Certificate (if required)
- Any additional documents requested by the Canadian visa office
Financial Requirements for Nepali Students
You must prove you can pay for:
- First-year tuition fees
- Living expenses: minimum CAD $10,000 per year (outside Quebec)
- Extra funds if bringing dependents (CAD $4,000 for spouse, CAD $3,000 per child)
For SDS applications:
- You must purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD $10,000 from a Canadian bank (such as Scotiabank, CIBC, or ICICI Canada).
- Pay at least the first year’s tuition fee in advance.
Application Process for Canadian Student Visa from Nepal
- Choose your program and apply to a Canadian DLI.
- Receive your Letter of Acceptance
- Take the IELTS Academic test (preferred for SDS)
- Gather all required documents.
- Arrange financial proof & purchase GIC (for SDS)
- Complete a medical examination with an approved panel physician.
- Create an account and apply online at the IRCC website.
- Pay the visa application and biometrics fee.
- Book your biometrics appointment at the Visa Application Centre in Kathmandu.
- Wait for your visa decision and prepare for travel.
Biometrics and Medical Requirements
- Biometrics:
Nepali students must give fingerprints and a photo at the Canada Visa Application Centre in Kathmandu. - Medical Examination:
You must complete a medical exam from a panel physician approved by IRCC before your visa decision.
Results are sent directly to the visa office.
Processing Time and Fees
- Study Permit Fee: CAD $150 (approx. NPR 15,000)
- Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 (approx. NPR 8,500)
- Processing Time:
- SDS: Around 20–30 days
- Non-SDS: 6–12 weeks (varies by season)
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
- Insufficient or unclear proof of funds
- Weak or vague Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Low IELTS/TOEFL scores
- Doubts about genuine study intentions
- Missing or incorrect documents
Tips for a Successful Visa Application
- Apply through SDS for faster approval and a higher success rate.
- Ensure all financial documents are genuine and clear.
- Write a strong and genuine SOP explaining your study and career goals.
- Apply well in advance to avoid delays..
- Double-check all documents before submitting.
After Visa Approval – Next Steps
- Book your flight to Canada.
- Prepare essential documents: Passport, Letter of Introduction, Study Permit approval, financial proof, and DLI acceptance letter.
- Understand your study permit conditions:
- Allowed to work 20 hours per week during classes and full-time during breaks
- Must remain enrolled in your DLI
- Must renew the permit if your program extends
Studying in Canada can open doors to world-class education, global exposure, and career opportunities.
But the first step is to secure your Canadian Study Permit.
By preparing your documents carefully, meeting financial requirements, and applying under the right stream, you can greatly improve your chances of success.
At Goreto Education Consultancy, we have guided thousands of Nepali students in their Canadian study journey.
If you need personalized guidance for choosing universities, preparing documents, or applying for your visa, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. International students from Nepal are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks (such as summer or winter holidays).
This helps students cover part of their living expenses while also gaining Canadian work experience, which can be valuable after graduation.
For the Student Direct Stream (SDS) category, Nepali students must achieve at least an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no individual skill (listening, reading, writing, speaking) scoring below 6.
Meeting this requirement improves the chances of faster visa processing and approval.
- SDS Category: Usually 3–6 weeks if all documents are complete and requirements are met.
- Non-SDS Category: Processing can take 2–3 months on average.
Delays may occur if additional documents are requested, so applying well before your intake is best.
Yes. You can bring your spouse and dependent children while studying in Canada.
However, you must provide additional proof of funds to show that you can financially support them.
Spouses may also be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work full-time while you study.
If your visa is refused, you can reapply after carefully addressing the reasons for refusal.
Strengthening your Statement of Purpose (SOP), providing better financial documentation, and ensuring your academic background matches your chosen program can significantly improve your chances of approval the next time.
Consulting with an experienced education consultancy can also help in preparing a stronger application.
