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How Long Does it Take to Get a Canada Student Permit?

By Ella Bergquist August 10, 2021 (Updated December 14, 2022) 1 min. read
Canada study permit processing time

Canada is accepting and processing Canada Student Visa applications, however, there may be some delays due to COVID-19.

Canada is one of the most popular places to immigrate to so it is no surprise that they receive thousands of international student visa applications every year! Studying in Canada offers many great opportunities including the opportunity to stay in Canada once they graduate, amazing higher education, greater quality of living, and job opportunities. The processing time for Canadian study permits can vary from case to case depending on several factors.

Average Canadian Study Permit Processing Time

On average, Canadian study permits are typically processed between 9-11 weeks. The processing time starts the day that the IRCC receives your complete application and ends when they make a decision.

Processing times will vary based on:

Inside vs Outside Canada Student Visa Processing Time

There are two types of study permits: Inside and Outside. To qualify for the inside study permits, you must be applying within Canada as a temporary resident (visitor or student). The outside study permit applies to those applying for a study permit outside of Canada.

Applying from inside Canada will average 11 weeks for your application to be approved.

Applying from outside of Canada will average 9 weeks for your study application to be approved.

Top Questions About Study Permit Processing Times

How Long Will It Take to Process My Study Visa Application

Whether you’re looking to apply outside or inside of Canada it should take about 9-11 weeks for your student visa application to be processed.

Is Canada Still Processing Study Permit Applications?

Yes! Canada is still accepting study permit applications. We recommend booking a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant to determine which route is best for you.

What If My Canada Student Visa Gets Denied?

If you’ve received a denial letter for your student visa application you can appeal the government’s decision. Learn more about the Student Visa Denial Process.

How Can I Get a Study Permit Fast in Canada?

Speak with an immigration consultant who can find the fastest and most efficient way for you to get a student permit. They can ensure there are no mistakes in your application.

Walter J. Avatar

Walter J.

I was frustrated after talking to several different immigration firms. Many just didn’t seem honest or upfront. However, a friend recommended VisaPlace to me, and I am glad they did. I worked with a lady and she was very knowledgeable and explained the process to me. She was so essential for the immigration process. I would definitely go back to her if i needed any further support.

Marco Tame Avatar

Marco Tame

I’d like to be clear that I’m somewhat of a skeptic, especially when it comes to investing time and money into a new venture. I’m originally from the UK but I made the decision to migrate to Canada after meeting my girlfriend online six months ago. I know the process is going to take time, but I wanted legal counsel to make sure I approach the process in the most efficient way possible – I HATE wasting time. My consultation over the phone was informative and eased some of my initial concerns about potential hiccups. The lawyer I worked with was good about getting back to me, although occasionally she couldn’t be reached due to being in court – that was fine, she typically followed up relatively quickly. I’m now well within the process of immigrating and I have appreciated having the legal support.

Michael Her Avatar

Michael Her

It was pretty easy to make an appointment with visaplace. I have seen some people complain about the pricing, which is odd because in comparison to other firms, their rates are relatively fair. They were also honest and upfront with the complexities of my case and gave me the option to decide whether or not I wanted to move forward. I did end up moving forward and things have been going according to what we discussed. I am relieved to know there are honest professionals out there who won’t over-promise you things they can’t deliver.

Michael Her Avatar

Michael Her

It was pretty easy to make an appointment with visaplace. I have seen some people complain about the pricing, which is odd because in comparison to other firms, their rates are relatively fair. They were also honest and upfront with the complexities of my case and gave me the option to decide whether or not I wanted to move forward. I did end up moving forward and things have been going according to what we discussed. I am relieved to know there are honest professionals out there who won’t over-promise you things they can’t deliver.

Morgan Whitaker Avatar

Morgan Whitaker

I had a bad experience with a previous firm so I was hesitant to reach out to another to get my wife into the country. But, I needed guidance. After a consultation with VisaPlace, I was put at ease. The process was smooth and they were usually quick to respond. If they couldn’t respond to me that day, they always followed up with me, which I appreciate.

Joan Whittington Avatar

Joan Whittington

UPDATE: I am choosing to update and not remove my original post so others will see that they do seem to care about the success of their clients cases.
After posting my initial review I was contacted by a senior consultant that took ownership of the lack of progress on my case on their end. I am updating because they are trying to make a difference and I have now been assigned a team that contacted me in one business day and gave me all of the paperwork I need to get started on for processing. At this point I am very satisfied and am hopeful my case gets resolved in a timely fashion and in a professional manner.

Initial Post: I had an appointment 2+ weeks ago and spoke with someone that was supposed to send a follow up email but have yet to hear back from her. She wanted to get my credit card info for payment but I had to wait for it to clear another payment. They are very irresponsible and not professional. Would not recommend.

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Gregory Larocque

I had a fantastic experience with Brenda! I was very anxious about my status for an upcoming trip to the U.S and Brenda managed to really ease my nerves. She gave exceptional customer service and she made my day. I truly had an incredible experience. I would recommend Brenda to anyone and everyone!