A lot of people confuse Canada Student Visa Fee with the total cost requirement to school in Canada. One thing you should know right now is that you may be able to afford to pay the application fees, but unable to pay the total fees required for you to successfully move to Canada and school there. They are completely different.

In this article, we provide a complete breakdown of Canada student visa fees, so you know exactly what to expect before you commence your application. If you are however interested in a comprehensive guide for schooling in Canada, check out this article on how to successfully apply for a Canada Student Visa.

What is a Canada Study Permit?

A study permit is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. It is not a visa. You may also need a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on your nationality, to enter Canada.

Let’s walk through the key fees involved in applying for a Canadian student visa:

1. Canada Student Visa Fee – Application

• Cost: CAD $150
• What it covers:
  This is the standard fee for processing your study permit application. It applies whether you apply online or via paper-based methods. This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if your application is refused.

2. Biometrics Fee

• Cost: CAD $85
• What it covers:
  This fee is required for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photo). Most applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must provide biometrics as part of their application. If you’re applying as a family (2 or more people), the maximum biometrics fee is CAD $170.

3. Visa Processing Service Fee (Optional – via VFS Global)

• Cost: Varies (Approximately CAD $40–$70 depending on your country)
• What it covers:
  If you are applying through a visa application center (VAC) such as VFS Global, you may pay an additional service fee. This covers courier services, application tracking, SMS alerts, and assistance with document submission.

4. Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA Fee

• Cost:
  • TRV (Visitor Visa): Included with study permit application
  • eTA: CAD $7
• What it covers:
  If you’re from a visa-required country, your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is issued along with your study permit at no additional cost. If you’re from an eTA-required country, you may be required to pay CAD $7 for electronic authorization.

Summary of Costs

Fee Type	Amount (CAD)
Study Permit Application Fee	$150
Biometrics Fee	$85
Visa Processing Service (VFS)	$40–$70 (if applicable)
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)	Included
eTA (if applicable)	$7
Estimated Total	$235–$312+

Additional Costs to Consider

While the fees above are the main visa-related charges, international students should also budget for:

• Medical exam fees (if required): CAD $100–$300
• Police certificates (if required)
• Translation and notarization of documents
• Courier or printing charges
• Travel expenses to attend biometrics appointment

Tips for Nigerian and African Students

If you’re applying from Nigeria or another African country, here are some useful pointers:

• Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your program.
• Use internationally accepted cards or bank transfers for payments.
• Book your biometrics appointment immediately after receiving your biometric instruction letter.
• Consider using VFS Global for a more guided application process.
• Be prepared for a medical exam if your program lasts longer than six months.

Conclusion

Getting your Canada study permit is a critical step in your study abroad journey. Understanding the breakdown of Canada Student Visa Fees ensures you’re financially prepared and can avoid delays.

While the total cost may vary slightly depending on your location and services used, the investment is well worth the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most student-friendly countries.

Need help with your visa application or checking your eligibility? Reach out to us to guide you through the process.