Planning to study in Canada? One of the most important steps is understanding the cost of obtaining a study visa. This guide explains the Canada study visa application fee, biometric fee, VFS charges, and other related expenses for Indian students, backed by official sources.
Canada Study Visa Fees Overview (As per IRCC)
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):
- Study permit application fee: CAD $150
- Biometric fee (single applicant): CAD $85
- Total mandatory fee: CAD $235 (Approx. ₹14,100 INR)
Information Source: IRCC – Fees
Visa Fees in Table Format
Component | Fee (CAD) | Fee (INR) (Approx.) |
Visa Application | 150 | ₹9,000 |
Biometrics | 85 | ₹5,100 |
Total | 235 | ₹14,100 |
Conversion based on 1 CAD ≈ ₹60 (exchange rates may vary).
Embassy and VFS Fees for Canada Study Visa
There are no separate embassy charges beyond what is paid to IRCC. However, Indian students applying through VFS Global incur additional service costs:
Service by VFS Global | Approx. Fee (INR) |
VFS Service Charge | ₹747 (incl. taxes) |
Biometric Collection Service | Included in CAD $85 |
Courier (optional) | ₹300–₹500 |
SMS Updates (optional) | ₹120 |
Information Source: VFS Global – Canada Visa Fees
How to Pay Canada Study Visa Fee from India?
Indian applicants can pay the visa fee via:
- IRCC online payment portal using international debit/credit cards
- VFS Global (in person or assisted online payments)
- Payments must be in CAD, so foreign exchange charges may apply
Official IRCC Portal: Pay Your Fees
Additional Costs Indian Students Must Budget
Apart from the official visa and biometric fees, these are essential costs for a study visa process:
Expense | Estimated INR Cost | Source |
Upfront GIC (CAD $10,000) | ₹6,00,000+ | Scotiabank GIC |
Medical Exam | ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 | IRCC Panel Physician |
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | Passport Seva Kendra |
Passport Courier (optional) | ₹300 – ₹500 | VFS Global |
Total Est. Expenses | ₹6.2 – ₹6.5 lakhs | Combined |
Quick Checklist for Visa Application
- IRCC Account & Online Form
- Fee Payment Receipt (Visa + Biometrics)
- Letter of Acceptance from Canadian Institution
- GIC Proof
- Medical and PCC Certificates
- VFS Appointment & Document Submission
Final Thoughts on Canada Study Visa Fees
Applying for a Canada study visa involves several layers of costs. While the official visa fees are CAD $235, other mandatory elements like GIC, medical, and VFS services push the total budget to over ₹6.5 lakhs.
Make sure to check the latest updates directly on:
- Canada.ca (IRCC)
- VFS Global Canada Visa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Is the biometric fee included in the visa fee?
No. It’s a separate charge of CAD $85 on top of the CAD $150 visa fee. (Source: IRCC)
Is the GIC refundable?
Yes. The CAD $10,000 GIC is refunded in installments after you arrive in Canada. (Source: Scotiabank, ICICI Canada)
Can I pay the visa fee in INR?
No. You must pay in CAD via authorized international payment options.