Follow these 11 essential steps to begin your educational journey in Canada
Select a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) approved by the Canadian government. Choose a course that fits your academic background & career goals. Intakes: January, May, September (main).
Accepted tests: IELTS Academic (most preferred), PTE Academic (accepted by most colleges/universities), TOEFL iBT, Duolingo (some DLIs accept these). SDS Visa route requires IELTS 6.0 in all bands (minimum).
Apply through their official portal or via a trusted education agent. Required documents: Passport, Academic transcripts & certificates, English test result, SOP (Study Plan), CV (if there's a study gap).
Once accepted, you will get a Letter of Acceptance from the DLI. LOA must meet IRCC (Immigration Canada) standards for visa.
Most SDS visa applications require full 1-year tuition fee payment. Get a fee receipt – needed for visa application.
GIC is proof of living expenses in Canada. Minimum required (2025): CAD $20,635. Purchase GIC from approved Canadian banks like: Scotiabank, ICICI Bank Canada, RBC, CIBC. This money is returned to you in installments after arrival.
Mandatory for all Nepali students. Book online and attend medical exam. Cost: ~ NPR 10,000–12,000. Report is sent electronically to IRCC.
You have 2 options: SDS Route (Student Direct Stream): Fast processing (20 days), needs IELTS 6.0 each band + 1-year fees + GIC. Regular Route (Non-SDS): Slower, accepts wider range of students. Required documents: Passport, LOA, Tuition fee receipt, GIC certificate, IELTS scorecard, SOP, Medical exam proof, Digital photo.
Book and attend biometrics at VFS Global, Kathmandu. Required for all applicants. Cost: CAD $85.
SDS Processing Time: ~20 working days. Regular Route: 6–10 weeks. Visa result will be emailed via IRCC account.
Once approved, you'll receive: POE Letter (Port of Entry), Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA. Book your flight to Canada. Carry all key documents when you travel.
