Study Permit Visa Cost Calculator 2024
Study Permit visa costs in 2024: mandatory IRCC fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a Study Permit visa in 2024? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — IRCC filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory IRCC fees for the Study Permit
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Study Permit application in 2024.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study permit fee | CA$150 | — | Official ↗ |
| Biometrics fee | CA$85 | — | Official ↗ |
Source: IRCC Fee List. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
CA$650 – CA$2,600 in Toronto. Typical cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary.
Premium processing
Not available for this route.
Medical exam
CA$150 – CA$350 — Panel physician exam, cost varies by country and clinic.
Translation services
CA$40 – CA$150 — Certified translations of documents not in English/French.
How to apply for the Study Permit
- 1
Get accepted
By a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and receive a letter of acceptance.
- 2
Gather documents
Financial and identity documents; complete the study permit application online.
- 3
Pay fees and complete biometrics
Undergo a medical exam if required.
- 4
Await a decision
If approved, receive a port-of-entry letter and finalize the permit on arrival.
Typical processing time: Since the Student Direct Stream was discontinued in November 2024, all applications go through a single Regular Study Permit stream — published estimates range roughly 4–12 weeks depending on country, though real-world waits sometimes run longer.
Documents you'll need
- Letter of acceptance from a DLI
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, GIC, sponsor letters)
- Valid passport and photos
- Statement of purpose/study plan
- Language test results, if required by the institution
Common mistakes to avoid
- Insufficient or unclear proof of funds
- A weak or generic study plan that fails to justify choice of program and school
- Officer doubts about intent to leave Canada after studies
- Inconsistent information across forms and supporting documents
Sources: canada.ca — Study permit
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | CA$235 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | CA$885 – CA$2,835 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | CA$1,040 – CA$3,350 |
How to save money on your Study Permit
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut CA$650–CA$2,600.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the IRCC website so you never overpay a third party.
Study Permit cost FAQ (2024)
How much does a Study Permit visa cost in 2024?
The total estimated cost of a Study Permit visa in 2024 ranges from about C$885 to C$3,350, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Study Permit application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. IRCC publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a Study Permit visa?
Attorney fees typically add C$2,000–C$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a Study Permit visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a Study Permit visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the IRCC website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with IRCC before paying.
How often do IRCC fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a Study Permit visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
Get an instant total and download a free PDF report.