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Updated October 9, 2026
India to Canada: Relocation Checklist
Indians are Canada's largest source of international students and a major Express Entry group. Work through this interactive checklist, see the real 2026 IRCC costs, and know what to do in your first 30 days.
Typical government costs (2026)
CAD 150Study permit application
CAD 85Biometrics (per person)
CAD 23,448Proof of funds, 1 year living (from Sept 2026)
CAD 950Express Entry processing (per adult)
CAD 575Right of Permanent Residence Fee
~₹17,000IELTS test fee in India
Per the IRCC fee list. Proof-of-funds minimums rose to CAD 23,448 from September 1, 2026. Always confirm current fees on canada.ca before applying.
Typical timeline
Study permit: DLI acceptance and PAL (weeks), then 4 to 12 weeks processing. Express Entry: profile, invitation in a draw, then about 6 months. Start 8 to 12 months before your target move date; align study permits with September or January intakes.
Visa routes from India to Canada
The main routes are the study permit (DLI + PAL + proof of funds) and Express Entry permanent residence (CRS-ranked). The Student Direct Stream ended in November 2024; everyone uses the regular stream now. Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit (up to 3 years) is a major draw for Indian students, and the CEC stream rewards Canadian work experience.
Money: the real budget
A single student must show CAD 23,448 for a year's living (from September 1, 2026) plus first-year tuition and travel, with six months of statements and sources documented. Many Indian students use a GIC (around CAD 20,000+) from banks like ICICI Canada or SBI Canada as clean proof. Budget IELTS (~₹17,000), ECA, medicals and police clearance on top.
Documents that cause delays
IRCC verifies fund sources on every application now; education loans need sanction letters, family funds need gift deeds and the donor's statements. The PAL must precede the IRCC application. WES evaluations of Indian degrees take weeks, so start early. Keep names identical across passport, marksheets and bank accounts.
Arrival essentials
The SIN unlocks legal work; get it in week one. Provincial health cards have waiting periods, so keep travel insurance for the gap. Canada's Indian diaspora is huge: campus Indian student associations and community groups are the fastest way to find housing leads and part-time work.
Planning estimate only. Results use the list prices shown and may differ from your actual bill. Terms
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Canada study permit for Indians in 2026?
CAD 150 plus CAD 85 biometrics, per IRCC. You must also prove CAD 23,448 in living funds for one year (from September 1, 2026), plus tuition and travel.
What is a GIC and do I need one?
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate from a participating Canadian bank, bought from India, that releases funds monthly after arrival. It is not mandatory, but it is the cleanest proof of funds IRCC sees.
Can I work while studying?
Yes, up to 24 hours a week off-campus during sessions (since November 2024) and full time in breaks, with a valid study permit and SIN.
Which is better: study permit or Express Entry?
It depends on your profile. Young graduates with strong IELTS often do well in Express Entry directly; others study first, gain Canadian credentials and work experience, then transition through CEC or PNP streams.
Do I need the PAL?
Most study permit applicants do, including Indians. Your DLI issues it after you accept the offer; you cannot apply to IRCC without it.