The process at a glance

Students from India follow the same core steps as everyone else, in this order:

  1. Get accepted by a BC school and receive your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if you need one.
  2. Prepare proof of funds — $23,448 for living costs plus first-year tuition and travel.
  3. Book your upfront medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician.
  4. Apply online, then give biometrics at a VFS Global centre when IRCC asks.

The Student Direct Stream has ended

Many agents still mention the Student Direct Stream (SDS). IRCC ended the SDS in November 2024, so all students now apply through the regular study permit process. A GIC is no longer required, but it’s still a clear way to show funds — see the GIC comparison.

Without SDS, a complete, well-organized application matters more:

  • a clear study plan explaining why this program, this school and BC
  • funding documents that show where the money came from
  • consistent names and dates across your passport, PAL and offer letter

Medical exam

India is on IRCC’s list of countries that require an immigration medical exam (IME) for anyone staying in Canada more than six months. Book it with an IRCC-approved panel physician — many applicants do this before applying so the results are ready.

Biometrics

You’ll give fingerprints and a photo at a VFS Global visa application centre. There are centres in many Indian cities; book as soon as you receive IRCC’s biometrics instruction letter.

Sending money from India

Two rules affect parents paying tuition and living costs:

  • LRS limit: under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, an individual can send up to USD 250,000 abroad each financial year.
  • TCS (tax collected at source): education remittances have no TCS up to ₹10 lakh in a financial year. Above that, self-funded education transfers attract 2% TCS under the Budget 2026 rules, while transfers funded entirely by an education loan from a recognised financial institution attract 0%.

TCS isn’t an extra cost in the long run — it can be claimed against your income tax — but it affects cash flow. Confirm the current rate with your bank before a large transfer.

After you arrive

Hindi and Punjabi readers can switch this site’s language using the globe icon at the top of any page. For your first weeks, see the arrival checklist.