A clear, step-by-step guide to the Study Permit and Visitor Visa (TRV) process — covering PAL/TAL, costs, proof of funds and the IRCC application steps.
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A Canada Study Permit is a crucial document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows South African students to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.
You must have an acceptance letter from a DLI to apply for a study permit. We help you verify your institution's status.
Most students need a PAL or TAL from the province or territory they plan to study, confirming their allocation within the national cap.
Your path to studying in Canada, simplified into actionable steps for South African students.
Secure a formal Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from your chosen Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Request and receive your Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter, required for most undergraduate and college programs.
Submit your complete application online through the IRCC portal, including biometrics scheduling and fee payment.
Everything South African students need to gather and budget for before submitting their application.
From a recognized DLI
Tuition + living expenses
PAL/TAL document
Valid travel document
CAD $150
Standard study permit application fee.
CAD $85
Required for most applicants.
A Temporary Resident Visa for South African applicants visiting Canada for tourism, family visits, or short business trips.
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly known as a visitor visa, is an official document issued by a Canadian visa office that is placed in your passport to show that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident.
It is required for foreign nationals who wish to visit Canada for tourism, to visit family and friends, or for short-term business activities. Our experts ensure your application demonstrates strong ties to your home country and clear intent to return.
A streamlined path South African applicants follow from initial consultation to boarding their flight.
Compile necessary identification, financial proof, and travel history.
Submit your finalized application securely via the official portal.
Attend your appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
Receive your passport back with the final visa decision.
Bank statements, employment letters, or sponsor documents you can readily provide if asked.
A detailed travel itinerary, invitation letter, or evidence of a planned business event.
A valid passport with at least six months validity and existing visas preceding your intended stay.
Standard fees charged by IRCC for a Temporary Resident Visa.
Per person, standard processing fee.
Per person, for fingerprinting and photograph.
Answers to what South African applicants ask us most about the Study Permit and Visitor Visa process.
A Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirms your place within that province or territory's allocation under Canada's national study permit cap. Most college and undergraduate applicants need one alongside their Letter of Acceptance before they can apply — we'll confirm whether your programme requires it.
It depends on the route. Study Permit applicants need a Letter of Acceptance from a DLI, a PAL/TAL where required, proof of funds and a valid passport. Visitor (TRV) applicants need a valid passport, proof of funds, and evidence of their travel purpose and ties to South Africa. We review your full document set before you submit.
Yes. IRCC accepts sponsor funding provided you can clearly show the relationship and the sponsor's financial capacity, usually through bank statements, employment letters, or a notarised letter of support. We'll help you organise this evidence in the format IRCC expects.
Most Study Permit and Temporary Resident Visa applicants need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) at a Visa Application Centre as part of the process. We'll confirm this requirement for your specific application and help you book the appointment.
IRCC publishes current processing time estimates on its official website, broken down by application type and country of application. Times change regularly, so we check the latest guidance with you rather than relying on a fixed figure.
A letter of explanation should clearly set out your purpose for travelling or studying, your ties to South Africa, and your plans after your visit or studies end. It should be honest and specific to your circumstances — we help you structure it so it answers what the visa officer needs to see.
A refusal letter will state the specific reason IRCC was not satisfied. We'll review it with you, strengthen the evidence or explanation that fell short, and help you prepare a more complete reapplication.
