# Canada Study Visa Nepali 2026: Admission, Cost, SOP

> Complete 2026 guide to the Canada study visa for Nepali passport holders — documents, fees, processing time, embassy contact in Kathmandu.

_Published: 2026-05-17 · Updated: 2026-05-18 · Reading time: 11 min · Words: 2557_

## TL;DR

Nepali passport holders travelling to Canada on a study purpose typically apply for the Study Permit — IMM 1294 (Programme length + 90 days post-completion grace.). Processing runs 8–14 weeks for Nepal (PGP-Standard); SDS (Student Direct Stream) NOT currently available for Nepal — file via the regular study permit stream. IRCC Secure Account -> IMM 1294 + IMM 5645 + medical exam -> upload Letter of Acceptance + PAL/TAL + financial docs -> pay CAD 150 study permit fee + CAD 85 biometrics fee -> biometrics at VFS Kathmandu -> decision. Yatra concierge handles document review, appointment booking, and PNR-backed dummy tickets where needed.

## Key takeaways

- Visa class for Nepali study travel to Canada: Study Permit — IMM 1294 (Programme length + 90 days post-completion grace.).
- Processing time: 8–14 weeks for Nepal (PGP-Standard); SDS (Student Direct Stream) NOT currently available for Nepal — file via the regular study permit stream.. Apply with at least a 1-2 week buffer beyond this window.
- Fees vary by visa class — confirm the current bracket on the embassy portal before submission.
- Embassy contact: High Commission of Canada — New Delhi (consular jurisdiction over Nepal) — 7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India.
- Yatra concierge: document review + appointment booking + PNR-backed dummy tickets (NPR 999) accepted by most embassies as proof of onward travel.

**For a Canada study visa from Nepal, the application file must include a passport with the required validity, photographs to embassy spec, the completed application form, financial proof (3-6 months of bank statements), confirmed flight + hotel bookings, and a study-purpose letter. The visa class is <strong>Study Permit — IMM 1294</strong> (valid up to <strong>Programme length + 90 days post-completion grace.</strong>). Processing typically takes <strong>8–14 weeks for Nepal (PGP-Standard); SDS (Student Direct Stream) NOT currently available for Nepal — file via the regular study permit stream.</strong>. Embassy reviewers reject roughly 30% of files for documentation gaps that a pre-submission review would have caught.**

## Article

### Document checklist and eligibility for the Canada study visa
Embassy reviewers in Kathmandu check five things in order on every Nepali file:

- Passport with the required validity remaining beyond return and at least 2 blank pages.
- Identity proof — Nepali citizenship card or NID copy with the application form.
- Financial proof — 3-6 months of bank statements (original, signed and stamped on every page), tax returns where applicable, salary slips.
- Travel intent — flight bookings (Yatra dummy ticket NPR 999 if you don't want to commit yet) and hotel reservations covering the full stay.
- Study purpose proof — admission letter and tuition receipts from the institution.
The application is rejected if any one line is missing or unsigned — there is no partial credit.

### Quick facts

Visa typeStudy Permit — IMM 1294Stay durationProgramme length + 90 days post-completion grace.ValidityTied to study permit duration; multi-entry visa attached.EntriesMultiple.Processing time8–14 weeks for Nepal (PGP-Standard); SDS (Student Direct Stream) NOT currently available for Nepal — file via the regular study permit stream.Financial requirementFrom 1 January 2024: cost-of-living proof of CAD 20,635 / year per applicant (≈ NPR 22 lakh) PLUS first-year tuition PAID OR HELD as Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) at a Canadian bank. Add CAD 4,000+ per accompanying spouse and CAD 3,000 per accompanying child.Embassy / centreVFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre — KathmanduAddress (Kathmandu)Tridevi Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu (next to Garden of Dreams). Mon–Fri 08:30–15:00 submission, 15:00–16:00 collection. Biometrics + passport drop-off only — visa applications must be filed online via the IRCC Secure Account first. Book appointment at visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/can.HoursMon–Thu 08:00–16:30, Fri 08:00–13:30 (consular by appointment only). Visa decisions issued by IRCC officers, not the mission.Online portalhttps://ircc.canada.ca/english/e-services/account.asp (IRCC Secure Account — file Application for Temporary Resident Visa IMM 5257) · https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/visitor-visa.html · https://visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/can (VFS Canada Nepal — biometrics + collection)Last verified2026-04-26

### Important notes for Nepali applicants

- Every Nepali-language document MUST be accompanied by a notary-certified English translation — embassies will reject untranslated originals. Use a Nepal Bar Council–registered translator and have each translation notarised by a Notary Public.

- Income proof for Canadian visas: ANY ONE of the four Nepal-side income bundles is sufficient (Business OR Salary OR Pension OR Rental) — pick the bundle matching your active income source. IRCC officers focus on demonstrating settled financial life and intent to return.

- Nepali ordinary passport holders MUST apply for a Canadian visa — Nepal is NOT eTA-eligible. Visa is mandatory even for short tourist trips and airside transit longer than 48 hours.

- Default grant on a successful Visitor Visa (TRV / IMM 1442) is multiple-entry, validity until passport expiry or 10 years (whichever comes first), with up to 6-month stays per visit. Single-entry grants are unusual and usually tied to specific event-based travel.

- Biometrics (fingerprints + photo) are MANDATORY for all first-time Canadian visa applicants aged 14–79 from Nepal. Once collected, biometrics are valid 10 years across all Canadian visa applications — no re-collection needed in that window.

- Dual intent is permitted: applicants can simultaneously hold a temporary visa application and a permanent residence application (Express Entry / PNP / family sponsorship) without prejudice.

### Documents required for the Canada study visa

The embassy reviewer in Kathmandu checks the file in this order. Prepare each item to the specification before booking the appointment — the application is non-refundable on rejection.

DocumentRequiredNotesPassport, photo, IMM 1294, IMM 5645YesLetter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLIYesMust show institution DLI number, programme, start date, tuition for first year.Provincial / Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL / TAL)YesRequired since 22 January 2024 for most undergraduate / college applicants. Issued by the destination province / territory; cap is allocated per institution.Proof of first-year tuition payment OR Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,635YesGIC purchased from Scotiabank, ICICI Bank Canada, CIBC, or another approved Canadian bank. Receipt + GIC certificate must be submitted.Academic transcripts + Diplomas / Degrees (notarised English translations)YesSLC / SEE, +2, Bachelor's — every level completed; attested by Tribhuvan University / Kathmandu University + MoFA.IELTS Academic 6.0+ overall (no band &lt; 5.5) OR TOEFL iBT 80+ OR PTE Academic 60+YesSome programmes require higher: IELTS 6.5 for many universities, 7.0 for nursing.Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Study PlanYesWhy this programme, why this institution, why Canada, why now, ties to Nepal, post-study plan (return or PR pathway).Upfront Medical Exam (UME) at IRCC Panel Physician — Norvic / CIWEC / B&amp;BYesMandatory for study permits &gt; 6 months; chest X-ray + blood + urine. eMedical referral generated by IRCC portal.Nepal Police Clearance (MoFA-attested)RecommendedRequired if requested by IRCC officer; recommended for all 18+ applicants.ANY ONE income bundle for sponsor / parent — Business / Salary / Pension / Rental (only one needed)YesFunds the GIC / tuition. The sponsor's income bundle establishes that the source of education funding is legitimate.Income Details &amp; Supporting Documents (For Visa Application)YesImportant Notes: (1) All documents issued in Nepali language must be translated into English and notarised (certified by a notary public). (2) The applicant is required to provide documents for any ONE source of income only from the categories listed below.1. Business IncomeRecommendedApplicants involved in business must submit the following:PAN CertificateYesPermanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).Business Registration CertificateYesSubmit ONE of: (a) Company Registrar Certificate (for private/public limited companies), (b) Cottage / Small Industry (Gharelu) Registration, OR (c) Municipality / Ward (Wada) Registration Certificate.Additional Registration Certificates (if applicable)RecommendedSector-specific endorsements: (a) Tourism Board Registration for travel-related businesses, (b) Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Registration for financial institutions, (c) Contractor License from Municipality / Ward Office.Latest Audit ReportYesSigned by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.Tax Clearance CertificateYesIssued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the latest fiscal year.2. Salary-Based IncomeRecommendedApplicants who are employed must provide:Salary Certificate / Salary LetterYesOn employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.Leave Approval LetterYesConfirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employerYesConfirming the employer has no objection to the trip and the applicant will return to duty after the leave window.Tax Clearance Certificate from IRD OR Tax Submission Letter from employer with tax statementsYesEither personal tax clearance from the Inland Revenue Department for the latest year, OR an employer letter confirming TDS deduction + remittance with attached employee tax statement.3. Pension IncomeRecommendedApplicants receiving pension must submit:Pension Certificate (Pension Patta)YesOriginal Nijamati / armed-forces pension book issued by the Pension Management Office, plus copies of all entries.Company ID Card (if available)RecommendedPhotocopy of the former government / public-sector service ID card (front + back).Recent Pension Bank StatementYesLast 3–6 months of pension-account transactions showing regular monthly pension credits — original, signed and stamped on every page.Pension Receiving Confirmation Letter from BankYesOn bank letterhead, confirming the applicant's pension account, monthly credit amount, and account holder details.4. Rental IncomeRecommendedApplicants earning rental income must provide:Land Ownership CertificateYesOriginal + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.Building Completion CertificateYesIssued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.Land and Building Tax Payment CertificateYesLatest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

### How to apply for the Canada study visa from Nepal

IRCC Secure Account -&gt; IMM 1294 + IMM 5645 + medical exam -&gt; upload Letter of Acceptance + PAL/TAL + financial docs -&gt; pay CAD 150 study permit fee + CAD 85 biometrics fee -&gt; biometrics at VFS Kathmandu -&gt; decision.

- Check eligibility against the criteria above and confirm the visa class is correct for your travel purpose.

- Prepare the document file per the table above. Use a Nepal Bar Council-registered translator + notary for any Nepali-language original (employer letter, property docs, citizenship copy back-translation).

- Book the appointment at https://ircc.canada.ca/english/e-services/account.asp (IRCC Secure Account — file Application for Temporary Resident Visa IMM 5257) · https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/visitor-visa.html · https://visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/can (VFS Canada Nepal — biometrics + collection) — slots fill quickly during peak windows.

- Submit in person at VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu (Tridevi Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu (next to Garden of Dreams). Mon–Fri 08:30–15:00 submission, 15:00–16:00 collection. Biometrics + passport drop-off only — visa applications must be filed online via the IRCC Secure Account first. Book appointment at visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/can.). Arrive 15 minutes early.

- Pay the fee (IRCC fees paid online by Visa / MasterCard / AmEx during application submission. VFS service charge + biometrics fee paid in cash NPR at the VAC counter (Tridevi Marg) at appointment time.).

- Provide biometrics if requested (mandatory for sticker classes; e-visa classes typically do not require them).

- Track and collect — most embassies provide a tracking reference. E-visas arrive by email; sticker visas return by courier or in-person collection.

### What Yatra handles for Canada study visa applications

- Document checklist tailored to the study purpose — exactly what the Canada embassy requires for Nepali files in this class.

- Pre-submission review — we catch the documentation-gap rejections (wrong photo spec, missing translation, weak cover letter) before the file enters the queue.

- Appointment booking at VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu in Kathmandu.

- PNR-backed dummy tickets at NPR 999 — accepted by most embassies as proof of onward travel so you can apply before paying for non-refundable flights. Available at yatraforfun.com/dummy-ticket.

- Re-application support — if rejected, the Yatra service fee is waived on the second submission (you re-pay the embassy fee, which is non-refundable on either attempt).

### Common mistakes Nepali applicants make on the Canada study visa

The five mistakes below account for the majority of preventable rejections we see on Nepal-CA files. None of them are about the embassy being difficult — every one is fixable with a 30-minute pre-submission review.

- Photograph not to the embassy specification. Most Canada missions reject photos that fall outside the exact dimensions (typically 35x45mm or 51x51mm), have a non-white background, show ears partially covered, or were taken more than 6 months ago. Use a photo studio in Kathmandu (Bagbazar / Putalisadak / Naxal) that knows the Canada embassy spec — pay the extra NPR 200 for a fresh, compliant set rather than reusing an old printout.

- Bank balance pumped up the week before submission. Embassy reviewers read the 6-month statement, not the closing balance. A sudden NPR 5,00,000 deposit two weeks before submission with no salary or business inflow history flags as manufactured. Maintain a steady balance in line with declared income; if the funds are genuinely sponsored, attach the sponsor's 6-month statement and an undertaking letter rather than depositing into your own account.

- Untranslated Nepali documents. Every Nepali-language document submitted to a Canada mission must be accompanied by a notary-certified English translation — citizenship card, employer letter on Nepali letterhead, lalpurja (land deed), municipality registration, audit reports. Use a Nepal Bar Council-registered translator and have each translation notarised by a Notary Public; embassies routinely return files with raw Nepali originals.

- Cover letter that contradicts the booking dates. If the cover letter says you are travelling 12-25 Oct but the flight booking shows 14-22 Oct, the file gets returned for clarification. Re-read the cover letter against every attached booking before submission — dates, accommodation address, sponsor name, and total stay must match across all documents.

- Hotel booking that allows free cancellation but no payment proof. Canada embassies increasingly recognise the "book a refundable hotel just for the visa, cancel after approval" pattern. A confirmation showing prepayment (or at minimum a non-zero deposit) carries far more weight than a free-cancellation booking. If you genuinely need flexibility, attach the booking plus a covering note explaining your itinerary contingencies — silence reads as deception.

### After approval — the pre-departure checklist for Canada

Visa in passport is not the end of the work. Carry the following on the day of travel — Nepali passport holders are routinely secondary-screened at the entry port for Canada, and producing the right paperwork at immigration shortens the inspection from 30 minutes to 3.

- Printed visa or e-visa PDF — never rely solely on the digital copy on your phone. Carry one printed copy in your hand baggage and a backup in checked baggage.

- Confirmed return ticket in your name — Canada immigration may ask to see the onward flight at arrival, especially for tourist and visit classes.

- Hotel confirmation for the first 3 nights minimum, with the address printed in the local language where applicable. Immigration officers ask "where are you staying" and a vague answer triggers secondary screening.

- Travel insurance certificate — increasingly mandatory at the entry port even when the visa was approved without it.

- Cash in destination currency equivalent to at least USD 100/day for the first 3 days — immigration occasionally asks "show me funds" and a card or e-wallet does not always satisfy.

- Yatra concierge contact — if you booked through Yatra, save our 24/7 number (+977 970-9066517) for any visa or entry-port issue. We have helped Nepali travellers re-enter Canada after secondary-screening flags more than 200 times in the last two years.

### Canada embassy and visa centre contact in Kathmandu

High Commission of Canada — New Delhi (consular jurisdiction over Nepal)7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India
Phone+91 11 4178 2000
Emaildelhi@international.gc.ca
HoursMon–Thu 08:00–16:30, Fri 08:00–13:30 (consular by appointment only). Visa decisions issued by IRCC officers, not the mission.
Websitehttps://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/india-inde
VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre — KathmanduTridevi Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu (next to Garden of Dreams). Mon–Fri 08:30–15:00 submission, 15:00–16:00 collection. Biometrics + passport drop-off only — visa applications must be filed online via the IRCC Secure Account first. Book appointment at visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/can.

### Related Yatra resources

- Canada visa overview for Nepali citizens — embassy contact + concierge page.

- Visa eligibility checker — answer 4 questions; we tell you which class fits.

- PNR-backed dummy tickets (NPR 999) — accepted by most embassies as proof of onward travel.

- PNR-backed hotel bookings — refundable confirmations for visa submission.

- Yatra visa concierge — all 60+ destinations for Nepali citizens.

- All Yatra visa &amp; travel guides — country, type, and process-specific articles.

- Same Canada visa, different angle: scholarship process

- Hungary study visa — sibling country guide for comparison.

- Belarus study visa — another sibling Nepali-passport guide.

- Flight bookings to Canada — once your visa lands, book direct.

- Hotel deals in Canada — Yatra-verified rates with free cancellation.

- About Yatra For Fun — Founder Sandeep Kumar Chaudhary Chaudhary, 10+ years processing Nepali visas.

### Sources and freshness

This guide is curated from the official High Commission of Canada — New Delhi (consular jurisdiction over Nepal) portal and VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu. Embassy data was last verified on 2026-04-26 and this post was last refreshed on 2026-05-12. Visa fees and processing times shift one to two times a year — re-check the embassy portal four weeks before travel.

## FAQ

### Do Nepali citizens need a visa for study travel to Canada?

Yes. Nepali passport holders travelling to Canada on a study purpose apply for the <strong>Study Permit — IMM 1294</strong>, valid for Programme length + 90 days post-completion grace.. Submit through VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu in Kathmandu.

### How long does the Canada Study Permit — IMM 1294 take to process for Nepali applicants?

Processing typically runs <strong>8–14 weeks for Nepal (PGP-Standard); SDS (Student Direct Stream) NOT currently available for Nepal — file via the regular study permit stream.</strong> after biometric submission. Apply 4-6 weeks before travel for sticker visas and 1 week for e-visas to absorb embassy backlog.

### What is the fee for the Canada Study Permit — IMM 1294?

Embassy fees vary by visa class and are revised once or twice a year. Confirm the current bracket on https://ircc.canada.ca/english/e-services/account.asp (IRCC Secure Account — file Application for Temporary Resident Visa IMM 5257) · https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/visitor-visa.html · https://visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/can (VFS Canada Nepal — biometrics + collection) before submission.

### What documents are required for a Canada study visa from Nepal?

Core documents: Passport, photo, IMM 1294, IMM 5645, Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI, Provincial / Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL / TAL), Proof of first-year tuition payment OR Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,635, Academic transcripts + Diplomas / Degrees (notarised English translations). Specifics vary by visa subtype — see the full checklist on this page.

### Can Yatra help with my Canada study visa application?

Yes. Yatra's visa concierge handles the document checklist, appointment booking at the Canada embassy or visa centre in Kathmandu, pre-submission review (catches the documentation-gap rejections), and PNR-backed dummy tickets at NPR 999 where embassies require proof of onward travel before flight purchase. Service fee is disclosed up front; the second-attempt service fee is waived on rejection.

### Where is the Canada embassy or visa application centre in Nepal?

Application centre: <strong>VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu</strong> at Tridevi Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu (next to Garden of Dreams). Mon–Fri 08:30–15:00 submission, 15:00–16:00 collection. Biometrics + passport drop-off only — visa applications must be filed online via the IRCC Secure Account first. Book appointment at visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/can.. Embassy: High Commission of Canada — New Delhi (consular jurisdiction over Nepal), 7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India. Hours: Mon–Thu 08:00–16:30, Fri 08:00–13:30 (consular by appointment only). Visa decisions issued by IRCC officers, not the mission..

### Is the Canada study visa easy to get for Nepali applicants?

Approval rates depend on the visa class and your documentation. Study Permit — IMM 1294 for Nepali applicants is approved consistently when the file shows clean financials, ties to Nepal, and a purpose-specific cover letter. The 30%-or-so rejection rate clusters around documentation gaps that a pre-submission review fixes — Yatra's visa concierge runs that review as part of the standard service.

### When is the best time to apply for a Canada study visa from Nepal?

Apply 4-6 weeks before travel for sticker visas and at least 1 week for e-visas. Avoid the embassy peak windows: May-August for Schengen-class missions, December for Saudi/UAE, and the destination's own school-holiday peaks. Yatra concierge tracks Kathmandu appointment availability across VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu daily.

### What bank balance is required for the Canada study visa for Nepali citizens?

Embassy reviewers look for a visible balance of at least <strong>trip cost × 1.5</strong> across the last 3-6 months of statements — not a lump-sum deposit a week before submission. For a 10-day European trip costing roughly NPR 3,00,000, that's NPR 4,50,000+ available consistently. Sponsor-supported applicants should attach the sponsor's 6-month statement plus an undertaking letter rather than depositing into their own account.

### What happens after the Canada study visa is approved?

Carry a printed visa or e-visa PDF, confirmed return ticket, hotel confirmation for the first 3 nights, travel insurance certificate, and USD 100/day cash equivalent in destination currency. Canada immigration commonly secondary-screens Nepali passport holders at arrival; producing the right paperwork shortens inspection from 30 minutes to 3. Save Yatra's 24/7 concierge number (+977 970-9066517) for entry-port issues.

## Sources

1. [Yatra — Canada visa for Nepali citizens](https://yatraforfun.com/visa/canada)
2. [High Commission of Canada — New Delhi (consular jurisdiction over Nepal) — official site](https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/india-inde)
3. [Canada visa application portal](https://ircc.canada.ca/english/e-services/account.asp (IRCC Secure Account — file Application for Temporary Resident Visa IMM 5257) · https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/visitor-visa.html · https://visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/can (VFS Canada Nepal — biometrics + collection))
4. [Embassy reference: www.canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html — IRCC Visit Canada main page)
5. [Embassy reference: www.canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/visitor-visa.html — IRCC TRV (Visitor Visa) detailed guide)
6. [Embassy reference: www.canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/parent-grandparent-super-visa.html — IRCC Super Visa for parents and grandparents)