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Since 1 September 2026 a single student needs CAD 23,448 for living costs plus first-year tuition, which is about LKR 5.47 million before tuition. The Colombo visa office also asks for 4 months of bank statements and a one-page study plan that answers its own list of questions.
Written by NextMovePath editorial teamLast updated:
| IRCC processing time from Sri Lanka | 4 weeks (Study permit (applying from outside Canada))IRCC's current estimate, as of September 28, 2026. Source: IRCC processing times |
|---|---|
| Living funds (single student, outside Quebec) | CAD 23,448 per year plus tuition and travel (about LKR 5.47 million)Source: IRCC: Study permit, proof of financial support |
| Bank statements the visa office asks for | Bank statements or bank book covering the past 4 monthsSource: IRCC: Colombo visa office instructions, study permit (IMM 5934) |
| Study plan | One page, including why you are not taking a similar program in Sri LankaSource: IRCC: Colombo visa office instructions, study permit (IMM 5934) |
| Out of school 2 years or more | Add your CV (resume)Source: IRCC: Colombo visa office instructions, study permit (IMM 5934) |
| Government fees | CAD 150 study permit + CAD 85 biometrics (about LKR 54,800)Source: IRCC: Fee list |
For applications from 1 September 2026, IRCC requires CAD 23,448 for a single student’s yearly living costs outside Quebec, plus first-year tuition and travel. Each family member coming with you adds CAD 6,318. At CAD 1 = LKR 233.34, the living amount alone is about LKR 5.47 million.
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Bank statements or a bank book covering the past 4 months, plus documents showing a reliable source of funds, such as a letter of undertaking and financial documents from your parent or sponsor, a scholarship letter, investments or rental income. If tuition is already paid, include the receipt.
The Colombo instructions ask a third-party sponsor to write a letter explaining why they are paying and attach bank statements and employment proof. A sponsor in Canada must also give their contact details, proof of legal status, proof of employment with salary, a bank statement and the summary page of their last CRA tax return.
The Colombo office asks for a one-page plan that explains why you chose this program in Canada, your overall educational goal, why you are not taking a similar program in Sri Lanka and what research you did, how the program will improve your job prospects at home, and your ties to Sri Lanka.
If it has been more than 2 years since you left full-time education, add your CV. If English is not your first language, include details of any English qualifications with evidence.
Most students need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from their school. Master’s and doctoral students at a public institution are among those exempt. The Student Direct Stream ended on 8 November 2024, so all students now apply through the regular process.
Yes. The Colombo instructions ask anyone who works or has worked for the government, military or police to complete the matching employment table, with enough detail about your duties. Vague or missing answers can delay processing, so fill in every period.
These are the grounds IRCC officers most often write in refusal letters for this kind of application. They are typical grounds, not statistics. Fix them before you apply, not after.
Tell us where you are in the process. A member of our team will tell you what is missing or weak in your Sri Lanka application, before IRCC does.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and document lists change often. Confirm current requirements on canada.ca or with a licensed Canadian immigration representative (RCIC or lawyer) before you apply.