Study Permit: photo and application guide
Full-time study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada for programmes longer than 6 months.
Quick answer
50 × 70 mm photo · CAD $150 study permit fee · biometrics at VAC
Photo specification is the shared IRCC 50 × 70 mm format. Biometric capture at the VAC for most nationalities; biometrics valid 10 years. Fee CAD $150 study permit fee + CAD $85 biometrics fee. Processing Variable by country; 4-12 weeks standard; expedited via the Student Direct Stream for eligible applicants. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | Canadian Study Permit |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Full-time study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada for programmes longer than 6 months. |
| Application form | IMM 1294 online via IRCC portal, with Letter of Acceptance from the DLI |
| Fee | CAD $150 study permit fee + CAD $85 biometrics fee |
| Processing time | Variable by country; 4-12 weeks standard; expedited via the Student Direct Stream for eligible applicants |
| Biometric appointment | Yes for most nationalities — biometric photo and fingerprints captured at the VAC |
| Official portal | IRCC — Study Permit ↗ |
Photo specification
The Study Permit uses the shared IRCC biometric photo standard. The biometric capture at the VAC takes a fresh photo for the application file.
| Size | 50 × 70 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 31 to 36 mm chin to crown chin to crown |
| Background | plain white or light grey, even illumination |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile) |
| Glasses | Not allowed since 2016 |
| Digital file | JPEG, 420 × 540 pixels minimum, 60 KB to 240 KB |
What to watch out for with the Study Permit
The Study Permit photo is reused on the Canadian Permanent Resident card if the holder later applies for PR — typically 4-8 years later. A photo taken at age 18 may still be the reference image on the PR card at age 22-26. Plan for an enduring image.
Frequently asked questions about the Study Permit
What size photo do I need for a Study Permit?
50 × 70 mm portrait orientation. The Study Permit uses the standard IRCC biometric photo: head 31 to 36 mm chin to crown, plain light background, neutral expression. The biometric capture happens at the VAC.
How much does the Study Permit cost?
CAD $150 study permit fee + CAD $85 biometrics fee. The biometrics fee (CAD $85) is shared across categories — applicants who already provided biometrics within the last 10 years pay only the application fee.
How long does the Study Permit take to process?
Variable by country; 4-12 weeks standard; expedited via the Student Direct Stream for eligible applicants. Processing time starts after biometrics are submitted, not when the online application is filed.
Is biometric capture mandatory for the Study Permit?
Yes for most nationalities — biometric photo and fingerprints captured at the VAC. Once captured, your biometrics are reused for any Canadian application within 10 years.
Will the photo be used on my Permanent Resident card later?
If you transition from this category to permanent residence, the biometric photo on file at IRCC will be used on the PR card. Choose a photo at the VAC that will still match your appearance 5+ years from now.
Other Canadian visa categories
Prepare your Study Permit photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the IRCC 50 × 70 mm format and biometric framing automatically.