What do I need to know about the Canadian visa for Brazilian students in 2025

Canada remains one of the most sought after destinations for Brazilians for international studies, thanks to the quality of education, multiculturalism and professional opportunities. However, in 2025, the process for obtaining a study permit underwent significant changes that every Brazilian student must be aware of before starting their planning. From new emission limits to updated financial requirements, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to secure your academic journey in Canada.

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Key Canadian Study Permit Changes in 2025

The Canadian immigration system for international students has undergone important reformulations in recent years, with the objective of balancing the growth of the education sector and ensuring quality experiences. The main changes affecting Brazilian students in 2025 include:

The Canadian government established an annual limit of 437,000 study permits for 2025, representing a 10% reduction compared to 2024. This measure aims to manage the sustainable growth of international students and alleviate pressures in sectors such as housing and public services.

Another crucial change was the implementation of the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL), a mandatory document for most international students, issued by the province or territory where you intend to study. For Brazilians who plan study and work in Canada, this additional requirement requires advance planning.

The working rules during the studies were also modified. Since November 2024, students have been able to work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term time, an adjustment that seeks to balance academic experience with job opportunities.

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Essential requirements to obtain a study permit in 2025

For Brazilian students who wish to study in Canada in 2025, the following requirements are fundamental:

• Acceptance letter: You must have an official acceptance letter from a designated educational institution (DLI) by the Canadian government. Check to see if your institution is on the official DLIs list.
• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for the entire planned period of study in Canada. It is recommended that the validity be extended beyond the end of the program.
• Financial proof: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover monthly fees and living costs. In 2025, the minimum amount required is CAD 20,635 for living expenses (excluding tuition) for an individual student outside Quebec.
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL): Document issued by the Canadian province or territory, confirming that your study permit can be processed. Without this document, your application will be returned.
• Medical exam: Depending on the length of your program and your travel history, a medical exam may be necessary.
• Biometrics: The collection of biometric data (fingerprints and photos) is mandatory for Brazilian citizens, with a fee of CAD 85.

Failure to comply with any of these requirements may result in significant delays or a denial of your study permit, so make sure your application is complete and accurate.

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Detailed financial proof: how much money do you need

Financial proof is one of the most important aspects of your study permit application. In 2025, the minimum values were updated to reflect the increase in the cost of living in Canada:

For individual students, proof of at least CAD 20,635 is required for living expenses per year, in addition to the full amount of tuition. If you plan to bring family members, the amounts increase according to the table below:

Financial proof can be made through:

• Bank statements for the last 3 months
• Investment in GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) in Canadian financial institutions
• Proof of payment in advance for monthly fees and/or accommodation
• Financial support letters (from parents or guardians)
• Proof of scholarships or student loans

For Brazilian students, it's important to consider that documents in Portuguese generally need to be translated into English or French by a certified translator, which can add costs and time to the process.

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Processing time and application deadlines

The processing time for study permits varies depending on the volume of applications and the time of year. Although there are no specific data for Brazil in 2025, experience indicates that the average processing time for applications from Latin American countries is between 8 and 14 weeks.

To maximize your chances of passing and ensure that you arrive on time for the start of classes, it is recommended to:

1. Apply at least 3 months in advance From the expected start of your program
2. Check regularly for updated processing times on the official IRCC website
3. Consider periods of greatest demand, such as August-September (beginning of the school year) and December-January (winter semester), when processing times tend to increase
4. Include all necessary documents on the first submission to avoid further delays

For programs starting in the fall of 2025 (August-September), the ideal is to start the application process in the first semester, preferably by May, considering the deadlines for obtaining the PAL/TAL and possible seasonal delays.

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Full costs of the Canadian visa process

Budgeting for your visa process is essential. In 2025, the costs associated with a study permit for Brazilian students include:

• Study Permit Fee: CAD 150
• Biometrics fee: CAD 85
• Medical exam (when necessary): approximately CAD 200-300, depending on the clinic
• Certified translations: variable amount, depending on the number of documents
• Visa Application Center (VAC) service fee: approximately CAD 35

The minimum total amount is CAD 235 (permission + biometrics), and can reach CAD 500 or more with the additional costs. For those who plan High School abroad, it's important to note that minors may have additional requirements and costs related to custody.

Also, consider indirect costs, such as international health insurance during the process (mandatory upon arrival in Canada), which can range between CAD 600 and CAD 900 per year, depending on the province and coverage.

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Provincial boundaries and allocations for international students

The national limit of 437,000 study permits for 2025 is distributed among Canadian provinces and territories, with specific allocations based on population and educational capacity. This distribution can significantly impact your chances of obtaining a permit, depending on where you plan to study:

• Ontario: The most popular province among international students faces an estimated 50% reduction in approvals, making competition fiercer for institutions in Toronto, Ottawa, and other cities in the region.
• British Columbia: Vancouver and Victoria remain attractive destinations, but with more restricted allocations, requiring early applications.
• Quebec: The French-speaking province maintains its own selection system with the CAQ (Quebec Acceptance Certificate), which serves as a PAL. The financial requirements are also different from those in the rest of Canada.
• Atlantic provinces and prairies: Provinces such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan may offer more affordable opportunities due to lower demand.

For Brazilian students, considering less crowded provinces can significantly increase the chances of approval, in addition to potentially offering a lower cost of living.

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New work rules during studies

One of the most relevant changes for international students in 2025 concerns work permits during studies:

• Students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term time (as of November 2024)
• During the scheduled vacation, you are allowed to work full time
• Work within the campus has no time limitations
• Course-related internships and co-ops are allowed as part of the study program

These regulations aim to ensure that the student's main focus remains on studies, while offering the opportunity to gain professional experience and supplement income. For specific co-op programs, such as those offered at many Canadian colleges, additional work permits may be required.

It should be noted that working beyond the permitted hours constitutes a violation of the conditions of your study permit and may result in serious consequences, including possible deportation and a ban on re-entering the country.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Canadian Student Visa

To clarify common questions among Brazilian students, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions about the study permit process in 2025:

• Can I apply for a study permit without the PAL/TAL? No. Since 2024, the PAL/TAL has been mandatory for most students, with limited exceptions such as exchange students and some master's and doctoral programs.
• What happens if my permission is denied? You will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. Depending on the reason, you can choose to resubmit the application correcting the deficiencies or consider an appeal.
• Can I extend my study permit while in Canada? Yes, but extensions are taking around 163 days (over 5 months) in 2025, so plan ahead by applying at least 6 months before they expire.
• Can I include my family in my application? Spouses and dependent children may be included, but you will need to prove additional funds as per the financial requirements table.
• What is a GIC and how does it work for students? The GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) is a secure investment in Canadian banks that can serve as financial proof. Normally, you deposit at least CAD 10,000, of which a part is available upon arrival and the rest is released in monthly installments.

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Tips to increase your chances of approval

Based on recent trends and updated requirements, these tips may help strengthen your application for the Canadian study permit in 2025:

1. Choose institution and program carefully: Opt for institutions with a good record of accepting international students and programs aligned with your career goals.
2. Provide robust financial proof: Ideally, demonstrate funds beyond the minimum required to increase the immigration officer's confidence.
3. Draft a compelling letter of explanation: Clearly explain your educational objectives, career plans, and intention to return to Brazil after your studies.
4. Apply for PAL/TAL in advance: As this is a relatively new requirement, don't leave it until the last minute, as provincial processes may have their own processing times.
5. Consider alternative destinations: If your heart is set on studying abroad but you're concerned about limitations in Canada, explore other destinations such as study and work in Australia, which also offers excellent educational and professional opportunities.
6. Consult immigration experts: A regulated consultant can offer personalized guidance, especially for complex cases.

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Be Easy

A Be Easy is committed to supporting Brazilian students who dream of an academic experience in Canada. Our specialized team closely monitors changes in Canadian immigration policies and offers full support at every stage of the process, from choosing the ideal institution to preparing documentation for the study permit. With personalized guidance and up-to-date knowledge about 2025 requirements, we can help make your dream of studying in Canada a reality. Contact us today to find out how we can facilitate your international journey.

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