All About Universities
The SX1 Visa allows international students to study in Canada for short courses lasting less than six months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). It is not a separate visa category. Instead, students receive an SX1 notation on their visitor visa, which shows they are allowed to study during their stay in Canada.
This guide covers everything about the SX1 visa eligibility, cost, and important rules in 2026.
Key Highlights
Students cannot work in Canada on an SX1 visa, as it does not include a work permit.
The processing time for the SX1 Visa is typically 4 to 8 weeks, depending on application volume and verification by IRCC.
The SX1 visa success rate is around 60-70%, depending on the strength of the application and supporting documents.
The Canada SX1 visa costs CAD 185, which includes a CAD 100 base application fee and an additional CAD 85 biometrics fee.
The SX1 visa status is a short-term study exemption that allows international students to pursue courses in Canada lasting six months or less without applying for a full study permit.
Applicants apply for a Visitor Visa (Form IMM 5257), and if the purpose of travel is study, a Border Services Officer (BSO) may assign an SX-1 code on the visa. This notation confirms that the visitor is permitted to study during their stay in Canada.
The SX1 Visa Canada is suitable for students and professionals who want to study in Canada for a short period without applying for a full study permit.
You should consider applying for the SX1 visa if you fall into one of these categories:
To apply for the SX1 Visa Canada, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. One of the primary requirements is obtaining a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada for a short-term course lasting less than six months.
Here are the main SX1 visa eligibility requirements:
Applicants must receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada, which is authorised to admit international students.
The SX1 visa applies only to courses that last up to six months, including language programs, workshops, or certificate courses.
Students must demonstrate that they can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs during their stay in Canada.
As per the 2026 financial guidelines, applicants must show CAD 22,895 per year (around ₹19.5 Lakh) for living expenses. Since SX1 programs are short-term, this amount is calculated proportionally.
Applicants must show a clear intent to return to their home country after completing the course. Supporting proof may include employment letters, property documents, or family ties.
Here are the key documents required to apply for the SX1 Visa Canada:
Suggested: 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Canada
Applying for the SX1 visa involves submitting a visitor visa application with permission for short-term study. Follow these steps to complete the process:
Get a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada offering a course that lasts six months or less.
Collect essential documents such as your passport, proof of funds, acceptance letter, photographs, and supporting documents for the visa application.
Create an account on the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and submit a visitor visa application. Select short-term study (course under 6 months) as the purpose of your visit.
After submitting the application, you may receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter and will need to visit a Visa Application Centre to provide fingerprints and a photograph. The processing time for the SX1 visa is typically 4 to 8 weeks.
Suggested: PR Courses in Canada
The SX1 visa fee for Canada is the same as the standard visitor visa fee because the SX1 is issued as a visitor visa with permission to study for short-term courses (up to 6 months). The payment must be made online while submitting the application.
Below is the typical fee breakdown:
|
Fee Type |
Cost (CAD) |
Cost (INR Approx)* |
|---|---|---|
|
Visitor Visa Application Fee |
CAD 100 |
₹6,752 |
|
Biometrics Fee |
CAD 85 |
₹5,739 |
|
Total Estimated Cost |
CAD 185 |
~₹12,491 |
Key Points to Know:
INR conversion calculated using 1 CAD = ₹67.52. Actual charges may vary slightly depending on exchange rate fluctuations.
The SX1 visa can be a smart starting point if you want to explore short-term study opportunities in Canada before committing to a full degree. It allows you to experience the academic environment, build international exposure, and understand how studying abroad works. With the right guidance through Yocket Premium, you can also plan your next steps, from choosing the right course to preparing for long-term study options.
The SX1 visa processing time for applicants from India is usually 4 to 8 weeks, depending on application volume and verification by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
No. The SX1 visa does not include work rights and cannot be directly converted into a work permit. Students who want to work in Canada must apply for a study permit or work permit separately.
The S-1 visa is issued to students with a full Canadian study permit for programs longer than six months. The SX1 visa is for short-term courses (up to six months) and is issued as a visitor visa with permission to study.
No. A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is required for most study permit applications, but it is not required for the SX1 visa because it falls under the visitor visa category.
Common reasons include insufficient financial proof, weak ties to the home country, incomplete documentation, or unclear study intent for the short-term course.
More Topics
Articles you might like
Check your Eligibility at 2000+ Universities
