What is SX1 Visa Canada: Success Rate, Requirements & Cost (2025)

The SX1 visa Canada is a temporary study visa for students who want to pursue short-term programs in Canada (up to 6 months).

• Purpose: Allows individuals to complete a short course, certificate, or distance learning program.
• Duration: Maximum stay of 6 months; the visa cannot be extended.
• Work Rights: No work permit is included with this visa.
• Background: Introduced in 2013 to support short-term study opportunities.

The SX‑1 Visa Canada success rate is estimated to be around 60 to 70%. Exact official statistics are not publicly available because short-term study visas are often classified under visitor visas (TRVs) in IRCC data. This means success rates can vary by visa office, country of application, and completeness of submitted documents. Applicants who submit all required documents and meet eligibility criteria generally have a higher chance of approval.

The SX1 Visa Canada processing time is typically 4 to 8 weeks. It starts once you submit your complete application and pay the fees. First, IRCC reviews your form and documents. Next, they may ask for biometrics. 

IRCC continues the assessment and makes a decision after you complete biometrics. Processing may stretch longer during busy periods or if your file lacks required documents.

The SX1 Visa Canada cost is CAD 100 (INR 6,100) for the application fee. In addition, you may need to pay CAD 85 (INR 5,200) for biometrics if required. 

Other possible expenses include medical examination charges, which can range from CAD 100 to CAD 200 (INR 6,100 to INR 12,200) depending on the clinic. You should also keep funds ready for travel tickets, health insurance, and living expenses during your stay.

Certain qualifying conditions must be satisfied to be eligible for the SX1 Visa as a short-term student. This section explores the particular criteria, including:

Acceptance into a Canadian Educational institution

Applicants must have acquired an official admission letter from an approved Canadian educational institution for a short-term study program. The Canadian government should authorize the institution and provide programs that match its educational criteria.

Proof of Financial Support

Students must show they have the finances to pay their educational fees, cost of living, and return transportation expenses during their stay in Canada.

Bank records, scholarships, sponsorship letters, or confirmation of money from a credible source may verify this.

Age Limit

There is no specific age limit for the SX1 Visa in Canada.

Health and Medical Insurance

Students are expected to present evidence of health and medical insurance coverage for their stay in Canada. This gives the students access to necessary healthcare treatments while studying in Canada.

Strong Ties to Their Own Country

Applicants must declare that they have important links to their home country, which prove their desire to return after finishing their studies.

These links include family, work, property ownership, or other responsibilities that reflect a real connection to their original country.

Conformity with Canadian Immigration Regulations

Students must comply with all Canadian immigration requirements, including retaining legal status while studying in Canada.

This includes adhering to the regulations and limitations of the Short-Term Student SX1 Visa, such as the period of stay and any limits on work.

Fulfilling Health and Character Criteria

Applicants must fulfil the health conditions established by the Canadian government. This may entail getting a medical checkup to confirm they are in good condition and that they don't pose a threat to the Canadian public. Students must also produce police clearance certificates or comparable documentation to verify their good character and lack of any criminal background.

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The documents required for the SX-1 Visa range from a valid passport to proof of financial support. Here is the detailed list of documents required for the SX-1 Visa:

• A valid passport with blank pages
• Acceptance letter from a Canadian institution for a short-term course
• Proof of funds, such as bank statements or sponsorship letters
• Recent passport-sized photographs (as per IRCC photo guidelines)
• Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)
• Proof of payment for visa application fees
• Biometrics confirmation slip (if applicable)
• Medical exam results, if requested
• Travel itinerary or flight booking details
• Proof of ties to your home country (employment letter, property papers, family details)   

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The application procedure for the SX1 Visa Canada contains many critical phases that students must complete meticulously. It is essential that students carefully navigate through each stage to guarantee a smooth and successful application. Here is a detailed overview of the application procedure for the SX1 Visa Canada

Step 1: Obtain an Acceptance Letter

The first step is to get an official acceptance letter from a certified Canadian educational institution that provides the requested short-term program. This letter is evidence of admission and an essential prerequisite for the visa application.

Step 2: Collect the Necessary Documents Required to obtain the SX1 Visa

Students need to acquire all the essential documentation to support their application. These documents may include:

• Valid passport: A passport having a validity that goes beyond the planned term of stay in Canada.
• Proof of acceptance: The formal letter of acceptance obtained from the Canadian educational institution.
• Financial documents: Evidence of an adequate source of income to pay education fees, living expenses, housing, and return expenses for transportation. This may contain bank statements, funding letters, or scholarship records.
• Proof of health insurance: Documentation is evidence that the student has proper medical coverage for their time in Canada.
• Police clearance certificate: A certificate confirming the applicant's good character and not having any criminal past.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized pictures satisfying the requirements.

Step 3: Application Forms

Complete and sign application forms, which may be acquired from the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

There is an application fee for the SX1 Visa Canada. The fee must be paid at the time of registering the application. The payment may be done online or using the specified payment methods provided by IRCC.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Once all the requisite papers are acquired and the application money is paid, the student may submit their application. The application may be filed digitally via the IRCC website or through the appropriate application channels defined by the Canadian authorities.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

After submitting the application, applicants must wait for the approval of their visa application. The processing time might vary. Thus, it is advised to check the current processing times on the IRCC website.

Step 7: Confirm Biometrics Test

Depending on the student's nationality and other circumstances, they may have to produce biometric information (fingerprints and a picture) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or a specified site.

Step 8: Wait for Approval and Passport Return

Once the application is completed, the student will be informed of the visa decision. If the visa is granted, the passport will be returned to the student with the visa attached to it.

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The Short-Term Student SX1 Visa Canada provides multiple advantages for international learners undertaking short-term educational programs in Canada:

1. Access to Quality Education

Canada is famous for its high-quality education system, with multiple notable educational institutions providing various degrees. The SX1 Visa Canada permits students to engage in short-term study programs and benefit from world-class education and academic resources.

2. Cultural Exposure

Studying in Canada immerses students in a broad and global society. They may explore other customs, languages, and viewpoints, boosting personal development and international understanding.

3. Enhanced Career Opportunities

Canadian educational schools generally emphasize practical learning and industrial connections. By studying in Canada, students may obtain vital skills, access internships and co-op programs, and develop their professional network, increasing their job chances.

4. Post-Study Work Options

After finishing their education, students can obtain post-graduate work permits. This permits students to get significant job experience in Canada, contributing to their professional growth and possibly leading to permanent residence prospects.

5. High Standard of Living

Canada frequently ranks well in terms of quality of life. Students may benefit from a secure and friendly atmosphere, great healthcare facilities, social security, and countless recreational and cultural activities.

Canadian universities like the University of Winnipeg or McGill University offer a variety of short-term courses designed for international students.

The table below provides an overview of some of these short-term courses, including the university offering the program, the course name, duration, and approximate tuition fees:

The SX1 Visa for students provides a route to an engaging educational experience in Canada. By knowing the qualifying requirements, navigating the application process carefully, and accepting the possibilities provided, students may begin on a transformational journey of personal development, academic enrichment, and cross-cultural knowledge. The SX1 Visa Canada offers access to outstanding education, unique cultural experiences, and networking possibilities, enabling short-term students to maximize their time in Canada and create lifetime memories.

If you want more help with the SX1 Visa Canada, you can contact Yocket's counsellors, who are always available to provide further advice and support with your studies.